Does anyone here have personal experience with a Basenji?
August 25, 2006 4:07 PM Subscribe
I am interested in adopting a Basenji, and am wondering what your experience has been - positive/negative.
I've done a lot of research on the breed, and was really excited about getting the dog, but when I explained my predicament to a colleague who was a former owner of a Basenji, he cautioned me. I was going to pick up a dog today who was up for adoption, but had a family emergency. The colleague that had a Basenji in the past told me they don't travel well and don't like new people (i.e., if I had to stay in someone else's home with the dog and his stuff wasn't there). This is worrisome to me because these events are sporadic, but they do occur. Also, I wonder how easy it is to train them not to chew furniture when I'm not home during the day. I think leaving a dog in a crate is mean, and I've heard they get destructive when bored. Does anyone have any personal advice? I'm much obliged! I really want this dog and the owner offered to save it for me until my little crisis is over.
I've done a lot of research on the breed, and was really excited about getting the dog, but when I explained my predicament to a colleague who was a former owner of a Basenji, he cautioned me. I was going to pick up a dog today who was up for adoption, but had a family emergency. The colleague that had a Basenji in the past told me they don't travel well and don't like new people (i.e., if I had to stay in someone else's home with the dog and his stuff wasn't there). This is worrisome to me because these events are sporadic, but they do occur. Also, I wonder how easy it is to train them not to chew furniture when I'm not home during the day. I think leaving a dog in a crate is mean, and I've heard they get destructive when bored. Does anyone have any personal advice? I'm much obliged! I really want this dog and the owner offered to save it for me until my little crisis is over.
Go to the the most recent episode of "This American Life" and listen to the prologue by Ira Glass and producer Alex Blumberg on Trumpkin the Basenji
"Ira talks with producer Alex Blumberg and his parents about a bad dog they once had, and how nothing – not getting hit by cars, attacked by bigger dogs, or being shipped off to live on a farm – could stop this dog from coming home."
http://www.thislife.org/pages/descriptions/06/316.html
BTW -- I knew Trumpkin, ALex's parents are good friends of our. Listen and move ahead as you must
posted by rmhsinc at 4:33 PM on August 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
"Ira talks with producer Alex Blumberg and his parents about a bad dog they once had, and how nothing – not getting hit by cars, attacked by bigger dogs, or being shipped off to live on a farm – could stop this dog from coming home."
http://www.thislife.org/pages/descriptions/06/316.html
BTW -- I knew Trumpkin, ALex's parents are good friends of our. Listen and move ahead as you must
posted by rmhsinc at 4:33 PM on August 25, 2006 [1 favorite]
WaterSprite, crating a dog seems mean at first, but only until you've successfully crate trained your first dog. My dogs love their crates, and they seek them out whenever they feel the need for some down-time. Dogs are den animals, and if you don't provide a crate for them, they'll seek out their own den-like structures.
High-energy, high-activity dogs can feel ill-at-ease when they don't have anything to do. That's where fidgety behavior like chewing, scratching and yowling happens. By crating your dog, you're telling him, "Now's the time to relax and take a nap or chew on a bone."
True Basenji people tend to be Basenji people for life, and no other dog will do. Contact your local AKC Basenji club to talk to a few breeders and get the names of some trainers who understand the Basenji's peculiar nature. Basenji rescue will also have some people who will have good info for you.
And congratulations on considering a rescue dog.
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 4:33 PM on August 25, 2006
High-energy, high-activity dogs can feel ill-at-ease when they don't have anything to do. That's where fidgety behavior like chewing, scratching and yowling happens. By crating your dog, you're telling him, "Now's the time to relax and take a nap or chew on a bone."
True Basenji people tend to be Basenji people for life, and no other dog will do. Contact your local AKC Basenji club to talk to a few breeders and get the names of some trainers who understand the Basenji's peculiar nature. Basenji rescue will also have some people who will have good info for you.
And congratulations on considering a rescue dog.
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 4:33 PM on August 25, 2006
Growing up, our neighbors had two of them. They were really nasty to anybody but that family. Not the pitbull-break-your-neck-type, but they really did not take well to...umm...anybody. Now that I think about it, I don't even think they liked our neighbors who owned them. And , I don't think they liked each other. hmm. Very weird dogs.
On the flip side we had this great dog Duke who was part collie and part everything else. Wonderful temperment, loyal and neverhad a worry with. It always just pointed up how nasty those basengis were.
