So my boy wants a dog...

[slyinglide]

Both breeds that you are looking into would be a good choice, but I admit that my knowledge of the Besenji breed is very limited.  I am an proud American Boxer owner, but I would not compare them to English Bull.  I have a couple of friends that have one or two, and they all LOVE theirs.  I will tell you that if you get an English Bull, you will have to wash and clean those deep folds of skin, they have a tendency to become infected.  They also are very strong, almost from the word go.  Given their unusual strength, and combine that with their mass and low center of gravity, and them add on top all the muscle that they have, if they decide to go in a direction that you don't want them to go (until they get trained) they will give your arms and legs a serious work out.  They have a great amount of personality and become very attached to all members of the family.  They snore........

[Robmeister]

A lot depends on your lifestyle.   Bulldogs tend to be pretty easy keepers.  Just make sure you get one from a reputable breeder who shows his dogs to their championships and screens for genetic disorders.  Stay away from newspaper ads, pet shops, and people who just breed their own pets to make money.    Whatever breed you decide upon, go to the national breed club's website.  They usually have breeders listed by geographic area.  This is the best way to find a breeder who is bound by the club's code of ethics, as opposed to someone who's just out to make a quick buck.

Excellent stuff right there, Razor !!! .... SPOT ON !!

We got our bulldog from a reputable breeder/shower of bulldogs.  She hits the road with her bullies.  So she knows her sh*t and loves the bullies.

Our guy, "Jimmy" was in many of her shows and comes with a certified champeen bloodline

Anyway, didn't mean to start pontificating about our bullie....but you are RIGHT ON and good advice for Fr8.

[Robmeister]

Both breeds that you are looking into would be a good choice, but I admit that my knowledge of the Besenji breed is very limited.  I am an proud American Boxer owner, but I would not compare them to English Bull.  I have a couple of friends that have one or two, and they all LOVE theirs.  I will tell you that if you get an English Bull, you will have to wash and clean those deep folds of skin, they have a tendency to become infected.  They also are very strong, almost from the word go.  Given their unusual strength, and combine that with their mass and low center of gravity, and them add on top all the muscle that they have, if they decide to go in a direction that you don't want them to go (until they get trained) they will give your arms and legs a serious work out.  They have a great amount of personality and become very attached to all members of the family.  They snore........

Yep....all accurate about the bullies !!!  We absolutely love ours and he is the sweetheart of sweethearts....VERY friendly to everyone....to the point where they are NOT good watch dogs.

Very loyal and loving....they love to be around the family....when I'm doing miscellaneous around the house he's always at my feet...

Snore?.....OMG...like you wouldn't believe !!!

[nomad]

I really like the shelter mutt idea myself

stay away from the rat terriors unless you like having a superball bouncing off the walls all day

[andrew]

I had a samoyed when I was a kid. I've had several dogs afterward but none as nice as that dog. It had such a great disposition, yet was still very protective when necessary.

[wpruitt]

A mutt from the shelter is by far the best.  Beagles are also great around kids.

[Mikekoz13]

Fr8-


             I have two Shih Tzus and  a Boston Terrier...all great dogs. the Boston is a great dog.... goofy, loyal, lovable, great with my kids. He is a little hard headed though.... he was prettyeasy to house train.


Razor gave great advice....... I did Greyhound rescue for about 7 or 8 years and all of Razor's advisewas spot on.

[dog20]

Description: The Basenji is a handsome, short, muscular dog who is also known as the African Barkless Dog. "Basenji" means "bush thing" in African dialect. They should not bark, but they are not mute. Basenjis repertoire of sounds range from a pleasing throaty crow to a keening wail made when they are lonely or unhappy. Basenjis are often compared to small deer because of their grace, intelligence and beauty. They are about the size of a Fox Hound, and very proud. One of the oldest breeds of dogs, they are native to Africa where they are used to assist beaters in flushing game out, which are then driven into nets strung up against trees. These dogs were highly prized in Central Africa for their intelligence, silence, speed and hunting power. The Basenji has a short, fine coat that tends to become more course in colder countries, but without losing its gleam. Wrinkled on the forehead, they also have a curly tail that swirls to one side of their body. Known to be much like cats, Basenjis will sometimes clean themselves by licking all over, and are said to be nearly odorless. Basenjis will make good pets as long as they are handled on a regular basis from an early age.

Other Names: Congo Dog, Congo Bush Dog, Congo Terrier, Bongo Dog, African Barkless Dog, African Bush Dog, Zande Dog, Belgian Congo Dog, Nyam Nyam Terrier.

Type: Sighthound and Pariah

Height: Females: 16 inches; Males 17 inches.
Weight: Females: 21 lbs; Males: 24 lbs.

Colors: Black, red, black and tan. There is always white on the chest, feet and tail tips.
Coat: Smooth, short-haired, fine, silky coat. Coarser coat in colder countries.

Temperament: Basenjis are intelligent, independent, affectionate but alert. Basenjis are playful, inquisitive, and active. Sometimes aloof with strangers.
With Children: Yes, if properly socialized and supervised.
With Pets: Yes, if properly socialized and supervised; same sex aggression is common.
Special Skills: Does not bark, flushes out prey for hunters, and is very intelligent in which training comes easy.

