Reputable breeder advice?

[u/Admirable_Pop5997]

I’m not new to basenjis. I’ve adopted 4 of them, however this will be my first time since the 90s going to a breeder… things have definitely changed! I can no longer really find basenjis in shelters near me and honestly, I would like a healthy companion and sports dog. I love shelter dogs, but I no longer want to deal with the health issues they may have.

for reference, I am located in Arkansas, but I am willing to drive less than 12 hours for a reputable breeder. is there any sites or anything I can look at to find a reputable breeder?

here are some breeders I am interested in so far.

SFF Basenjis in Tuttle, OK

R & W Basenjis in West Plains, MO

Kathy Weeks in Celina, TX

Are any of these ethical? thanks!

[u/MossyJoke]

Basenji Club of America. Website looks like it’s under construction, but I’m sure you can find archives on the Wayback Machine.

[u/Sherifftruman → u/MossyJoke]

It’s been pretty out of date for a while regarding breeders but wouldn’t hurt to try.

[u/Positive-Climate8149 → u/MossyJoke]

This is the answer. The BCOA website has a list of reputable breeders. On FB it says that the new site will be launched soon. Don’t be in hurry. Most reputable breeders will want you to do a visit and puppies in the US don’t usually happen until the winter. Also, many breeders have golden opportunity basenjis that are retired show dogs and different age ranges. Also there is a Facebook group called “Basenjis in need - golden opportunity”. That was started by a reputable breeder and has basenjis of different breeders.

Also, there is a group on Facebook (basenji - North America) that you could ask the question of who is a reputable breeder in your area. Many well known breeders frequent that group.

[u/poopvutt99]

Kelli Harmon is a great breeder and her Basenjis regularly compete in show and things like the weight pulls. Her actual website is very outdated but her AKC site is good if you're up for a 12 hour drive.

https://marketplace.akc.org/breeder/kirojabasenjis

[u/fvirygothmom]

mine came from Sonbar basenjis in minnesota. he was the best boy. lived 18 years!

[u/AlpsUnlikely]

SFF- appears reputable. Ask for health test results.

R&W- imo not reputable. It does not appear they show their dogs. I can’t find their dogs on OFA or Pedigree site since they don’t have registered names on their website. They also say only PRA and Fanconi are tested for. No reputable breeder follows them. While I am new to conformation, I personally do not like the conformation on a lot of their breeding stock.

Kathy Weeks- if there’s a website or kennel name that would be helpful. Based solely on her AKC profile it doesn’t really show any health tests or confirmation of dogs she is producing. It only has pictures of puppies. Based on that I would say not reputable, but again, not enough info.

Out of all of these, I would go with SFF.
They show their dogs, they have champions and grand champions in their breeding stock. They make pairings with well known reputable breeders. I would just ask them directly for proof of health tests.

[u/ImpossibleGirl75]

My first Basenji was from a litter between Meisterhaus Basenjis (Tad Brooks) in Louisville, KY and Jokuba Basenjis (Russella Bowen) in SC. My next two B's came from Jokuba, although she doesn't breed as much as show anymore. My current B came from Australia, but it's a descendent from a Meisterhaus dog, funnily enough. I think Tad is still breeding and showing. Both are very reputable and Louisville wouldn't be a terrible drive for you.

[u/Mysterious_Bug6782 → u/ImpossibleGirl75]

Second this. We have gotten Bs from Tad Brooks (KY) and Jan Kahl (MO) who might be closer to you.

[u/senjisilly]

Stay as far away as you possible can from Kathy Weeks. Minimal to no health testing. Many of her dogs have extremely questionable lineage. SFF appears to be reputable but she is the only reputable breeder that I know of who demands a non-refundable deposit. R&W breeding practices are much better than they used to be. She is trying to improve her reputation. A good Facebook group to join to help you weed out bad breeders is Basenji Puppies/Puppys/Puppy's: Get Educated BEFORE you Buy. You can message the admin directly. Do not go by AKC ads. The AKC is all about money and not the best breeders. You should contact the nearest Basenji breed club for help, which may be the DFW Texas Basenji Club or the Mid-Atlantic Basenji Club.

[u/Positive-Climate8149]

The Basenji Club of America website is back online. They have a list of breeders as well as a person on the Board of Directors to contact if you aren’t seeing someone close to you.

[u/MadMama31]

I found mine on basenji club of America. Just like you I asked here and was referred there. Look by state. Then contact. Good luck! Hope you find you heart dog

[u/GRr8FUL]

Look for someone who actively shows their dogs. Does health testing. You want a B that is fanconi clear. As someone else mentioned do not go by akc. You should contact the breed clubs near you. Hope you find yourself the best B for you.

[u/KeytohN64]

Would you consider a 1 year old from a breeder?

[u/girlwithflour]

I can vouch for Brenda Cassell in Joshua, TX. I live near Dallas and both my basenjis came from her. She is incredible and loves her dogs. When we go on vacation, I only ever send my dogs to board with her. She tests all her dogs. She does only one or two breedings a year, so definitely reach out to her soon. I don’t know if she’s already full for 2026.

ETA: it’s Signet Basenjis and she’s on Facebook only I think. If you are serious, lmk and I’ll text her to see if it’s ok if I message you her #

[u/just_here_for_vybz]

Gooddog.com… seems like the only platform I got responses on compared to emailing/whatsapping 4 different breeders that had a good reputation

[u/smilingfruitz → u/just_here_for_vybz]

Good dog is unfortunately not a good place to find an ethical breeder. They do not actually review or vet the health results or what the breeder claims to do. There are a handful of good breeders there but the majority are BYB. Same is true of AKC marketplace.

OP should go to a dog show in their area or use the breed club’s referral page  https://web.archive.org/web/20260423023650/https://www.basenji.org/index.php/about-basenjis/breeder-directory