A Complete Price Guide for the Basenji Dog
Basenji is a dog breed that is in high demand as a family pet. These dogs are loved for their small to medium size, intelligence, and fun personalities. Most Basenji’s are characters that fill the house with joy and entertainment. They’re also great watchdogs that sound an alarm when there is a threat of an intruder near their domain. They can bark, but most choose not to. They make a sound that is closer to a yodel than a bark. They’re loving dogs, although their intelligence makes them crafty and strong-willed. If you’re considering buying a Basenji, there are a few things to know. One of them is the cost. Basenji’s are not the most expensive breed, but purebred is not cheap. The initial cost is not the only expense involved with raising a Basenji. To give you an idea of what to expect, we offer a complete price guide for the Basenji dog to help you find a fair and reasonable deal on a dog and know what it will mean for your monthly expense budget.
How much does a purebred Basenji dog cost?
Pet Keen explains that the average cost of a Basenji dog ranges between $1,200 to $1,800. This is the going rate for purebred dogs, but the price may vary from one breeder to another. Basenji’s are valued per their conformance to the breed standards established by the American Kennel Club. Pricing is based on the pedigree of the dog, which refers to his ancestral bloodlines. Puppies of championship show dogs may cost much more than the average purebred. Those that conform the best to breed standards, or have unique markings may also be valued higher. There are other factors considered when valuing Basenjis. Healthy dogs, tested and found to have no genetic medical conditions, and breeding age or below are valued higher than dogs with health problems, older dogs, or those that have questionable bloodlines.
Can you adopt a Basenji from an animal shelter?
There’s a slight chance that you will find a Basenji at an animal shelter for adoption, but it’s rare. These dogs are in high demand and it’s unlikely that one will show up at a pet rescue without being claimed by an owner that chipped their pet for identification. If you do, congratulations. The adoption prices range between $50 to $300 depending on the policies of the shelter. There are pros and cons to shelter dogs. Most shelters require the animals to be spayed or neutered so you won’t be able to use the dog for breeding purposes. You probably won’t know the purity of its bloodlines, if there are genetic health conditions passed down from its parents, or if the dog has a history of unacceptable behaviors. You’re taking a chance by adopting a shelter dog and you won’t even know the exact age of the dog. If you’re looking for a house pet, it’s a less expensive way to own a Basenji. Adoption gives a vulnerable animal a loving home, and it makes room for more pets in need of help at the shelter.
Where is the best place to find a Basenji?
We recommend locating a reputable breeder. You can look online and check the American Kennel Club’s website for recommendations. It’s wise to confirm the breeder before you consult with them. Disreputable breeders and puppy mills do not produce quality dogs. Many of these breeders raise dogs as cheaply as they can, under unsanitary and inhumane conditions, to produce as many dogs as fast as possible to make money from them. The chances of dogs from puppy mills having health problems are far higher. The breeding dogs may suffer from health conditions, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and emotional issues. Some dogs are raised in small cages in unclean environments.
What to look for in a reputable breeder
It’s best to find a local breeder and tour the environment to ensure that the dogs are bred and born in clean and humane conditions. This is the first consideration. These breeders take pride in their dogs and show them love and affection. They provide high-quality nutrition, clean water, and spacious environments where the dogs can play and exercise. They also take the dogs in for regular medical checkups, especially pregnant females. Puppies are tested for genetic issues, and usually receive their first round of vaccinations. Reputable breeders maintain documents that verify the bloodlines for their dogs and provide buyers with the necessary contact information for getting their puppies registered. They also provide medical records and test results that prove the health status of the puppies upon request. The prices are average to high, but it reflects the exceptional care these puppies get before they’re sold. Some breeders maintain breeding rights, while others do not. Reputable breeders may offer dogs for sale that do not conform to breed standards or have some type of physical defect, but they are transparent about that and tell potential buyers everything that is known about the puppy or adult dog for sale, according to Paw Leaks.
