Itzyu Basenjis

Itzyu Basenjis is located in Central Virginia. Our breeding program is dedicated to preserving this unusual breed of dog.

Basenjis are an ancient breed, one whose development pre-dates modern concepts of selective dog breeding. The breed's characteristics, such as barklessness, intelligence, curiosity, and lively independence, are a heritage of that history.

At Itzyu, we believe that, when breeding Basenjis, we have a duty to protect and preserve that heritage. We breed a limited number of carefully planned litters. We use health testing, including Fanconi linkage marker DNA testing, and pedigree analysis to give the best possible odds of producing healthy, happy puppies that can be shown successfully, can compete in lure coursing and obedience, and will make wonderful pets.

We screen all potential new owners before accepting them on our waiting list. Screening involves getting to know you, making certain that you are familiar with the breed, and doing our best to be sure that you would be happy with a Basenji. Owning a Basenji is a twelve to fifteen year commitment - we want to be sure you know what you're getting into before you start this journey.

When you get an Itzyu puppy, adult, or rescue, you are getting us as part of the package. We have a lifetime commitment to all pups we breed. That includes being available to you for suggestions and advice. All of our puppies and adults are placed with contracts. Pets are placed on spay/neuter contracts and limited registration, which is a non-breeding, non-showing registration.

Our contract requires that, if you are unable to keep your Basenji for any reason, it must be returned to us. If your circumstances change, with illness, divorce, or whatever, we will always take back a dog we bred - age or health problems are not an issue - we WANT them to come back here. We believe in lifetime responsibility for the puppies we breed.