Bellator Basenjis

11/16/2024

Big steps for the Alaskan Klee Kai!!!! Woohooo!!!!!! 🎉🎉🎉

Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Club. Learn more about the breed, it’s history, and how we are helping to pave the path for the breeds future.

11/11/2024

The “gift” of a puppy…

This time of year is full of “gift searchers”. Most are honestly well meaning and just a little uneducated, so instead of demeaning or belittling, I always opt to educate.

For the parents looking to “surprise” the kids, it’s actually wonderful having basenjis since they’re generally not old enough to “go home” until well after the holidays! Haha. But I also explain that a new puppy in the chaos of holidays can just be an overwhelming disaster.

Kids are overly energized, stresses are high, often travel is involved or extra family is in town and staying at the house. Puppies are very easily influenced at a young age and often the experiences at these ages imprint for life. A chaotic environment can lead to over stimulation for the puppy, which could scare the puppy. A scared puppy could imprint that fear for life and you’ll be dealing with separation anxiety, fear of strangers, fear of situations, which could all escalate to fear biting and fear aggression. No one wants to set their puppy up for disaster!

A MUCH better situation for the puppy and the family as a whole is to bring the puppy home after the excitement and chaos of the holidays. This allows much more focus on the puppy too, which will ultimately lead to better training, better bonding, and an all around better life with your new puppy!

The magic of surprising your children with a puppy for the Holidays can still be there without the actual puppy. I’ve had parents wrap up the dog crate, bed, supplies, etc with a stuffed puppy, and have the kids unwrap the supplies. This makes it still a surprise, but the responsibility of the puppy isn’t there yet, and the holiday chaos goes on without the added stress of a new responsibility.

For those looking for a gift for an adult...we still fall into the “basenjis aren’t really ready to go to new homes around the Holidays.” However, the gift idea for kids also can be great for adults! Even a picture frame for the future pup would be a great gift with a “coming soon” notice! So there are very practical ways to surprise without it being a detriment to the puppy or a potentially sad situation later on. Also, most reputable breeders of any breed will NOT place puppies purely as gifts and most will also not place pups around Holidays even if their breed is available around that time frame.

As reputable breeders, our highest concern is for our puppies, and their well being for their lives...not your Christmas or holiday surprise. Also most reputable breeders will require to meet the owner, family, children so that we feel better about placing one of our puppies with the person. So you can contact a breeder, and pop the surprise, but be aware, the household where the pup will be living is likely going to have to meet the breeder...and when I say household, I mean everyone! I’ve had parents with kids (5-6kids even!), parents with other relatives, parents with kids and nannies, married couples and their friends, and even neighbors or old college roommates visit before I agreed to put them on the waiting list.

There are all too many stories of gifts that weren’t wanted or spouses that weren’t on board with getting a dog...a reputable breeder never wants their puppy in that situation, and the one sure way we can make sure that’s not true, is to meet everyone!

My final words on this are, your dog’s breeder should be your biggest supporter and helper along the journey of your dogs life. Training question? Go to your breeder first, they know their dogs, their lines, their genetics, and their temperaments....THEY will know more than Dr Google or a Facebook Advice Post. Health issue? If not an emergency, talk to your breeder! Again, they know their dogs! Plus we as breeders NEED to know about any health issues and concerns...how else can we evaluate our puppies that no longer live with us? Plus, if it is an emergency, the breeder will tell you that as well! THIS is also why it’s soo important to meet with the breeder, develop that connection, relationship, and support system.

When we sell you a puppy, whether you like it or not, we see you as family...in the right circumstances, this relationship will last even longer than the life of your new pup...you may even be a repeat customer! 🎁🐕🎁

11/10/2024

Does everyone remember Fenrir?!?!

The super sick pup of our FAVORITE photographer Suzee Q Photography who had to have SEVERAL surgeries to save his life?

Look how WONDERFUL he is doing now!!!

This sweet boy won at life and his attitude and temperament is only that of a happy, friendly, super sweet BIG boy!

Thank you to EVERYONE who donated to Fenrir’s GoFundMe. He and his momma truly appreciated all the support and kind words.

11/03/2024

Aggie had a BLAST showing at the UKC Alaskan Klee Kai Specialty and the UKC Eastern Classic in Lebanon, PA and seeing her Alaskan Klee Kai extended family!

Thank you to all the judges who awarded Aggie and HUGE thank you to our Alaskan Klee Kai family for all the support and FUN memories including haunted houses at Hershey Park! It’s been a wonderful experience getting to know a new breed “family” and they have been so supportive and accepting!

Aggie even earned a couple legs toward her UKC Emerald Grand Championship!

Agatha “Aggie” is MBIOS DASH NBOB BISS GrCH “PR” Regal’s Coven With Bellator CM BCAT

11/03/2024

Aggie and I rocking it at the UKC Eastern Classic!!

10/21/2024

HUGE shout out and congratulations to Koro and his momma Ariel on their fun filled week/weekend!!

Ariel is an amazing owner and trainer and truly has a beautiful connection with all of her dogs!!

