So my boy wants a dog...

[FR8TRAIN]

My little 8 year old has been bugging me recently for a dog.

He's the smaller guy in the photo below...



He has been drawn to a couple of breeds. One is a Basenji...


Known as the "Barkless" Dog of the Congo. I actually had a wonderful Basenji named Kato back in the day so I'm at least familiar with them.

The other breed is a Bulldog...

Which I know several of my bald Brothers own. But I know absolutely nothing about them.

Now we do not have a fenced in yard of any sort. I expect to keep our new family member inside the house and walk them when ever they need to go out. They'll have their own crate where they will spend the night and any time that the house will be completely empty (not very often and not for more than 4-5 hours).

So what do you think? A Basenji, a Bulldog or some other breed?

[Razor X]

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.

[StumpyDave]

I'd avoid a dog that needs lots of exercise unless you really want your 8 year old to become a marathon runner when he's older (or you are willing to do lots).  These types of dog can also get bored and destructive if left alone for long.
For that reason a Basenji may not be a smart move.

A bulldog would require less exercise.  It isn't the sort of dog to chase a frisbee around a park for a long time so that may not appeal to an active child.  I know a breeder of bulldogs and she says that they can be a bit stubborn and are not the easiest of breeds to train (although that is a generalisation).

Go to a reputable breeder of your candidates and ask them lots of questions.  A decent breeder won't try to sell you a dog if they don't think it will be right for you becuase that will become a dog that needs to be rehomed in the future.

[Timmay]

Buy him a Cat..lol

[Sly Red]

Smooth Coated Fox Terrier

[tomgallagher]

The #1 rated dog in the country. Labrador Retriever.

[MagmaBabe]

aaaaw, well I can see where your little man gets his good looks!   

Well I voted for other..  I've known people with bulldogs.. they do tend to suffer with breathing problems, regardless of what line they come from but they're also prone to heart problems too.
I know nothing about the other dog you mentioned.. completely ignorant on that matter in fact,
but I would like to recommend to you either an english cocker spaniel...



or an english springer spaniel





obviously like all dogs they have their good and bad points, but spaniels from pups are absolutely fabulous
with kids daaahlin'  One little pooch that I've wanted ever since I was a nipper.
you should have a little look into all the breeds that are suggested to you, just to give you
more of an idea.

 

Good luck fr8 my lovely in choosing!

[MagmaBabe]

The #1 rated dog in the country. Labrador Retriever.

I reckon that's the #1 rated dog in the world Tom, Labbies are great dogs 

[StumpyDave]

I tried to find a current picture of my dog, but in searching I found this:


He's now 66kg. He eats quite a lot and vet treatment costs purely because of the quantity of any drugs involved.  He is extremely strong and a brilliant guard dog.
He's stubborn, willful and very territorial.  He is also extremely gentle with our children and very loyal.  Whilst I don't believe he'd ever hurt my family intentionally he is very clumsy, and when defending his home he forgets about the smaller members of the family and has been known to knock a child over at times.
I would NOT recommend a bullmastiff as a dog for a child (or small adult) or an inexperienced dog owner.

I just thought it was a cute picture and I'd share it.

Labs and spaniels are great dogs but need a fair amount of exercise.

[MagmaBabe]

I tried to find a current picture of my dog, but in searching I found this:

Labs and spaniels are great dogs but need a fair amount of exercise.

nowhere near  as much as a bloody border collie!! (fr8, take note, do not get a bc!)
Sheeesh! I have taken my dog out for hours.. and though I've almost killed her getting her to swim in the
sea and run around like a nutter on the beach... (and at times I've thought I've knackered her out so much she's gonna collapse) the moment we get home that damn ball is back
in her mouth and she is waiting by the back door! lol

Fr8... get a chihuahua! 

[buuckkweet]

Hey FR8!

You might want to consider adopting a good ol Heinz 57 from the animal shelter.

For being an ankle biter, He's pretty cool!

[FR8TRAIN]

Hey FR8!

You might want to consider adopting a good ol Heinz 57 from the animal shelter.

For being an ankle biter, He's pretty cool!

Believe me BW that's not out of the question. I am an avid dog lover. Some people say I have a way with dogs of all breeds. IMO some of the best K9 friends come from the local shelter. I currently volunteer my spare time, what little I have, to the county animal shelter. Occasionally my son comes with me and I'm sure that is where all of this interest is coming from. I just wanted to get some input from some of the best people on this rock. So thanks all of you. Keep it coming cause I'm sharing it with the wee one.

[Tucker-54]

I really Like Basenji dogs... We used to have a neighbor with one. They are REALLY cool and sweet. the do like to run and exercise alot, but also can be good snugglers.


I have a PUG. He's a great dog and I couldn't live without him.

We also have a German Shep. Also a great dog. BUT BIG! 100+ pounds

[Bensen]

a labrador

[SLYinKC]

I had the same situation.  My 2 boys begged for a dog for years.  It was just this past May that a coworker found a terrier that needed a home.  He has quickly become part of the family.  However, we are still working on the housebreaking.