Sienna Basenjis

At Sienna Basenjis, our basenjis are first and foremost our loving pets and part of our family. Our dogs actively compete in AKC conformation dog shows and ASFA and AKC Lure coursing events.

We are members in two local all breed kennel clubs (Douglasville & Atlanta), and our National Breed Club, The Basenji Club of America.

LoAnne has held Board positions in two local Kennel Clubs:

Douglasville Kennel Club:
Board of Directors for 6 years in the following capacities:
- President 2006 - 2008
- Club Secretary 2001 - 2005
- Show Chairman 2001 - 2007

North Georgia Hound Association:
President - 2004-2006

Below are the links to these clubs:

How Did We Decide on a Basenji?"

"The Search for Our First Basenji"

In 1997 our first basenji joined our family, "Boone" 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 from the Atlanta KC dog show in September, 1996, and she announced that she would like to have a show quality basenji to compete in the dog shows. . Michelle was 15 at this time, and we thought it would be constructive for her as well to get involved with her mom attending the dog shows.

The Basenji is not a breed for everyone. Yes, 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's 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... by no means, ever buy a puppy from an ad in a newspaper or a pet store.

Reputable breeders will ask you about 20 questions pertaining to (i.e. what breeds you have owned, your current family situation & lifestyle, training & care arrangements, etc.) Also, make sure they offer a contract with 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