Koro got to participate in one of his favorite activities - FastCAT!! Plus he earned his 25th overall title with his FCAT3!!!

Their down time was spent playing and socializing with friends in the park and hiking trails. Beautiful weather and such a beautiful time for everyone!!

Summary of 5 days of FastCAT.

Wednesday
7.84, #1 medium dog
7.84, #1 medium dog
⭐ Fastest dog in Hound Group ⭐

Thursday
7.83, #3 medium dog
7.64, #3 medium dog

Friday
7.77, #2 medium dog
7.66, #2 medium dog

Saturday
7.81, #2 medium dog
7.71, #1 medium dog

Sunday
7.92, #3 medium dog
7.71, #1 medium dog

Total points earned over five days: 394.52

Koroviev “Koro” is TDCH UKC-CH Bellator’s Voila RI FCAT3 SCN CGCA CGCU TKA ETD-M PKD-N

MBISS GCh Dark Moon’s Bada Bing! X Ch Sundiata Bellator Mischief Managed BCAT

Ariel also runs her own dog training business, check her out on her page and be sure to follow her!

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565964817349&mibextid=LQQJ4d

10/19/2024

NEW CHAMPION ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

Pending AKC confirmation we have

Ch Bellator’s Double or Nothin JC CA BCAT!!!

My sweet little Trindle girl “BetMe” or “Lil B”, usually the reserve queen, broke the reserve streak and finally took WB and BOW under judge Mr Blai Llobet Cervilla in West Springfield, MA at the Albany Kennel Club dog show!!

BetMe definitely prefers chasing plastic bags over conformation showing, but she gave it her all today and got that last major she needed to finish her championship!!

So proud of this little girl!

BetMe is out of Ch Bellator’s Thunderstruck by Pandora CA BCAT and Ch SunDiata Bellator Mischief Managed BCAT

10/13/2024

TEAM AXL IS AT IT AGAIN!!!

Axl goes BOB over SPECIALS for a 5 POINT MAJOR!!!

Soooo very proud of Axl and his Momma Karen!!!

They did it their way!!!

Axl is “BELLATOR’S WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE”
CH Eldorado N Jublie Xcellent Adventure X CH Bellator’s Pinot Noir BCAT

Axl now has 11 points and one major!

LOVE cheering on this rock star team!!!

10/12/2024

ROSWELL GOES FIRST AWARD OF MERIT AND BEST OF BREED OWNER HANDLER AT THE BASENJI NATIONAL SPECIALTY SHOW!!

Rozzy truly held it together during her LONG time in the ring and I could not be more proud of how she showed especially for being in season and not even two years old yet, she was simply amazing.

Huge thank you to Breeder Judge Ann Harrison for selecting Roswell for her AOM and BOBOH awards ❤️🐕❤️

Roswell “Rozzy” is Multiple Group Placing MBISS GCh Bellator’s Close Encounter JC CA BCAT

SHE’S OUTTA THIS WORLD!!

10/08/2024

For those that couldn’t be here, you can watch the Basenji National live stream!!

Here is a link to the schedule - reminder that times are in central US time - be sure to catch your favorites!!

https://nationalspecialty.basenji.org/schedule/

UPDATE: We just learned that the live streaming, coordinated and contracted by the BOD, is only available for THURSDAY and FRIDAY. We are heart-broken to share this news, but in the grand scheme of world, this is a minor glitch. Tune in on Thursday for class judging and Friday for non-regular classes and Best of Breed!

https://www.youtube.com//streams

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Live Streaming of the 2024 BCOA National Specialty begins Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The easiest way to access the live streaming:
From your browser go to www.YouTube.com
In the search box, search for “basenjiclubofamerica”
Then select “live”.

For the technically challenged, you may also try:

https://www.youtube.com//streams

10/07/2024

Safe travels to all the exhibitors heading to the Basenji Club of America National Specialty at Purina Farms in Gray Summit, MO!!!

We are on our way!

10/03/2024

‘Tis the Season!

If you live in the USA/Canada/Mexico (think North & Western Hemisphere) area you may be noticing your boys (neutered or intact) and even your girls (spayed or intact) acting quite differently around this time of year….every year!

It’s what a lot of people like to call “Basenji Rutting Season” or really, Basenji mating season. In our geographical area most basenjis typically come into season only once a year, around the fall (August through November) whereas other locations like Australia and New Zealand they come in from March to June, but again, generally once a year. Now there’s always the “exception to every rule” where the basenji didn’t read the provided “Basenji Handbook” and comes into season during an “off period” but hey, we know basenjis aren’t exactly rule followers anyway!

So your boy or girl may be more whiny, crying, show more signs of separation anxiety, temperamental, “ruled by their nose” and all around much more distracted and disinterested in people and even food! These are all normal and typical (barring a medical concern or condition of course!).

