Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our dogs and our program!

My family has been showing and breeding Champion Dogo Argentinos for the past two decades, since I was just two years old. I started showing Juniors and competing in breed rings with our Dogos when I was five, and later competed in AKC Junior Showmanship from early 2013 until 2017 with my Cane Corso, Amore. In early 2018, my mom gave me the green light to find a “heart breed” that was smaller, quieter (well… sort of, haha!), less messy (until they find tissues), with no dog smell (except when passing gas), and no drool. It was a tall order, until one day at a dog show I noticed a breeder — Jay Webb of Kazor Basenjis — strolling by with a group of Basenjis. I immediately fell in love. Maybe it was how they tried to outsmart the leash, or how unapologetically independent they were in the show ring. I reached out to a breeder with an upcoming litter, researched the pedigree, and was especially captivated by the sire and the remarkable grandmother. Shortly after, I put down a deposit for my first Basenji, Autumn, and started showing her as soon as she was old enough.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about the Basenji show and performance community. From California and Arizona to other regions across the country, the Basenji people have been incredibly welcoming and supportive.

I graduated from San Diego State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with an emphasis in Zoology. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree but will be put on hold as I am proud to be attending veterinary school in the fall of 2025 — Class of 2028 — at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. My goal is to become a veterinarian and continue making a difference in the lives of animals and their families. My Basenjis have supported me during my college years and will continue to be a large part of my endeavors. I will still be showing and breeding while in veterinary school as my family largely supports my goals with the Basenji. 

Our Basenjis are first and foremost cherished members of our family. We’re dedicated to preserving this ancient and unique breed by honoring the breed standard, prioritizing health, and acting with integrity. All of our Basenjis have their health records published on the official OFA website around the age of two, ensuring generations of data to support sound breeding and help prevent future health issues. We also utilize early socialization and enrichment programs like Puppy Culture and Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS) to give our puppies the best start. These programs foster resilience, build confident temperaments, and create sound, well-adjusted dogs. Although I will say they are more catlike! 

We’re located in beautiful San Diego, California, just a short drive from the beaches and the airport (right where the 52 meets the 5). Our Basenjis love trips to the bay, long walks on the beach, outings to historic spots like Balboa Park, and enjoying dog-friendly restaurants throughout the area. Above all, they’re cherished companions, adventure buddies, and much‑loved family members.

– Carla M. Ghilardi