Watch-dog: High. Depends on dog and owner attentiveness; doesn’t bark to alert. If you are a stranger, you should not approach Basenjis from behind.
Guard-dog: Low.

Care and Training: Comb or brush the Basenjis smooth coat and bathe when necessary. Daily exercise will prevent obesity. House training comes easily as they are naturally clean creatures. Basenjis clean themselves like cats, and have virtually no doggy odor. Basenjis will sometimes use destruction as amusement when left to themselves, and should be trained carefully not to do so.
Special Needs: Fenced in living environment, an activity or job to do.
Learning Rate: High. Rewards-based training produces best results.

Activity: High
Living Environment: Indoor or outdoor dog that does best with a fenced yard and lots of exercise. Curiosity may cause them to wander if left off leash or in an unfenced area.

Health Issues: Anemia, hernias, hip dysplasia, Kidney problems, PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), thyroid problems.

Life Span: 12-14 years
Litter Size: 6. Female Basenjis usually only have one season a year which will last up to 30 days between August and November.

Country of Origin: Zaire and the Congo (Central Africa)
History: The earliest samples of these dogs were given as gifts to Pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Basenji-type dogs are depicted on the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs and date back to early 3600 B.C. Many details of their origins are unclear, but the Basenji is thought to have come from a purebred dog used by the Pygmies for hunting in the Congo. A pair of Basenjis were taken to England by an explorer in 1895, but unfortunately fell ill to distemper and soon died. In 1937 the Basenji was introduced successfully into England, and around the same time Mrs. Byron Rogers of New York City brought a pair of them to America. A litter of puppies was born, but unfortunately all died due to distemper except for Mrs. Rogers' older male, Bois. A female Basenji named Congo was then brought to the United States from Africa in 1941 by Alexander Phemster of Massachusetts, and soon the two Basenjis produced the first litter of Basenjis to be born in America and live. Soon other Basenjis were imported from England and Canada, and the breed grew in size and popularity in America.

First Registered by the AKC: 1944
AKC Group: Hound
Class: Hound
Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, UKC, TKC (Group 5), KC (GB)
================================================

Description: Known as the national symbol of Great Britain, the characteristics of a perfect Bulldog are medium size, smooth coat, heavy, thick-set, low-swung body, massive short-faced head, wide shoulders, smaller hips and sturdy limbs. Bred down from aggressive behavior to loving and friendly disposition, Bulldogs are an ideal pet as they love to be in the company of their family. They adore children and make an excellent companion to them because of their gentle, yet sometimes stubborn nature. Bulldogs are laid-back, loyal good natured and undemanding companion who would make a great companion for the elderly as well. It would be difficult to find a dog more mellow than the English Bulldog. They do tend to drool and wheeze, and they may snore. Bulldogs can also be humorous, even comical which add to their charm. Some are known to have chronic flatulence. They have the jutted jaw of the original Bulldogs, yet the smaller body and happy personality that the previous did not retain. Bulldogs have been bred from fighting dogs and bull-baiters to friendly happy companions. They are quiet, loving, and gentile. They tend to snort and wheeze a lot due to breathing difficulties. They love to take naps and be lazy, although exercise should be in their weekly regimen. Bulldogs cannot handle a lot of physical activity or a lot of heat, as they may overheat easily. They also can not swim and should not be near an area they can accidentally fall into a body of water. They are likeable, loveable, and have sweet dispositions.Show English Bulldog

Other Names: English Bulldog

Type: Companion Dog

Height: 12 - 16 inches.
Weight: Females: 40 - 50 lbs.; Males: 50 - 55 lbs.

Colors: Uniform color or with a black mask or muzzle; reds, red brindle, piebald, other brindles, red-fawn or yellow; or black, which is undesirable. They can be solid white, or any of these colors on a white background.
Coat: Short, smooth, close, and finely textured.

Temperament: Bulldogs are affectionate, docile, and reliable. They can be stubborn at times, but are very friendly and loving. They have mellow personalities, and can be quite comical. They are husky, gentle and good-natured. They are jovial, amiable, and willing to please. Courageous and capable of powerful strength, they are sometimes cantankerous with other dogs.
With Children: Bulldogs are wonderful with children, they love a low-key romp with the kids in the backyard. They are loving and friendly, and make excellent playmates, although not the fastest dog in the world.
With Pets: Yes, but may get aggressive towards other animals when food is present. They are generally good with other animals, except some dogs that may provoke a fight.

Watch-dog: Very low. Bulldogs are slow and cumbersome.
Guard-dog: High. Bulldogs can and will fight if the need be.

Care and Training: Regular brushing of the Bulldogs' coat with a rough cloth and minimal exercise is needed. Care should be taken not to over feed the Bulldog, as they can be quite lazy and already heavy-set. Bulldogs would also prefer not to take any exercise, and therefore must be exercised minimally, making sure they get it but not overworking them. Special care to powder their fold and wrinkles and under their tail during hot weather, although hot weather is unsuitable for the Bulldog. Bulldogs should not be over exerted in hot weather. The folds of their cheeks should be cleaned daily and baths given when needed. Bulldogs do not make a good dog for the obedience enthusiast.
Learning Rate: Low. They can be stubborn. Intelligent, but uncomplicated.

