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TOP 20 Q & A
1) Q: Are Beaubri
Basenjis registered? Do they come with papers?
A: Yes. Adults and
puppies are registered with the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) (http://www.ckc.ca/en/). Most of the parents are also registered
with the American Kennel Cub (AKC).
Being a member
of the CKC, AKC, BCOC (Basenji Club Of Canada) and BCOA (Basenji
Club Of America), it is illegal, unethical and immoral, to sell
un-registered puppies. Please click below for more information.
http://www.ckc.ca/en/
2) Q: How old
are the pups when I can bring them home?
A: The
earliest they can go to their new homes is at 10 weeks of age. If it
were any earlier, they would have not had enough time to develop
and grow into healthy, happy puppies.
3) Q: How much
do you sell them for?
A: I prefer the word
"place" rather than "sell". These are my babies. I helped bring them
into this world and am responsible for their well being throughout
their lives. For a quote as to the cost of a Beaubri puppy, please
contact Simone at
beaubri@telus.net.
4) Q:
How do you decide on your prices?
A: Both parents are
OFA'd (http://www.offa.org/) for hip dysplasia and patella's
(knee caps). Please visit
http://www.beaubri.com/FAQ.html for more in-depth information. The puppies will
have had their first set of vaccinations and will have been
de-wormed. They will also be microchipped for identification.
As you will read
below, there is a lot more testing and planning that goes into
conscientious breeding than just mating two dogs together.
5) Q: I
see many different dogs/breeds in the newspapers are sold for less.
Why is that?
A: Responsible
breeders dedicate their lives to breeding healthy, happy dogs. It
takes a wealth of knowledgeable research, experience and health
testing to produce a healthy dog. Breeders also guarantee their
puppies and adult dogs for health.
There are many
additional costs that go into responsible breeding that people don't
realize. A few examples are: The cost of a stud fee, and flying the
girl to the stud (if necessary) and back, OR the cost of frozen or
chilled semen plus shipping & customs charges. The costs of testing
the girl to be bred (brucellosis, progesterone or target testing).
Then the costs of an ultrasound and x-rays. If it's a difficult
birth, add the cost of an emergency vet visit and C section. Don't
forget the increased cost of a proper nutritional diet for the
pregnant girl and the additional food the puppies will gobble down
three or four times a day. Lastly, the cost of two loads of laundry
a day to keep the pups in clean blankets. There are other small
costs (too numerous to mention) that really add up in producing a
healthy litter.
Most, but not all,
dogs that are advertised in newspapers are dogs that no longer fit
into their owners lives for whatever reason, litters that are born
by mistake, or just that owner that want to have a puppy from their
dog. Please be aware of BYB (back yard breeders) or puppy mills. Be
aware of puppies sold in pet stores. Many times these particular
dogs are not health tested beforehand. Dog 'A' meets dog 'B'.
Result, cute little puppies for sale.
6) Q: What
health testing do you do if any?
A: First off,
BEWARE of any breeder that does NOT do health testing.
Sometimes there is a specific reason for one or more tests not to
have been done BUT more often than not it is the unscrupulous
breeder that doesn't test due to the possibility of these tests
cutting into their so-called profit. A reputable breeder rarely IF
EVER makes a profit on their litters.
A
reputable breeder will do all they can to better the breed. Health
testing is an important part of this commitment. Please visit
http://www.beaubri.com/FAQ.html for more health information
on Basenjis. When talking to a breeder, ask to see
the test results. Don't just take 'their' word for it that it has
been done.
At Beaubri, ALL dogs
in my care are tested for hip dysplasia (http://www.offa.org/hipgeninfo.html) at 2 years of age and up. This
is the earliest age the OFA (http://www.offa.org/) will provide a certificate for
this test. All of my dogs are tested for patellar luxation (http://www.offa.org/patluxgeninfo.html) The earliest this test can be
done is at 1 year of age for certification.
All puppies are examined by a
veterinarian and will receive a Health Certificate prior to being
sent to their new homes
I research many
dog's pedigrees to find the perfect match for my girls. In breeding
quality healthy puppies, it takes more than just "two to tango".
7) Q: Is it
true that Basenji's don't bark?
A: To a point, yes.
In fact, they do not bark consistently like an 'average' dog. Their
vocal cords are more likened to humans. Therefore if you bark a few
times your throat hurts. The same thing hold true for a Basenji. The
do bark on occasion though. One or two woofs. That's it. But, they
are not a mute or silent dog either. They can scream, talk, whine
and of course yodel.
