Kiroja Basenjis
Almost everything you wanted to know about Kiroja...
I grew up with a dog in the family most of my life. They were all just backyard bred pets, but kept me animal crazy! First it was a sweet German Shepherd/Rough Collie mix. Then came the hyper Golden Retriever. Finally onto a perfect little Miniature Schnauzer. Then I headed off to college and had to go "dogless" for a few years. I couldn't wait to plunge into the world of purebred dogs and shows when the time was right. After admiring the Basenji in books for many years, I was ready to get a dog of my own and decided to go for it. I was looking for a challenge and something "different" that still had the house qualities needed for my living arrangement. Kiroja started on March 4th, 2002 when I brought home my first Basenji, Mojo. He was also my first show dog so I had a lot of learning to do! He was a mere 14 weeks old at the time, but grew quickly into a wonderful Basenji and I couldn't have asked for more. He has taught me so much and opened me up to many new things in the dog world.
Once I had one Basenji, I knew there were going to be more in the future! I decided on the kennel name Kiroja because it had a very special meaning. This being a breed native to Africa, I thought a Swahili name would be fitting. Kiroja means "something comical" and that is my favorite trait of the Basenji. There is never a dull moment in my home. Every day is filled with crazy Basenji antics. As they say, laughter is the best medicine! Even though they can be naughty, often it is their independent personality, catlike playfulness, and boundless energy that are brightening your day in a good way. Kiroja also means "something astonishing, amazing, or terrifying" and "rarity". I think these words definitely fit the bill too!
A year later a beautiful brindle girl came to stay, Cleo. I hope that she and Mojo will be the foundation of a long, healthy, successful Basenji breeding & showing program. Cleo is a total momma's girl, and she's always trying to crawl into my lap. She has certainly shown that Basenjis have a sweet and cuddly side sometimes. But don't let her fool you, her passion is racing, and she is a rocket!
A couple years more brought an exciting time for Kiroja...puppies!!! I specifically looked for Cleo as a mate for my Mojo, and was glad to see that they had matured into a beautiful pair. On December 31, 2005 Kiroja's first litter arrived! There were 5 wonderful little ones, and it was so hard to send them off to their new homes. After a big debate, I chose the new member of the family to stay, Roxie. I am really looking forward to seeing how she performs and hope she'll make her parents proud!
As I was going through the final planning for my litter, I was also helping some friends at the national with their planned breeding. Mom was a black and dad was a tri, so I knew there would be a pretty litltle colored pup in there for me! After lots of excitement over each other's litters, a swap was arranged. Then home came my little Louie, the newest member of the pack all the way from Florida! A dark and handsome man with lots of potential.
The following year another litter was planned. After being foiled by our initial idea, Cleo was instead bred to Mojo again. This time producing 3 rowdy little boys on December 22, 2006. None of them stayed, but they are awefully cute! I already have plans for that special tricolor girl to be added to the family soon. Fingers crossed that everything falls into place!
What's next for Kiroja? You'll just have to check back and see!
-Kelli
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Basenji facts
Kiroja puppies
Kiroja dogs:
Mojo
Cleo
Roxie
Louie