posted on August 23, 2002 09:32:09 PM new
Our daughter's family is thinking about getting a dog. Their 5-year-old boy has been terrified of dogs until this last month when he visited his other grandma. This grandma had a neighbor with two basenjis, and little Evan was entranced by them and not afraid of them at all.
So. . . they're looking into this breed of dog. If you know anything about them, could you tell us the pros and cons of owning one of these and special things to be aware of?
A breeder here in town told me today that the fence has to be high because they're climbers, and that they are very very active and if left alone will chew and perhaps get destructive. Is there anything else?
posted on August 23, 2002 09:46:06 PM new
There's a book: Encyclopedia of dogs or some such. They list dogs by temperment, needs, disposition, shedding, leanings toward certain health problems, etc. I picked it up for my son and myself because we dream of getting out of the city and getting a dog someday, and I try to keep dreams alive. In my experience spaniels tend to have back problems, and other breeds have hip problems, and then there's anxiety, etc. so I applaud that you want to do your homework first. Look around in the library and on the 'net.
posted on August 23, 2002 10:16:59 PM newA breeder here in town told me today that the fence has to be high because they're climbers, and that they are very very active and if left alone will chew and perhaps get destructive.
A friend of mine got one when her son was about the same age as your daughter's. She had been told they didn't bark much. It didn't but it climbed the fence, chewed the fence (and garden hose, shoes, son's toys and everything else "chewable"and it was hyperactive. She ended up getting giving it away.
posted on August 24, 2002 05:20:44 AM new
A good friend of mine researched Basenjis before buying one. She wanted a small, clean, nonbarking dog because she had two young daughters and lived in a townhouse.
I remember her two complaints about her dog. He became nippy with small children who rode by on their bikes. And once when she left him in her new car while she spoke to a neighbor, he became bored or thought that she had taken too long to check the mail and he ate a huge hole in the dashboard of her car.
posted on August 24, 2002 07:50:21 AM new
On the list of dog intelligence Basenjis are 133 out of 134, smarter only than Afghans. If silence is your only criteria then it's the dog for you. If you want a small intelligent dog then consider a Border Collie(the smartest of all breeds), a Toy Poodle(#2), a Welsh Corgi(#11) or a Miniature Schnauzer(#12).
posted on August 24, 2002 07:13:43 PM new
Basenji's can be destructive. Border collie's are extremely intelligent and need room to roam. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi (the one without a tail) are very sweet and smart dogs. Warning, they are herding dogs and will herd anything out of instinct. Including humans. They will try to nip at your heels and herd you. The best dog out there for a child is Golden Retriever. They are laid back and extremely patient. But, when looking at potential breeders for a Golden ask about the hips of both parents. Ask if the hips have been OFA certified. If it is anything less than good, steer clear. I would just go to the pound and adopt a plain old mutt too. They sometimes can make the best dogs in the world and you are sparing one from being put down.
posted on August 24, 2002 08:53:40 PM new
Golden Retrievers are my favorite dogs too.They are friendly, patient, gentle with children and very intelligent.
I've had dogs with pedigrees and mixed breed dogs and it's been my experience that mixed breed dogs are tougher physically and if chosen carefully, they also make excellent pets.
posted on August 24, 2002 09:50:21 PM new
Although I have several friends who have Goldens and one who breeds them, I hesitated to recommend them in this case because they are large and overly friendly dogs who may scare the terrified child in question.
posted on August 27, 2002 07:41:06 PM new
I had a friend in the same situation - seven-year-old daughter terrified of dogs. I recommended a basset hound. They ended up getting one and are thrilled with her.
They're actually pretty big dogs - which is good because so many small dogs tend to be nippy around children. Yet they have very short legs - so most children don't seem frightened of them because they don't consider them 'big'. They are *very* laid-back - you don't have to worry about them chewing things up or getting hyper. (Actually, I don't think you can get much more laid-back than a basset hound. <grin>
posted on August 27, 2002 10:16:24 PM new
Thanks to all who responded! I do appreciate your thoughts and have forwarded all the messages to my daughter and family. Deep down it doesn't sound to me as though the Basenji is exactly right for them, and some of the other suggestions you've made are intriguing.
Helenjw--thanks so much for the darling dog picture. Truly a cute dog. ~Adele
and it was hyperactive. She ended up getting giving it away.
