We are located in Southern New Jersey about 5 minutes from the Delaware Memorial Bridge, 30 minutes from Philadelphia and 2 hours from New York City and Washington, DC.  We are dedicated to promoting quality in breeding and AKC showing of pure bred Basenjis and to do all things possible to bring their natural qualities to perfection.  We strive to produce healthy, happy dogs that are sound in both mind and body, with solid temperaments, while adhering closely to the basenji standard set forth by the American Kennel Club (AKC).  We actively show in AKC conformation and hope to get into other AKC sanctioned performance venues in the future.

We are members of the BCOA (Basenji Club of America), the Rip Van Wrinkle Basenji Club, the Mid Atlantic Basenji Club, Basenji Club of Northern New Jersey and all of our dogs and their offspring are AKC registered.  We health test all of our dogs and puppies for the age appropriate and available health testings recommended by our Basenji Clubs, eventually reaching CHIC Certification (Canine Health Information Center) status which comes sometime after age two.  CHIC certified means the dog has received a test result for Fanconi, PRA, OFA Hip X-Ray, CERF Eye exam, and a complete OFA Thyroid Panel.  All Bellator Basenji's health testing is public knowledge and available for verification on the OFA website.  Be VERY cautious of any breeder who does not have at least PRA and Fanconi results listed with OFA as these tests are reported for free and should be completed on EVERY breeding animal.  OFA is the only accepted labratory and database in the USA for performing the DNA test for PRA and Fanconi.  Many unethical breeders will insist they have these tests completed, but unless you can view them on the OFA website, they have not been completed.

Our dogs and puppies live and are raised as members of our family, in our home, and generally right under our feet!  Our puppies are raised using the Puppy Culture Protocols and receive early socialization and stimulation while learning positive behaviors, training, and skills.  Our pups remain part of our family even after they leave for their new homes and we strongly encourage new owners to keep in touch and update us.  Any pup placed by us here at Bellator will always have a home with us and can be returned at any time, for any reason.  Since we are the breeder, and chose to bring this puppy into the world, we feel responsible for the puppy for its entire life, and would never want it taken to a shelter or rescue; the pups safety and well being is our primary concern.

All puppies and adults are sold with age appropriate genetic DNA testing completed on each individual (PRA/Fanconi), CERF Eyes exams performed by a canine ophthalmologist, ISO microchipping with lifetime prepaid enrollment, up to date on vaccinations (distemper/parvo), and a conditional health guranteee that not only protect the puppy, but protects the buyer as well.  All puppies will be fully AKC registered with prepaid registration and one month free pet insurance from AKC.

So what’s all this mean to you?  If you choose to purchase a puppy from Bellator it means your puppy will be free from any genetic disease that a test is available for, with many generations of healthy relatives backing your puppy’s pedigree.  All of our puppies are sold with conditional health guarantees and signed contracts that clearly outline all expectations.  It also means you will have a lifetime, built in support system to help you and guide you along the way with a puppy that was given every advantage to be healthy, happy, and long lived well before it was even born.  We want you to feel comfortable with purchasing a puppy from us knowing your puppy has been given the best start possible!

If you continue your search, the  best starting place for finding good breeders is the national breed club website, the Basenji Club of America (BCOA).  The BCOA works very closely with the AKC and OFA to set recommendations for standards and health testing of Basenjis used for breeding. These recommendations ensure genetic issues don’t plague the breed and that puppies are not produced who will be afflicted with genetic disorders and diseases.

A puppy from a responsible breeder will usually cost between $500–$1500 depending on the area and location. One of the biggest myths about getting a puppy is that you don't need to go to a responsible breeder if you just want a pet.

It is also very important to find a breeder who health tests. There are some significant health concerns associated with basenjis, just like with any breed.  The BCOA recommends that any basenji being used for breeding be tested for Fanconi syndrome, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and autoimmune thyroiditis, have an eye exam from a canine ophthalmologist and an X-ray screening for hip dysplasia. Fanconi is a deadly kidney disease that is not curable, and can be very costly and time-consuming to treat. If not caught and treated in time, it is fatal. PRA causes complete blindness with an onset as early as age two. Autoimmune thyroiditis is like a silent cancer; once symptoms appear, generally 70% of the thyroid is already damaged beyond repair.  At least one of your puppy's parents should test Clear / Normal for PRA and Fanconi syndrome. The results of the eye exam should be normal or normal with breeder considerations, and the hips should be excellent, good, or fair.