Anyway, the basenjis, after getting quite old, both walked off into the woods (at different times) and were never seen again. We did find one months later. Clearly a natural death, but it was strange how they knew their time was up and chose to end it alone.
Weird dogs.
Sorry for the tangent.
posted by lampshade at 4:36 PM on August 25, 2006
On the flip side we had this great dog Duke who was part collie and part everything else. Wonderful temperment, loyal and neverhad a worry with. It always just pointed up how nasty those basengis were.
Anyway, the basenjis, after getting quite old, both walked off into the woods (at different times) and were never seen again. We did find one months later. Clearly a natural death, but it was strange how they knew their time was up and chose to end it alone.
Weird dogs.
Sorry for the tangent.
posted by lampshade at 4:36 PM on August 25, 2006
Oh! And here are a few links:
Basenji Rescue and Transport
the national Basenji club
Bay State Basenji Club
I can't stress how important it is to find a trainer who is familiar with the breed. The Basenji folks can help you with that, too.
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 4:42 PM on August 25, 2006
Basenji Rescue and Transport
the national Basenji club
Bay State Basenji Club
I can't stress how important it is to find a trainer who is familiar with the breed. The Basenji folks can help you with that, too.
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 4:42 PM on August 25, 2006
Response by poster: Are you able to get honest information from the current owner about the dog's behavior and personality? That might be your best bet. I'd hope that the person cares enough about the dog that they want to insure a good match with the new owner.
They've only had the dog for a few days, and say that it is "food aggressive", but a love. I can deal with the food aggressiveness, but I worry about leaving it alone and the chewing thing. They say it doesn't chew, but that is a typical behavior of the breed. When I get back home I intend to go over and check out the dog. And freshwater_pr0n, I would never buy a dog from a breeder or a puppy mill, that's why I'm so excited about getting this breed from a person who adopted from someone who was apparently an abuser.
posted by WaterSprite at 4:45 PM on August 25, 2006
They've only had the dog for a few days, and say that it is "food aggressive", but a love. I can deal with the food aggressiveness, but I worry about leaving it alone and the chewing thing. They say it doesn't chew, but that is a typical behavior of the breed. When I get back home I intend to go over and check out the dog. And freshwater_pr0n, I would never buy a dog from a breeder or a puppy mill, that's why I'm so excited about getting this breed from a person who adopted from someone who was apparently an abuser.
posted by WaterSprite at 4:45 PM on August 25, 2006
I had a coworker many years ago who got a Basenji. He was initially very excited about this, but ended up being very unhappy with the dog. I don't remember the details, but it was high maintenence in some way, either aggressive or very hyperactive, or something. It did not turn out to be his dream dog.
I'd recommend you learn a lot more about the breed before taking this leap.
posted by alms at 5:18 PM on August 25, 2006
I'd recommend you learn a lot more about the breed before taking this leap.
posted by alms at 5:18 PM on August 25, 2006
I think leaving a dog in a crate is mean
Sure, but you're not a dog. You think crating is mean, but you also think dogshit stinks, so what do you know?
What you think about it doesn't much matter; what matters is what dogs (or that dog in particular) like or dislike or at least tolerate. And most dogs tolerate crating just fine. Though some, like the one in our house, don't.
I would never buy a dog from a breeder or a puppy mill, that's why I'm so excited about getting this breed from a person who adopted from someone who was apparently an abuser
A few things here.
First, why do you think the previous owner was abusive? Did the dog receive intensive medical treatment for beatings or burns? Or are you just assuming or accepting their say-so that the previous owner was abusive? Lots of dogs end up in rescue not because the owners were abusive monsters but rather because the dogs had behavior issues that the owners couldn't or wouldn't deal with.
Second, breeder != puppy mill. For any breed, there are puppy mills and indifferent backyard breeders, but there are also perfectly ethical breeders with a real concern for the particular dogs they raise as well as the breed as a whole. Ruling out breeders is your own business, but not really smart.
Third, you seem to be indicating that your disdain for breeders is so strong that you won't even talk to them -- pr0n didn't suggest that you run to a pet store and buy a basenji, only that you talk to a breeder. If so, this is downright dumb. The best answer to your question is for you to go to a few dog shows, talk to basenji breeders, meet lots of dogs, maybe even talk to people who used to breed or own basenjis but no longer do. Most breed fanciers will be very upfront about (some of) their breed's bad qualities.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 5:21 PM on August 25, 2006
Sure, but you're not a dog. You think crating is mean, but you also think dogshit stinks, so what do you know?
