Sienna Basenjis

At SIENNA BASENJIS our dogs compete in AKC conformation dog shows, ASFA and AKC Lure coursing events.
They are first and foremost loving pets and part of our family.

We are a Show Breeder whose primary objective is to breed for the improvement of our line, and "never" for financial gain. We breed a litter every 2 or 3 years, and puppies are only available occasionally. We health test for Fanconi, Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency, CERF & Hips.

We DO NOT sell to brokers, pet shops or backyard breeders, and we reserve the right to refuse to sell to anyone for any reason.

The SIENNA Basenji is an "all around hound" and are bred to be great companions for the show ring, the coursing field, or your best friend next to you on the couch.

We are or have been affiliated with the following AKC Kennel Clubs:

- The Basenji Club of America
- Douglasville Kennel Club
- Atlanta Kennel Club
- North Georgia Hound Association

LoAnne has held Board Positions in the following clubs:

Douglasville Kennel Club:
Board of Directors - 5 years
- President
- Club Secretary
- Show Chairman

North Georgia Hound Association
- President

Dates___

2006 - 2008
2002 - 2005
2002 - 2007

2004 - 2006

"How Did We Decide on a Basenji?"

"The Search for Our First Basenji"

In 1997 "Boone", our first basenji joined our family, CH Rikwen Ashanti Benin Boone. Prior to this, LoAnne researched several breeds that were appealing to us. We defined the criteria that would impact our decision (i.e. no long coated breeds, shedding, doggy odor, hyper-active & yappy, intelligent, obedient, etc.)

How was this breed going to fit in with our lifestyle, living accommodations, and what were we prepared to give up for this dog? Bringing a dog into your life is a "big responsibility" and depending on the breed a 10-15 year commitment.

We started our research after narrowing the list to 3 breeds. The research entailed attending local dog shows, observing the dogs, talking with the breeders about the dogs we were interested in, and reading all documentation that we could find on those breeds. Six months later, we decided the basenji was the breed for us.

Our intention was not to acquire a show dog as we were looking for a pet. But, after attending several dog shows and watching the competition, LoAnne decided that this looked like "fun" and being a competitive sport, was right up her alley. We came home after watching the Basenjis at the Atlanta KC dog show in September, 1996, and LoAnne announced that she would like to have a show quality basenji to compete at the dog shows. Michelle was 15 at this time, and we thought it would be constructive for her to become involved and travel with her mom to the dog shows.

The Basenji is NOT a breed for everyone. They are very cute and attractive with their short fine coats, perk ears and curly tails. They are great for people who have allergies to pet hair and dander. But, if you are looking for an obedient dog who will "listen" to your every command, this is "not" the breed for you. Basenjis are independent thinkers and being "hounds" their prey drive is exceptionally strong. The perfect basenji owner must appreciate the nature of the basenji and possess "a wonderful sense of humor".

How to find the breed that will be compatible with your family & lifestyle

The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a great resource to read about the individual breeds. www.akc.org

Visit a local dog show and observe the breeds you are interested in. Talk with the breeders, get their business card or phone number for future reference.

MB-F, this dog show web site lists all upcoming shows by state for the next 310 days. www.infodog.com

Visit web sites of the National Dog Clubs of the breeds you are interested in (i.e. Basenji Club of America). These national dog club web sites provide breed information and links. They also list contacts for Breeder Referral.

Once you have decided on a specific breed, call referred or recommended breeders and discuss the positives and negatives of that breed. And, NEVER buy a puppy from an ad in a newspaper or a pet store.

Reputable breeders will ask you about 20 questions pertaining to (example, "what breeds you have owned, your work schedule, current family situation & lifestyle, training & care arrangements, etc.) Also, make be certain the breeder provides a contract, spay/neuter agreement and a health guarantee.

There are lots of articles on defining reputable breeders, but the following link sums it up very well. http://members.tripod.com/GWDalmatianClub/Dalinfo/repbreeder.htm