The Basenji is an independent and free-thinking dog who has energy for days.
Many owners love them for their yodeling, as these dogs do not make the traditional barking sound found with other breeds.
While they do need a job to keep them occupied and happy, they can also be content to be a family pet just as easily as they can excel in the show ring.
Basenjis are sold all over the United States from reputable breeders recognized by the AKC. The puppies generally cost between $1,200 and $2,000, not including the cost of vaccines and vet visits for their first year. They are known to excel in the show ring when it comes to sports and obedience.
Here is where you can find the best Basenji breeders.
10 Best Basenji Dog Breeders
Are you interested in adding one of these beautiful and intelligent dogs to your family?
You need to know where to get the best Basenjis anywhere around the United States. Fortunately, there are breeders in every region to make your choice as simple as possible.
Take a look at these top ten breeders to get a feel for where your next canine companion will come from.
Steadfast Farms
If you want a Basenji puppy from one of the top breeders in the Midwest, then Jenifer Sealy of Steadfast Farms in Tuttle, Oklahoma may be the right fit for you.
Jenifer has been raising this breed for more than 30 years and has a background in veterinary medicine as a technician.
Their puppies arrive to their new home socialized as much as possible following the Puppy Culture protocol. All puppies are taken to safe locations, introduced to novel stimuli, and introduced to other well-behaved dogs.
Steadfast Farms offers a one-year health guarantee on their puppies. They are able to do so because they routinely test their breeding stock for hip dysplasia, CAER, Brucellosis, and other types of genetic disorders. Your puppy is free to go home once they pass the 12-week mark and can be picked up or any of the following options:
• Picked up at the breeder’s closest airport
• Have the puppy delivered via car or van
• Chaperoned in the cabin with a flight nanny
Location: Tuttle, OK
Website: https://www.facebook.com/SFFBasenjis/
Phone: (713) 419-5375
Epic Basenjis
Are you looking for a Basenji that is likely to excel in the show ring? Epic Basenjis produces many champions across a number of sports including obedience, conformation, rally, and agility. Becky Blansett, the breeder behind Epic Basenjis, has been in the world of Basenji breeding for more than 30 years.
She breeds the dogs not only for new families who may want a quality pet or a new show dog, but she also breeds the puppies for her own benefit.
You can rest assured that her puppies are of the best possible quality for their new families, and they are truly the intersection “where brains and beauty collide.”
Dogs are socialized early and often. Blansett works in a vet clinic and brings the puppies to work every day. As the puppies get older, they are permitted to play in an open area of the clinic where they are introduced to other people and pets.
Children are also allowed to play with the puppies to get them used to families who may have small children.
By 12 weeks of age when puppies are able to go home, they have been taught some basic commands such as no biting and the foundations of housebreaking.
Location: Dayton, OH
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Epic-Basenjis-160503597352497/
Email: bbb224@aol.com
Sundancer Labs
The Sundancer Labs name is a bit deceiving; they do breed show-quality Basenjis in addition to their work with Labrador Retrievers.
Theresa Tuttle prides herself on being able to breed dogs that are great for hunting, obedience, agility, and even service work. They have a great temperament that makes her Basenjis suitable for work as well as companionship.
Puppies are given early neurological stimulation to make them healthier overall. They also follow the Puppy Culture curriculum and are introduced to many new stimuli. Tuttle exposes her litters to the basics of certain agility equipment and lure training.
The breeding stock used in this program are well-known in the local show rings. Shooter, Immy, and Effie are accomplished show dogs who have earned a number of awards over the years.
You can also view the results of their health screening directly on the Sundancer Labs website.
Location: Tucson, AZ
Website: http://www.sundancerlabs.com/
Phone: (520) 982-3709
Email: sundancerlabs@aol.com
Zamaradi Basenjis
If you live in the Pacific Northwest, you will want to check out Zamaradi Basenjis with breeder Sarah Smith-Falkner. Like many of the best Basenji breeders, she focuses on temperament and producing quality show puppies.
However, you will have to travel to Spanaway, Washington if you want one of these puppies. They do not ship or deliver.
Zamaradi Basenjis tests their breeding stock for a number of common conditions including:
• Hip dysplasia
• Thyroid issues and autoimmune disorders
• Eyes (CAER and registered with OFA)
• Fanconi Syndrome
Unlike many other breeders who hold puppies until 12 weeks of age, Smith-Falkner allows new families who are eager to receive their new canine companion to pick them up at 10 weeks old.