What you think about it doesn't much matter; what matters is what dogs (or that dog in particular) like or dislike or at least tolerate. And most dogs tolerate crating just fine. Though some, like the one in our house, don't.
I would never buy a dog from a breeder or a puppy mill, that's why I'm so excited about getting this breed from a person who adopted from someone who was apparently an abuser
A few things here.
First, why do you think the previous owner was abusive? Did the dog receive intensive medical treatment for beatings or burns? Or are you just assuming or accepting their say-so that the previous owner was abusive? Lots of dogs end up in rescue not because the owners were abusive monsters but rather because the dogs had behavior issues that the owners couldn't or wouldn't deal with.
Second, breeder != puppy mill. For any breed, there are puppy mills and indifferent backyard breeders, but there are also perfectly ethical breeders with a real concern for the particular dogs they raise as well as the breed as a whole. Ruling out breeders is your own business, but not really smart.
Third, you seem to be indicating that your disdain for breeders is so strong that you won't even talk to them -- pr0n didn't suggest that you run to a pet store and buy a basenji, only that you talk to a breeder. If so, this is downright dumb. The best answer to your question is for you to go to a few dog shows, talk to basenji breeders, meet lots of dogs, maybe even talk to people who used to breed or own basenjis but no longer do. Most breed fanciers will be very upfront about (some of) their breed's bad qualities.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 5:21 PM on August 25, 2006
Best answer: that's why I'm so excited about getting this breed from a person who adopted from someone who was apparently an abuser.
This is raising some very serious warning flags for me. The number of dogs who are actually rescued from abuse is extremely small, especially when compared to the number of dogs who are rehomed for behavioural problems (in other words, I think it's substantially likely that this dog was originally rehomed, and is currently being rehomed, for something both former owners couldn't live with or deal with). Why is the current owner rehoming the dog, where did he actually get it from? I'd be VERY cautious about this. "Abuse" is one of those words that gets thrown around in the dog world far too easily, and it's often the case that good-hearted and well-meaning people like yourself get taken in by the thought of rescuing a dog from an abusive past, and end up with a heartbreaking and expensive nightmare instead. Not all dogs can or should be saved, and there are thousands of dogs in genuine, ethical rescue groups which have been carefully evaluated and who do not have issues like food aggression, and who also desperately need a good home. "Abuse" is often a catchall excuse for all manner of bad behaviour (not to mention a reason for continued poor dog management because of pity), and it's only rarely actually the root cause, it's much more often the case that indiscriminate breeding, lack of appropriate training and socialization, and plain-old having a screw loose are the root cause of bad behaviour. And remember that the CAUSE does not matter in any case, the dog's behaviour can either be modified in such a way that the dog can live well with people, or it can't, the root cause is not really a consideration (aside from in cases where the dog's basic needs aren't being met).
You also say you can "deal with" food aggressiveness - with your reluctance about crating (especially when a crate is one of the best tools to use when dealing with food aggression) and your seeming inexperience, I'm a bit concerned about this - food aggression can be a very serious and dangerous problem, people have been maimed and killed by dogs with food aggression, and it is not necessarily a simple matter to deal with (especially without a crate).
I'm also a bit surprised that you equate breeders with puppy mills - an ethical dog breeder is the exact opposite of a puppy mill. I'll also point out that it's likely that this dog comes from an unscrupulous breeder, since it's rare for dogs from ethical breeders to end up like this (ethical breeders always take back the dogs they breed, at any time and for any reason) - this can be cause for concern in terms of health and temperament, as well as appropriate early handling.
Ultimately, I think the issue here is bigger than just "what are Basenjis like" (they're generally nice dogs, more cat than dog in some ways, and can be extremely difficult to train). I urge you to consider very carefully what is really going on here, (i.e. why this dog is really being rehomed), and to explore a bit why it is that you think that crating is "mean" (have you actually done any research about it?), especially with a dog where food aggression and inappropriate chewing (both of which can be fatal for dogs, and both of which are best dealt with by using a crate) are/may be an issue. Taking on a project/problem dog can be very rewarding, but it is a lot of work and can be hearbreaking and very expensive. I'd be very cautious about taking a dog like this under these circumstances, especially a dog of a breed like a Basenji, which normally requires proper and extensive socialization and training from an early age (which it seems unlikely that this dog has received).
