Our Philosophy

Basenjis were originally bred in Africa as hunting dogs, working in partnership with humans and relying on intelligence and instinct. While our dogs are beloved family companions who share our couches and daily lives, their instincts remain intact. The alert expression, curled tail, and quick movement toward a rustling leaf are hallmarks of a preserved and purposeful breed.

At Bellator Kennels, our goal is not simply to produce puppies. Our responsibility is to preserve breed integrity while raising dogs that are sound in mind and body. We are dedicated to promoting quality breeding and AKC and UKC exhibition of purebred dogs, striving to bring their natural qualities to perfection while adhering closely to each breed standard.

Our dogs live in our home as members of our family—generally right under our feet. Puppies are raised in a structured, nurturing environment, receiving early socialization, stimulation, and foundational training. We prioritize stability of temperament, confidence, and adaptability long before a puppy leaves for its new home.

---

Why Alaskan Klee Kai?

In 2024, our program expanded to include the Alaskan Klee Kai—small northern dogs that captured our attention for many of the same reasons we admire the Basenji. We have always been drawn to northern breeds for their intelligence, athleticism, and alert expression, but not necessarily for their larger size.

The Alaskan Klee Kai offers that northern spitz presence in a more compact frame, paired with a temperament that resonates deeply with us. Like the Basenji, the AKK is intelligent, observant, selective in its affection, and deeply bonded to its people. They are not indiscriminate dogs—they think, they evaluate, and they form strong attachments within their circle.

Both breeds require respect, structure, and engagement. Both thrive when treated as partners rather than ornaments. And both reward their owners with remarkable loyalty, personality, and presence.

Expanding to include Alaskan Klee Kai was not a departure from our philosophy, but a natural extension of it. Our standards for health testing, temperament, structure, and lifelong responsibility remain exactly the same.

---

Clubs & Community

We are active members of the Basenji Club of America (BCOA) the Basenji Club of Northern New Jersey (BCNNJ), the Alaskan Klee Kai Club of America (AKKCOA), and the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America (AKKAOA).

Through these organizations, we remain committed to breed preservation, education, ethical breeding practices, and responsible ownership.

---

Registration & Health Testing

All of our dogs and their offspring are registered through the appropriate registry, including the American Kennel Club (AKC) where applicable.
We perform age-appropriate and recommended health testing as outlined by each breed’s parent club and the Canine Health Information Center (CHIC).
For Basenjis, this includes DNA Fanconi testing, DNA PRA testing, OFA Hip evaluations, CAER eye certification, and OFA Thyroid panels.

---

Our Commitment to You

Any puppy placed by Bellator will always have a home with us and should circumstances prevent you from continued ownership – call us. Because we chose to bring that life into the world, we believe our responsibility does not end at placement. A Bellator puppy will never be surrendered to a shelter or rescue and will always be welcomed back. The safety and well-being of our dogs is a lifelong commitment.

If you choose to purchase a puppy from Bellator, it means your puppy comes from generations of health-tested, purposefully bred dogs. It means clear contracts, transparent expectations, and built-in lifetime support. It means your puppy has been given every advantage to be healthy, stable, and long-lived—long before it was even born. We do not rush breeding decisions, and we do not breed casually. Each pairing is intentional.