Location: Spanaway, WA
Website: https://www.gooddog.com/breeders/zamaradi-basenjis-washington#breed_id=22
Triforce Basenjis
At Triforce Basenjis, the goal is to preserve the breed as much as possible for future generations.
Carla Ghilardi spends a lot of time researching the pedigrees of her breeding stock to help shape the upcoming generation of Basenjis. They are great for companion pets as well as creating show quality dogs that can excel in confirmation events.
To make sure that their dogs are great quality, Ghilardi tests and makes the OFA Health Testing results available for all of her breeding stock.
She tests for the major health issues that are seen with many Basenjis including Fanconi Syndrome and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). All results are posted on their website for prospective puppy parents to peruse.
You will also be pleased to see that their breeding stock has lengthy careers in the show ring. They also belong to several organizations that promote the wellbeing of not just Basenjis but dogs as a whole, including:
• OFA Canine Health Information Center
• American Kennel Club (AKC)
• Barn Hunt Association (BHA)
• The International Dog Shows (IABCA)
This is a great way to ensure that you receive a healthy puppy who is well-suited to work or to be a much-loved family pet.
Location: San Diego, CA
Website: https://www.triforcebasenjis.com
Phone: (858) 610-5402
Email: triforcebasenjis@gmail.com
MIBRE (Basenjis) & Beagles, Bulldogs, Griffons
MIBRE is well-known for their diverse breeding of Beagles, Bulldogs, and Griffons, but they are best known for their Basenjis.
Orestes Rios is quite proud of the puppies they produce and wants all owners to know that the puppies are show quality. Even if you only want a puppy to become your family pet, you should not settle for a lesser quality dog.
Rios is known for breeding Basenjis with beautiful temperaments as well as overall healthy dogs. The goal is to improve upon the breed with each new generation of Basenji so that their lineage will be protected for years to come.
Location: Ocala, FL
Website: https://www.facebook.com/MibreNCorzoBasenjis
Phone: (813) 732-7203
Email: orestes.rios.86@gmail.com
Harmony Hounds
Do you want a Basenji who has been given every opportunity to thrive? Dayna T. Johnson, the primary caregiver at Harmony Hounds, can provide you with the perfect puppy.
They are raised on an 87-acre family farm where they interact with everyone from children to grandparents. The dogs are seen as an extension of the family and live their lives in spacious yards around the home.
All of their puppies are AKC-Registered purebred Basenjis in the four recognized colors. Put your mind at ease by contacting one of their many references, including one from the veterinarian who will be overseeing the health of your puppy while in the care of Harmony Hounds.
Adults are all tested for Fanconi Syndrome and PRA to ensure that your new puppy is as healthy as can be.
Harmony Hounds is committed to the overall wellness of their dogs, offering lifetime support for all families. They also are willing to take back dogs at any age and for any reason to help them find a new forever home.
Location: Nicholls, GA
Website: http://www.basenjipuppy.com/
Phone: (912) 590-2575
Kiroja Basenjis
Kelli Harmon of Kiroja Basenjis is well-known in the Michigan area for her work with show-quality dogs. Her four Basenjis often accompany her to local shows where they compete in lure coursing, racing, obedience, agility, and more.
The first litter of puppies was born in 2005, giving Kiroja the experience of 17 years of experience breeding Basenjis.
Kiroja is the Swahili word for “something comical,” which is Harmon’s favorite trait of her Basenji pups. Her four dogs that are part of her breeding stock always bring a smile to her face, and they are certain to do the same for you.
Kiroja Basenjis is a member of many breed organizations and clubs that promote the wellbeing of the breed for future generations. They are a member of:
• Basenji Club of America
• Basenji Club of Canada
• Basenji Club of Greater Detroit
• Ann Arbor Dog Training Club
If you want a well-rounded Basenji bred for an intense connection to their owners and success in the show ring, then you can’t go wrong with Kiroja.
Location: Southgate, MI
Website: http://www.kirojabasenjis.com/
Phone: (517) 404-1546
Email: kelli@kirojabasenjis.com
Nocturnal Kennels
Prospective pet owners who live on the east coast will want to bookmark the page for Nocturnal Kennels.
