Puppy Interest Questionnaire

We receive a lot of inquiries, most of the “do you have puppies?” variety. (More about which, please see the FAQs.) To jump-start the conversation, we have some questions for you to answer (or to ponder) first. It should take a good 20-30 minutes to complete, and all questions require answers.

Please note: We have no specific breeding plans for 2023/2024. We are always happy to start discussions with you about what you are looking for, but please be aware that you’ll likely need to wait a couple of years.

Your name Your email Your phone number(s) Your location (city and state) Age preference Sex preference Do you understand that no litter is yet planned, and we are not currently accepting any reservations at all? Describe the people who live in your home. Kids (how old)? Roommates? On a typical day (post-quarantine!), how long will the dog be left at home? Do you have a securely enclosed area for the dog, such as a 6-foot fence around the yard? Do you understand that a Basenji must always be on a leash or in a securely fenced area at all times? When the hunting instincts kick in, they are unstoppable and are very likely to dash off in pursuit of game. Please don’t think that you can train a Basenji to stay in an unfenced area (like a park, or on a hike), either. Five thousand years of instinct cannot be curbed easily. Being struck by an automobile is one of the most common causes of death or injury for a Basenji. Do you understand that a Basenji must be kenneled/secured when riding in a car at all times? See the Center for Pet Safety for further details about the benefits both from a distraction and a survivability point of view. Why are you considering a Basenji? What specifically do you like about this breed? (If your primary reason is because you understand that they are hypoallergenic, please realize that they are not, nor is any dog, really.) What kind of research have you done on Basenjis? If online, please include your most useful source. Do you support and will you utilize only positive-reinforcement training as outlined by Karen Pryor or Fenzi Dog Sports Academy? Have you owned a dog before? If so, were you the primary caregiver? What kind (breed) of dog(s)? Describe your ideal dog’s temperament. What kind of activities are you most eager to do with your new dog? Please explain. Do you have other (non-dog) pets? Please describe. Do you have any other questions or comments you’d like to add?