11. Show or Pet?

Breeders classify their pups as either "show potential" or "pet quality", and often charge different prices for the two categories.

"Show potential" means that, at the time of sale, they are puppies which could be shown and have no disqualifying faults. In the breeder's eyes, these pups comply with the standard as closely as possible.

A "pet quality" puppy is one which, in the breeder's opinion, does not comply with the standard as closely as he would desire. Therefore it is not suitable for breeding or showing. These puppies though, are no less healthy than their "show potential" littermates in any way - they just have some "cosmetic" flaws which do not make them any less of a wonderful and loving Basenji.

You should inform the breeder as to whether you plan to show or breed from your puppy, or whether it is be kept just as a pet. If you purchase a "pet quality" pup, you cannot expect the breeder to supply you with the Registration Papers (which are necessary for showing or breeding). Dogs without Registration Papers, however can still compete in Obedience and Agility trials.

Also, if your final choice of a pet is a puppy of show potential, you will probably have to pay show price, because the quality of the pup has not changed.

Will a girl or boy Basenji make a better pet?

Both males and females make equally good pets. However, there are a couple of things that you may wish to keep in mind:

	Basenji bitches can be very assertive to other Basenji bitches;
	Males can sometimes be aggressive with other dogs

If you wish to keep more than one Basenji, then it might be a good idea to get them both as pups, or to mix your sexes.

Bitches also to tend to be dominant as far as people are concerned. Thus, the solo Basenji owner might find a male more suitable, whereas the owner with other dogs (excluding female Basenjis) might consider a female.

Remember that this is purely a generalization, and of course that there are always exceptions to every rule!

Page Created: 29 December 1998 - Last Updated: 10 June 2007

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