You can recognize a reputable breeder by his or her scrutinization of all buyers. They seek to ensure that each dog is placed in a loving home that will provide the best care for the dog, according to Trending Breeds. Don’t take it personally when they grill you about your living environment and how you plan to care for the dog. They love their dogs and will not sell them to someone who is not willing to provide adequate love and care for a pet. You must be willing to take the dog for walks or allow them to play in a fenced yard because they’re energetic dogs that require a lot of daily exercise to burn off the excess energy. They also need experienced owners because of their intelligence and strong will. They make great family dogs if they receive the right kind of positive reinforcement and training while they’re puppies. Basenjis are not the best choice for first-time dog owners, according to Next Day Pets. You may be required to sign a contract that outlines your responsibilities as a pet owner. Most reputable breeders will ask you to come in and interact with the puppies to observe how you respond to the dogs and how the dogs act around you.The cost is higher for these dogs because the owners have spent a lot to produce quality puppies. They’ve paid more for nutritious foods, comfortable beds, toys, and medical checkups, and it shows in the overall health and wellness of the dogs. If you’re a good fit for a Basenji and the dog is a good fit for you, there shouldn’t be a problem with the breeder, but do be prepared to pass the ownership requirements they may have. Some dog breeders would rather hang onto their pups and wait for a buyer prepared to give their dogs the best life.
Other costs for Basenji ownership
Bringing a Basenji puppy into your home is just the beginning of a long life of companionship and enjoyment for your new family member, but it is also a financial commitment. The first year of a Basenji puppy’s life is often the most expensive. Before you bring him home, you will need to have all the supplies ready to use. Your new puppy will need a bed of his own. Some dog owners use a crate for training, but it’s optional equipment. He will also need a collar, a leash for walking him, food and water bowls, and a supply of healthy puppy food and snacks. Since housetraining is involved, you will also need to keep puppy pads on hand, along with sanitizing cleaners to freshen up after an accident. You will need to have a pooper scooper and plastic bags to take care of the these he makes in the yard. It’s good to carry these with you when walking the dog in public. You will also need a pet taxi to bring him home with you. It’s useful any time you take your dog in a vehicle. Pet taxis keep them safe when the car is in motion, and it also keeps you safe by preventing the dog from interfering with your driving. Basenjis need little grooming because of their short coats. Your dog will need an occasional bath and brushing. Buy a good quality dog shampoo and a grooming brush. He also needs to have his teeth brushed to promote good oral health, so pick up a toothbrush kit for canines. The amount you will spend on supplies depends upon the quality of the supplies, the styles, and the brands. Some pet shampoos retail for as little as $5 per bottle, but the more expensive brands can be as much as $20. The same is true for other supplies. You can spend up to four times as much preparing for your new pet unless you go with moderately priced supplies. Dog beds go for between $10 to $50, Pet food and water bowls can be $5 for the set or up to $50 for more elaborate automatic systems. At a minimum, you’ll spend $100 to prepare for the arrival of your new Basenji.
Medical expenses
During the first year of your puppy’s life, he will need to establish a medical healthcare provider. Each vet clinic has its schedule of prices so it’s difficult to gauge the average cost of a checkup or vaccinations. It’s wise to shop around and check consumer reviews to find a quality veterinary clinic near you. Your puppy will need to have his first wellness exam. Provide the vet with his medical records from the breeder. During the first year, he will need to complete his vaccinations which come in series. The veterinary clinic will notify you when it is time for his next checkup or vaccination. The costs shouldn’t be too high if your puppy is in good health. If there are medical complications, the prices can quickly skyrocket into the hundreds or even thousands. If you’re concerned about vet bills, you can purchase pet healthcare insurance for around $40 to $50 per month. Most plans work like medical coverage for humans and cover checkups, prescriptions, and procedures. It can save a lot of money in the long run if your pet developed a serious medical condition, or has a catastrophic injury.
Other expenses
If you’re a busy professional and out of the home for hours during the day, you may need to invest in a dog walker. Your Basenji needs regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Some owners also pay for professional trainers to help with socialization and tips for effectively training their dogs. You may also use a professional groomer to bathe and clip your dog’s fur. Most of these duties can be handled by an experienced dog owner, but for various reasons, people choose to pay for the services instead. The prices vary from one part of the country to another, so it’s wise to call around and compare the rates.
Final thoughts
Buying a Basenji takes a little bit of research to make sure that you get a square deal on a healthy and quality dog. The breed is smart, but headstrong and not recommended for first-time pet owners. If you have experience with dogs and don’t mind a few months of intense training, using positive reinforcement methods, the Basenji might be a good choice for you. They require daily exercise to help burn off their extra energy, so a daily walk will give you time to bond. They’re not the most expensive dog to purchase or to raise, but there is a significant financial commitment that goes with ownership.