Activity: Indoors very low, they do not take to exercise as often as they should, possibly because of breathing difficulties. Outdoor activity is low.
Special Needs: Protection from the heat, socialization, training, wrinkle cleaning on the face.
Living Environment: Indoor - outdoor arrangement in a temperate climate. Does not do well in extreme weather conditions, especially heat. Should not be around an area that they could fall into a body of water easily, as they can not swim. The best owner for a Bulldog would be a family or elderly person in country, suburban or city environment. Bulldogs are suitable for apartment living.

Health Issues: Bulldogs have been bred smaller and more compact, creating many health problems. They are very susceptible to overheating, itchy skin, allergies, difficulty breathing, brachycephalic syndrome, eye problems and reproductive problems. Due to the prized wide chest and small hips that show rings emphasize, many puppies must be born Caesarean section because they cannot fit through the birth canal. Other health concerns include elongated soft palate, small trachea, heart problems, hip dysplasia, shoulder luxation and internalized tail.

Life Span: 8 - 12 years
Litter Size: 4 puppies.

Country of Origin: Great Britain
History: The term "Bulldog" was originally created to describe any dog that shared the same qualities of a dog who fought bulls in bull-baiting. As the story goes, bull-baiting began in the 13th century in England, when Lord Stamford of Lincolnshire saw a couple dogs "baiting" a butcher's bull. Lord Stamford was so entertained that he had a field reserved for bull-baiting in order that the butcher provide their own dogs. Bull meat was said to taste better if it had been baited before it was butchered. The dogs were also put into the fighting ring with other dogs, in the sport of dog-fighting. They would even take on other animals such as bulls, bears, badgers, lions and monkeys in the ring. After 1835 when bull-baiting was outlawed, the Bulldog had depleted its use. But thanks to their popularity already and the help of Bill George, an avid breeder, the Bulldog maintained its status. The only difference now was that they were bred for personality, not fighting ability. The Bulldog continued on and became more and more friendly and amiable, rather than fierce and aggressive. In 1891 the London Bulldog Society was formed, and still has meetings at the Crufts Dog Show. Bulldogs roots are firmly planted in British soil, being mentioned in many written works in English history as well as being a national icon for Britain. Shakespeare refers to the breed in King Henry, VI. The breed was bred down to become smaller than it originally was. Now breeders concentrate on developing their non-ferocious traits, which actually has led to a lot of health problems. Bulldogs can not swim, can not go on long walks, and can be in danger in the heat. They have been bred to have such wide collar bones and chests that they often cannot fit through the birth canal when being born, and therefore must have Caesarian sections performed. The Bulldog is now a popular show dog and pet around the world.

First Registered by the AKC: 1934
AKC Group: Non-Sporting
Class: Non-Sporting
Registries: AKC, CKC, FCI (Group 2), KC (GB)

[Razor X]

The most important thing you can do when trying to decide on a breed of dog, is to talk to reputable breeders and find out what the breed is like to live with.  A reputable breeder will tell you all of the breed's good points and bad points -- and will probably emphasize the bad points.  If you're not scared off, then they'll go on to the good points.   

The web can be a valuable research tool but bear in mind the breed information is usually superficial and often paints too rosy a picture.

If you don't have your heart set on a particular breed, then adopting a mutt from the pound, as others have suggested, is a great idea -- provided you can find the kind of dog you want there.  It's sometimes easier said than done, depending on what part of the country you are in.   Here in the northeast, most of the shelter dogs tend to be pit bull mixes.

[Mikekoz13]

also FR8..... since I did greyhound rescue for all those years and they are sight hounds, as are basenjis, i am qualified to say this. Sight hounds generally have some unique characteristics that you should know about. read up on the breed. Nothing bad mind you...... I LOVE sight hounds.

[Razor X]

For that matter, greyhounds make very good pets.  They are pretty low-maintenance as dogs go.

[FR8TRAIN]

First I want to thank all of you for your input into this decision.

That being said, we got our new companion yerterday! He is an older dog (approx. 6 years old) and a rescue. His name is Niles and he came from NOLA. He seems to be part Basenji, Rat Terrier and Chihuahua. He weighs 18 lbs. and is about 17" tall at the shoulder.



He is extremely well behaved and gets along with my son Parker very well.



And amazingly I don't need to have him on a leash (though I do keep him on one) as he follows me everywhere and comes on command if he wanders. I couldn't have trained a more well behaved dog myself. How fortunate we are to have him and I'm pretty sure he feels the same.

[slyinglide]

I would like to congratulate you on getting a new member to your family.............

[FR8TRAIN]

I would like to congratulate you on getting a new member to your family.............

Thanks.

[Timmay]

Reminds me of my dog that I got when I was about 4 years old.  He lived to be about 17 years old.  I miss the ol pooch.  His name was Snoopy!  LOL