Our Story

Our journey began when founder Bridgette Lesar welcomed her first Basenji, sparking a lifelong commitment to the breed’s preservation. With a deep respect for the Basenji’s heritage, Bridgette partnered with Cecily Rappe of Zindika Basenjis. Cecily Rappe is an American Kennel Club Breeder of Merit. Both Bridgette and Cecily are members of the Basenji Club of America whose legacy dates back to 1982.

Preserving Excellence

Our program is built on the foundation of Cecily’s vast experience, including the breeding of CH Zindika’s Johnny Come Greatly JC, the most Best in Show-winning Basenji of all time. Through this partnership, we’ve cultivated a breeding program rooted in genetics, function, and integrity. Every Bonanza Basenji is well-bred with careful attention to health, predictable temperament and conformation.

A older women holding her Basenji dog in one arm while holding out the awards it won with the other hand

Our Commitment

Choosing a Bonanza Basenji means joining a community that values the breed’s past, present, and future. We’re committed to:

  • Matching families with well-bred Basenjis that are a perfect fit
  • Offering lifetime support for every puppy and owner
  • Educating others about Basenji care and history
  • Acting as dedicated breeders protecting the breed standard

Whether you're a lifelong Basenji lover or new to this extraordinary breed, we’re honored to be part of your journey. At Bonanza Basenjis, we don’t just breed — we preserve. And every dog we raise is a reflection of that purpose.

Our Dogs

Our goal is to match Basenji lovers with the ideal dogs and support the owners for the lifetime of their dogs.

See the Dogs

Two different colored Basenji dogs tilting their heads inquisitively in opposite directions A Basenji standing on a rock while overlooking a forest Two Basenjis looking alert while roaming around out in the desert Two Basenjis running together in a grass Close up of a you Basenji in a hardness while at a shoreline A Basenji with it's ears perked up while sitting on a dog bed Four Basenji puppies sharing a dog bed together A Basenji puppy being held in its owners arm Two Basenji puppies out in a yard with a plasstic step-stool, one sitting ontop of it and the other leaning on it with their front paws Close up on a young Basenji puppies face A Basenji resting inside a circular fabric dog house A Basenji running through a field in a yellow pet dress