TAJI
- Seattle, WA
- Responds within a few days
Meet the breeder
I'm Katie C., the breeder behind TAJI located in Seattle, WA. As a preservation breeder, my priorities include: Temperament, Durability/Health, Proving Multi-functionality (conformation, performance & companion events), Continually fine-tuning heeding the AKC Standard for the Basenji breed, and supporting my puppy homes for the lifetime of the dog. Whether you are looking for a pet or a champion, quality show dog, or performance field dog, or companion dog for the couch or the agility ring, my breeding program is well-proven over 30+ years for all. I strive to produce outstanding puppies that are structurally sound, healthy, intuitive and have wonderful temperaments. I love my dogs and what we do together at home and in multiple venues of competition at the local, national and international level. I am fiercely loyal and do my best to ensure each puppy makes a great contribution to his or her forever home.
Q. & A. with Katie
Why did you start breeding?
I am a third generation AKC purebred dog breeder. Consequently, breeding dogs as companions and partners in competitive events comes very naturally to me, as it has been part of my whole life. My mother taught me many lessons that have proven the test of time, including the ability to learn from others and the willingness to try new methods. Many of my mentors have been in other breeds (e.g. Ibizan Hounds and Poodles) that I no longer breed here in my home, but stay active in those communities and supporting those breeds. At TAJI, I focus on breeding excellence. I do everything in my power to mate sound dogs to ensure healthy and happy puppies. My puppies’ health and wellbeing is my main priority; I am - and will remain - the advocate for every puppy produced at Taji. My puppies are bred for health, temperament, and to meet conformation standards. My dogs regularly compete in a wide variety of venues proving themselves as "all around hounds" piloted by their owners (Read: Don't need *me* to compete and win). The vast majority of those I encourage owners to participate in the show ring and other specific dog sports prove to become champions, not only with me piloting them, but with their owners showing them all over the USA and abroad.What makes your program special?
My dogs are bred to produce healthy, sound, and versatile pups. The goal of every litter at Taji is to produce athletic and well-structured canines that can excel within various performance and conformation venues AND have the ability to be wonderful family companions. To be clear, I do not push all of my puppies to become champions, as I am very selective about which individuals go forward as candidates in the future of my breeding program to preserve this breed. I breed for purpose and preservation of the breed, not just to create pets for other people. I strive for excellence. I find that some puppies in each litter align better with the goals I aspired for with each pairing - those are the ones that I keep for myself and/or secure "guardian homes" for who are interested in their puppy supporting sensible breeding, rather than feeding the demand for irresponsible, random breeding, with no vetting of DNA and extensive health testing, thus producing puppies who then become part of the Retail Rescue Inventory. (Don't kid yourself, "Rescue" is a *business* that plays to your heartstrings and not your sensibilities.) The priority for my puppies is that they live and love with humans inside their home. I do require that they all have comfortable homes and a couch to snuggle with their people. I am passionate about preparing my puppies to thrive in their forever homes. I enjoy mentoring their new families so that they can raise their new, furry companions with confidence and joy. If you are looking for a breeder to "just gimme a puppy already" - then I am most definitely NOT the breeder that you are looking for.What are the different breed coat colors in your program?
Our puppies include brindle and white, black and white, tri-color, black tan and white, and red and white. Colors will vary depending on the parent dogs.Where do your breeding dogs live?
They live in my home and guardian homes.
Getting a puppy from Katie
Katie has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.
Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.
Price
“My goal is to set myself at the average market price. I don't want a buyer to come to me because I sound "cheap" nor do I want someone to buy because I am more expensive, assuming that price and quality are directly and exclusively correlated. I don't breed a litter until I have enough vetted homes lined up and prepared for their new Basenji. During the summer months when most are comfy outside, I will schedule some home visits. My kennel policy is that I require a deposit in order to guarantee a puppy (if not from me bc I did not get enough puppies) then I will find one from someone I know personally (with similar ethic) at the same price. I prefer to actually meet you and for you to meet me and my dogs personally. I continue to have a great deal of demand for puppies (far more than I want to produce). So if either of us are even slightly uncomfortable, or if I am too close to being "sold out" (before the puppies are even born) then I just work from a waiting list, with no deposit, and no guarantee. It is important to me that you are confident in me (that I am a quality breeder offering strong support and am not selling "ghost puppies"/scam.) I am not uploading my written agreement as it is only a confirmation of what I discuss with the buyer for the terms for the specific puppy. Different puppies have different terms, so without the ability here on Good Dog to show an assortment of those potential agreements, I am not going to post just one. Just like people, each puppy is unique, thus the agreements are not all exactly the same.”
Contract & health guarantee
Katie may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Katie offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Katie directly.
What’s included
From Good Dog
- Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
- 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
- Puppy Training Program & private community
Puppy health practices
- Vet check
- First round of shots and deworming
- Microchip
- Vet records
Extras
- Basic obedience & manners
- Food & treats
- Initial potty training
Location & pick-up
You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Katie.
Breeder’s location
Meet in Seattle, WA
Other pick-up locations
Meet at Seattle–Tacoma Airport
More about Katie
Club memberships
Katie is a member of Seattle Kennel Club, Western Washington Hound Association, Ibizan Hound Club of the United States, Evergreen Basenji Club, and Basenji Club of America.
Certifications & recognitions
AKC Judge, CHIC Certified, American Kennel Club Canine College, Associate Dog Trainer, Puppy Culture Breeder, AKC Breeder of Merit.
Katie has been a member of Good Dog for about 5 years
Katie was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.
Katie is a trusted Good Dog breeder
TAJI meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:
- Responsible breeding practices
- Health of breeding dogs and puppies
- Puppy environment and enrichment
- Buyer education and policies
Parent health testing
Great level
TAJI reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Basenjis.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip testing reduces the chance of passing down hip dysplasia, which is primarily found in large breed dogs and can cause hip pain and the eventual loss of the function of the hip joint.
Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)
Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.
PRA, Basenji Type, Fanconi Syndrome
Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).
