about us

how we began

Kaleonahe basenjis is a small hobby breeding program located just west of Atlanta, Georgia. Our introduction to the sport of purebred dogs was through the Shiba Inu. After dabbling in that for a little over a year, we decided we wanted a dog with less hair. One of our good friends and mentors, professional handler Derek Beatty, suggested that we get a basenji. After watching them at dog shows, and doing our research, we acquired our first Eldorado basenji on March 17, 2008, and very quickly fell in love with him.

Kyle had many mentors when learning how to properly present a dog. He started by observing and asking many questions prior to ever stepping in the ring. Once he experienced the thrill of showing and winning, he was instantly addicted. Though he still has a lot to learn, he shows all of our dogs, and has even handled other breeds for friends.

our beginnings with breeding

After watching Ch. Eldorado's Echo of the Wind - "zephyr" float across the group ring in Chagrin Falls and win the group under esteemed Hound Authority Dr. John Reeve-Newson, Kyle found Pamela Geoffroy and Sheila Lund of Eldorado Basenjis. In March of 2008 Kyle flew to Massachusetts to bring home the hellion known as GCh. DC Eldorado's Look Smart at Kaleonahe - "dapper" and the rest is history.

That next summer Kyle finished "dapper" from the 9-12 month old puppy class, and he asked Steve "now what?" In March of 2009 we acquired "portia" and "bailey." Kyle also showed them to their AKC championship by the time they were 18-months old. Kyle continued to hone his handling skills by showing other dogs for Pam and Sheila such as "dillon," "elton," and "pilot."

In the summer of 2009, through a series of unfortunate circumstances, we acquired "hayley" -- the matriarch of our household from Kathy Britton and Connie Paulsen of Khani's Basenjis. "hayley" was sired by Ch. Candu's Rocketman, SD SDHR - "Rocketman" who was sired by the beautiful Ch. Akuaba's Tornado, JC SDHR - "nate." "nate" was the most decorated breeder owner handled basenji that was shown by an amateur handler, Susan Coe. "nate" is also the top producing AKC stud dog of all time in the Basenji breed as the sire of 123 AKC conformation champions of record. "hayley's" pedigree is exactly what we were looking for in a bitch dripping with breed type, carriage, and a beautiful topline. She was bred to GCh. Eldorado's Intrigue - "Dashiell" and on December 5, 2009 the first Kaleonahe Basenjis were born; two brindle and white males, three red and white males, and two red and white females.

who we are

While Steve has never set foot in a show ring, and he has no plans to any time soon, he assists in many of the not so glamorous yet necessary tasks of showing dogs. He is the resident pooper scooper, dog pottier, dog bath helper, dog holder (while Kyle is grinding nails), and most of all he is the basenji bus driver.

Besides the conformation ring, our dogs enjoy lure coursing, sunning lazily on our pool deck, playing in our back yard, and doing the Basenji 500 in our living room. Our basenjis have brought numerous hours of enjoyment and entertainment into our lives.

We encourage everyone looking for a puppy or an adult to spend time with basenjis and see how they live. You can meet and interact with the Kaleonahe gang at dog shows in the Southeast, Midwest, and the East or in our home by appointment. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have about us or our dogs.