My girls tend to get more emotional and clingy, and I’ll say it, a bit MOODY during this time. They also sleep a lot more when actually in season (my girls are intact). This is all normal for them, it can last a month or two, then they go back to their same ole devilish selves. Intact girls’ “seasons” or actually being “in heat” can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 weeks and even longer if she experiences a “split heat” where she goes in, comes out quickly, and goes back in again. A general golden rule is to keep her away from intact boys for at least a month unless you want puppies.

My boys tend to cry more and whine more and “oohhhh momma poor me” more during this time of year. They want to spend a lot of time outside, sniffing everything their little noses can sniff and can be a little more “hard of hearing” than normal 😉 Some males will even refuse food if a girl in season is near by….they’re just thinking with their wrong brain! All these things, although can be frustrating and concerning, can also be normal, even for neutered males (again, barring any medical condition or concern). After a month or two, they will also go back to their normal selves…whatever “normal” can be with a basenji!

The key to making it through this season is patience. Work with your basenji, not against them, find whatever may help to soothe them. My girls want extra cuddles, my boys enjoy more yard time and vigorous chewing sessions to get their frustrations out. Your basenji(s) may want something different!

Since this time of year also pairs with the adolescence phase of development for basenjis born in the last year, you may see BOTH “seasonal” changes and “hormonal” changes. Suddenly they may be more on guard with other dogs, animals, and on walks. They may not want to be social and be more prone to picking fights with other dogs. They can be much more assertive or as some call it “aggressive” as their bodies are figuring out adulthood and hormonal changes.

I always advise my owners to “take it easy” with social situations and perhaps take a break from doggie daycare or play dates if their dog is exhibiting behaviors that show they’re not comfortable with that level of sociableness.

Fearfulness can also peak during this time of year with many dogs experiencing a late age “fear phase”. Fear phases are noticeable when your dog’s behavior towards something changes from what it used to be. Many times this shows up in a fear of the unknown and fear of the dark. It’s always important to act normal, and never force your dog to “face their fears” as they lack the cognitive abilities to know you forcing them is beneficial. When faced with a dog who may suddenly not like the dark, such as in my enclosed fenced in yard, I go into the dark areas and act normal, talking and playing with a toy or maybe even have treats. If the dog chooses to interact with me in the dark, they get lots of praise and rewards and treats thrown into the lighter areas so they can retreat from the dark and choose to interact again on their own terms.

Above all else, protect your dog. Remember basenjis have a great memory for negative experiences, letting them get through this phase without a negative experience will benefit you both in the long run!

One of my owners, a well educated trainer, dealt with her overly hormonal boy by going “back to the basics” with training and reinforcing stuff they started working in the beginning. He wasn’t interested in treats, but he loved showing off his foundation skills. She found what worked! Once the “season” passed, he started to think with his correct brain, their bond become even stronger! ❤️🐕❤️

So love your basenjis, in all their unique quirkiness….and know, this too shall pass!

*this is a general overview and may or may not happen to your basenji but it's good to be armed with the knowledge in case it does apply to you!*

10/02/2024

Check out Roswell’s new ad!!

10/01/2024

A socialized dog does NOT equal a social dog. Not all dogs or breeds of dogs want to be “friendly” with every dog they meet, and that is OK!!

A socialized dog is a calm and confident dog in various situations, non reactive, and able to maintain their composure despite their environment.

Don’t be discouraged if your dog isn’t friendly social with other dogs and never force them to interact with other dogs if they’re not interested.

Remember some dogs, like people, prefer to observe and not interact…and that is OKAY!

DON’T FORCE ME TO BE SOCIAL!
It may be really disappointing and frustrating when our dogs are not the social beings we expected them to be.

Many believe dogs should just naturally get along with other dogs, after all they’re the same species.

Some believe the “unsociable” dog has a behaviour problem that needs to be “fixed”.

Early, appropriately timed and correct socialisation is vitally important, but sometimes despite all of this, some dogs are just not that sociable.

Sometimes this can be improved, especially if the cause is from a negative experience, but genetics, breed tendencies, individual personalities, health and age all contribute to tolerance and sociability, which also change throughout life.

If we, as a human species, don’t get along with everyone we meet, how can we expect our dogs to?

Do we label every person that has an argument, doesn’t make friends with everyone they meet, doesn’t like every other person, prefers not to socialise - as having a problem that needs to be fixed?

Why is it so easy to accept that every individual person is different than to accept that every individual dog is different?

When we have done what we can to improve our dogs’ social skills, we need to accept and acknowledge our dogs for the individuals they are, allow and respect their choice of whether to be sociable or not and never force interactions that a dog is not comfortable with.

09/29/2024

GOOOOO TEAM AXL!!

Axl and Momma Karen win WD and BOW again!!

This team is ON FIRE!! Sooooo proud of them!!

Their bond and connection surely show when they’re in the ring together! LOVE all the videos Karen sends and love seeing how beautifully Axl is maturing!! (Thank you to cameraman extraordinaire Brett too!!)

Axl is “BELLATOR’S WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE”
CH Eldorado N Jublie Xcellent Adventure X CH Bellator’s Pinot Noir BCAT

The future looks bright for this team!!