In August 1991, a miracle occured. I had been "out of Basenjis" for a number of years, and 10 year old Syrinx was the last of my SunDiata line. She had 15 points, one major, but had never finished, due to changes in my circumstances. Her housemate was her grandson, and they had lived together as our pets for three years without producing puppies. Yes, she was a bit chubby, but I was totally unprepared when my young son called me at work: "Mom! Come home quick! Syrinx just had puppies!"

One of those two little girl pups,SunDiata Sashalia Gold Flute, is the sole thread from which SunDiata Basenjis is now spun.

The old SunDiata line, although tightly linebred for generations, had never produced a Basenji with Fanconi's Syndrome, Hip Dysplasia, or PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy). As I learned that these genetic problems had become increasingly common in our breed, I knew I should try to resurrect as much as possible of my old healthy line. Progess in the conformation ring was slow at first, but my goal was first to maintain the health we already had. Today, we are producing multiple-champion litters, while maintaining the excellent health, temperament, and type for which SunDiata dogs were formerly known. To date, no SunDiata dog, from 1969 to present, has had the above named genetic diseases.

The following is a summary of our progress:

A member of the Stud Dog Honor Roll, Dutton is from Gold Flute's first litter. His sire carries two lines back to old SunDiata dogs. He was mostly owner or breeder handled, shown very infrequently. He finished at age 6, looking just as good as when he was 2. Sound moving, and very typy, with a short muzzle, high tailset, and strong, level topline. Pictured here at the National Specialty at age 4, where he made the final cut in Open Red Dog. Deceased 12/08 from Valley Fever. Frozen semen available.

Chad is from Gold Flute's last litter, which was sired by her grandson. His second major was BOW at the Southern California Specialty June 2002. Chad finished in Santa Fe, NM, by winning BOB and Group 1. Small, compact dog with an excellent head, short muzzle. Co-owned with Felecia Dorchuck of Florida. Frozen semen available.

Chip is an exceptionally sound-moving Basenji with an equally exceptional sweet, gentle and loyal temperament. Strong level topline and good shoulders. Almond eyes. Chip's dam is a littermate to Dutton (above). Co-owned with Charlene Collins, Mesa, AZ. Frozen semen available.