I have been sharing my life with these dogs since 1987 when I was able to bring about my childhood wish to own a Basenji. It was while in elementary school that I became enthralled with the Basenji through the book "How to Raise and Train a Basenji". But, it wasn't going to be until many years later that I would revisit that fascination and finally have a Basenji in my home.
Our dogs are, first and foremost, our companions. Our puppies are raised in our home, in a main part of the house and we expect our puppies to go into homes where they will be an important part of the family.
We do compete with our dogs in conformation and performance events and our goal is to breed Basenjis that encompass correct type, overall health and soundness of body and mind. We breed with the sole objective to improve our breeding program. We do not breed to just have a litter or to produce puppies for sale.
We work within a limited breeding program and we carefully select sires and dams that will produce Basenjis that will perform well in both conformation and performance venues as well as living in your home. I hope that although I breed only occasionally... I will produce Basenjis that other breeders can use in future generations and ensure the perpetuation of the breed. We love this breed and we strive to make each generation better than the generation that came before.
All dogs used in our breeding program have their hips x-rayed and certified with OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) they have their eyes examined by a CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) certified Ophthalmologist and are registered with CERF. We are utilizing the current linked marker DNA test for Fanconi Syndrome and have begun using the OFA testing for autoimmune thyroiditis. We stay informed and will use any future tests that are developed that are relevant to ensuring Basenji health.
We work hard to make sure that we match all dogs with the right home and we will not place a dog as show prospect that we would not want to keep or breed in the future ourselves. All Basenjis are sold under contract. Intact Basenjis will most likely be sold on a co-ownership and any basenji sold outright will be required to be spayed or neutered.
Congaro Basenjis is located in Southern California.