Owned by both James and Sarah Lee, this family-run kennel has the experience you want in a top Basenji breeder. They have been raising this beautiful breed since the 1980s and even have some experience in the show ring.
Dogs at Nocturnal Kennels are permitted to roam 23 acres of fenced-in land so that they get all of the exercise they need.
They are treated as family pets with some living indoors full-time and other switching between outdoor and indoor living arrangements. When they are retired around age four, this helps them make the transition to full-time house living.
The Lees make it a priority to socialize their litters by spending time grooming, handling, and playing with the dogs on a daily basis.
They are also socialized with other farm animals including cats. Sarah is a veterinary technician and is well-versed in the medical needs of the Basenjis they breed.
Kennels are inspected by the AKC and bred to AKC standards.
Location: Roxboro, NC
Website: https://www.nocturnalkennels.com/
Phone: (336) 598-4765
Email: nocturnalfarmandkennels@gmail.com
Basenji Puppies on the West Coast
West coast families who are looking to add a healthy Basenji puppy to their family will want to look at the affordable Basenji Puppies on the West Coast based in Eugene, Oregon.
The puppies bred by this program are all raised in a loving family home to ensure that they are well socialized before they come to your home.
Puppies are put through a rigorous training program that makes them mostly well-behaved when they arrive in your home.
They are litter box trained, vaccinated, and dewormed before they are permitted to leave the property. Breeding stock also have clear Basenji breed health tests that look for Fanconi Syndrome and PRA as well as 200 other diseases on the Embark panel.
One of the unique aspects of this breeder is that they also adopt out their adult Basenjis for a much lower fee.
This is a great way to add one of these four-legged friends to your family if you love the breed but can’t afford the cost of a puppy.
Location: Eugene, OR
Website: https://basenjidogs.dog/
Email: avicybasenji@gmail.com
How Much Do Registered Basenjis Cost on Average?
Once you have decided that a Basenji puppy is right for your family, you need to start budgeting to afford one of these registered dogs.
Most breeders will start to price their dogs around $1,200 with prices capping out around $2,500 for puppies. The average typically falls between $1,200 and $2,000 though.
Of course, there is another option if you want to add an older Basenji to the family. Breeders like Basenji Puppies on the West Coast also adopt out adult dogs for a much lower fee.
In this case, they will frequently rehome their adult dogs for as little as $300.
If you live in the northwest, this might be a great opportunity to get a well-trained Basenji who has settled down from the puppy stage and allow you to add a wonderful companion to your life.
Keep in mind that puppies do need more veterinary visits than adults do. The average price for the necessary veterinary care that you will need for the first year comes in right around $3,000.
This includes the cost of necessary vaccines, checkups, and deworming that is necessary for a growing puppy. Some of the vaccines will be included before you pick your dog up from a reputable breeder, but puppies may be too young to receive all vaccinations.
How to Find Basenji Puppies for Sale in Your Area
The Basenji is a great breed to add to your family, but they may be a bit hard to find. How can you locate a breeder in your local area or within traveling distance of your home?
The good news is there are a couple of resources you can refer to if you want to find a local Basenji.
First and foremost, you can check with the American Kennel Club’s Marketplace. They have a long list of breeders across the United States, along with the expected litter dates that tell when your new puppy may be ready to head home. If the breeder has no available puppies at the time, it will notify you of that as well.
The other best place to search for Basenji puppies in your area is Good Dog. Good Dog compiles a list of Basenji breeders according to their distance from your zip code.
Similar to the AKC Marketplace, they also tell you how many puppies are available, the history of the puppies, and the health testing that the breeding stock goes through before puppies are created.
Of course, you can also search through the classifieds in your local area for a Basenji, but this could take some time and may not yield high-quality dogs like Good Dog and the AKC Marketplace tend to offer.
Add a Basenji to Your Family
Are you ready to add a Basenji to your family?
These top ten breeders will give you everything you need to get started with a lifelong love affair with your new canine companion. Prioritize the health and well-being of your new dog by choosing a reputable breeder who has experience breeding for temperament, confirmation, and the overall health of the dog.
If you are serious about a puppy, be sure to reach out to the breeder nearest you about any upcoming litters they may have. You may have to be put on a waitlist if they do not have any puppies available at the moment.