8) Q: I've read that
Basenjis dig and climb. Can they?
A: Yes, they have been know to
do both BUT I try to discourage this. None of the Basenji's that
live with me do either. It is something you must be aware of
however.
9) Q: Basenji's don't
shed. Is this true?
A: No. Basenjis, like any other
animal, including humans, shed BUT Basenjis do not shed like the
average dog. Mainly they shed once a year and usually will release
the most hair from the back of their neck. Regular brushing will
limit this. With shedding, the highs and lows in the weather as well
as indoor lighting play a factor.
10) Q: Are Basenjis good
with children?
A: Yes. If you get a puppy and
they are brought up properly with children they are great. I
personally would not take an older dog who has never met children
and place him in an atmosphere that he has never been exposed to or
become accustomed to.
11) Q: Are basenjis good
with cats and other dogs?
A: Yes, if introduced to and
been well socialized with as a puppy.
12) Q: I've read Basenjis
are an active dog. Can they live in a condo or apartment?
A: Basenjis are well suited to
an apartment. Just make sure they get regular walks. They love
exercise but also enjoy just curling up on the couch with you.
13) Q: I've heard Basenjis
are destructive. Are they?
A: Like any dog, if left alone
for long periods of time, they will get bored and find something to
amuse themselves with. Most adults are perfectly well mannered
provided they are trained properly. Generally it's mostly puppies
that should not be left to their own devices. Puppies love to
explore their new world and, if left unsupervised, can and will get
into mischief.
14) Q: Is it better to own
a male or female? What is the difference?
A: Mostly it's personal
preference. The males lift their leg, the girls squat. Personality
or activity level does not differ between the sexes. I would suggest
though, if you have a male or female dog already, it would be best
to get a second dog of the opposite sex.
15) Q: I understand
Basenjis are hypo-allergenic. Is this true?
A: To a point yes. Their coat
is more likened to hair than fur just as their dander is. Most people
who are allergic to animals can live with a Basenji. If you have
allergies it is best to visit the breeder's dogs a few times to make
sure you are not affected by them.
16) Q: I think crate
training is mean. Why do you want me to do it??
A: To a dog, their crate is
like their own bedroom. They will go in, often of their own choice,
for a quiet, undisturbed nap. It's their den. Never pull a dog out
from it's crate. It's their sanctuary. In life we all need a 'time
out' at times. If your dog is getting too feisty and won't settle
down, just tell him to go in his crate. Or, if you are having a lot
of people over, it's safer for him to stay in his crate than to
escape out the front or back door or steal food off the dinner table
:))
17) Q: From what I've
read, Basenji's are cat-like. How so?
A: They can be independent and
aloof. They also lick and clean themselves like a cat. They love to
lie on the back of the couch, and watch life go by. Make no mistake
though, they are definitely a dog.
18) Q: I've heard
Basenji's are escape artists. Is this true?
A: YES. A front door or gate
left open is an invitation to run and explore. They are also very
good at opening screen or patio doors. They are very inquisitive by
nature. Basenjis are from the hound group so their instinct is to
hunt and chase. It may be the neighbours cat, a bird or rabbit, or
even cars. Cars are just bigger, faster prey. If a Basenji escapes
from the house, 9 times out of ten they will be hit by a car. They
run very fast and don't obey traffic lights nor do they give any
thought to their own safety. It is up to all humans to protect their
dogs and to keep them out of harm's way. This is one very good
reason why a 6-foot fence is recommended.
19) Q: Are Basenjis hard
to train?
A: Basenjis are very
intelligent. Smart like a fox actually. As with any breed, it is
best to start training as soon as you get your puppy. Using treats,
cookies or food, teach your puppy the basics, like sit, down, off,
wait, heel, etc. Training a puppy properly and consistently will
result in a polite, well behaved adult dog. Basenjis do have their
own mind, so consistency and patience are the key. As with training
any dog, always end the session on a positive note.
20) Q: Can I walk my
Basenji off lead?
A: NO. As explained in answer
18, Basenjis can be distracted easily outside. They should ALWAYS be
on a lead to keep them safe.
- To learn more about Basenjis click on
this link to the Basenji Club of America:
Is A
Basenji Right For Me?
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