You obviously have a good heart and want to do the right thing, please be very careful with this situation, there are lots of dogs in need who don't have potentially extremely serious issues like this.
posted by biscotti at 5:47 PM on August 25, 2006
This is raising some very serious warning flags for me. The number of dogs who are actually rescued from abuse is extremely small, especially when compared to the number of dogs who are rehomed for behavioural problems (in other words, I think it's substantially likely that this dog was originally rehomed, and is currently being rehomed, for something both former owners couldn't live with or deal with). Why is the current owner rehoming the dog, where did he actually get it from? I'd be VERY cautious about this. "Abuse" is one of those words that gets thrown around in the dog world far too easily, and it's often the case that good-hearted and well-meaning people like yourself get taken in by the thought of rescuing a dog from an abusive past, and end up with a heartbreaking and expensive nightmare instead. Not all dogs can or should be saved, and there are thousands of dogs in genuine, ethical rescue groups which have been carefully evaluated and who do not have issues like food aggression, and who also desperately need a good home. "Abuse" is often a catchall excuse for all manner of bad behaviour (not to mention a reason for continued poor dog management because of pity), and it's only rarely actually the root cause, it's much more often the case that indiscriminate breeding, lack of appropriate training and socialization, and plain-old having a screw loose are the root cause of bad behaviour. And remember that the CAUSE does not matter in any case, the dog's behaviour can either be modified in such a way that the dog can live well with people, or it can't, the root cause is not really a consideration (aside from in cases where the dog's basic needs aren't being met).
You also say you can "deal with" food aggressiveness - with your reluctance about crating (especially when a crate is one of the best tools to use when dealing with food aggression) and your seeming inexperience, I'm a bit concerned about this - food aggression can be a very serious and dangerous problem, people have been maimed and killed by dogs with food aggression, and it is not necessarily a simple matter to deal with (especially without a crate).
I'm also a bit surprised that you equate breeders with puppy mills - an ethical dog breeder is the exact opposite of a puppy mill. I'll also point out that it's likely that this dog comes from an unscrupulous breeder, since it's rare for dogs from ethical breeders to end up like this (ethical breeders always take back the dogs they breed, at any time and for any reason) - this can be cause for concern in terms of health and temperament, as well as appropriate early handling.
Ultimately, I think the issue here is bigger than just "what are Basenjis like" (they're generally nice dogs, more cat than dog in some ways, and can be extremely difficult to train). I urge you to consider very carefully what is really going on here, (i.e. why this dog is really being rehomed), and to explore a bit why it is that you think that crating is "mean" (have you actually done any research about it?), especially with a dog where food aggression and inappropriate chewing (both of which can be fatal for dogs, and both of which are best dealt with by using a crate) are/may be an issue. Taking on a project/problem dog can be very rewarding, but it is a lot of work and can be hearbreaking and very expensive. I'd be very cautious about taking a dog like this under these circumstances, especially a dog of a breed like a Basenji, which normally requires proper and extensive socialization and training from an early age (which it seems unlikely that this dog has received).
You obviously have a good heart and want to do the right thing, please be very careful with this situation, there are lots of dogs in need who don't have potentially extremely serious issues like this.
posted by biscotti at 5:47 PM on August 25, 2006
Best answer: Had one, actually not a pure breed, but the Basenji bits seemed dominate. All I have to offer beyond what has already been said is they are a little weird compared to most breeds, 'cat like' is the best way I can describe my experience. He would curl up on my lap one min and be avoiding all contact the next, selectively antisocial I guess. Did not do well with other dogs and had a ridiculous amount of energy. Any time he got out of the house unleashed, he would be gone for days and come back looking like he got hit by a train, but seemingly content with himself.
If I was to get another dog, and be in the market for a pure breed, I would most definitely consider another. But I appreciate the quirks and the lack of barking was a nice perk.
posted by paxton at 6:03 PM on August 25, 2006
If I was to get another dog, and be in the market for a pure breed, I would most definitely consider another. But I appreciate the quirks and the lack of barking was a nice perk.
posted by paxton at 6:03 PM on August 25, 2006
Oh and mine was crate trained, and I would consider that a must.
posted by paxton at 6:03 PM on August 25, 2006
posted by paxton at 6:03 PM on August 25, 2006
rmhsinc--- you knew Trumpkin! That story has stuck with me---and how hard it is to get the pet of your dreams by choosing on breed. Good luck, WaterSprite, and i too recommend the show. Its titled "And The Cat Came Back".
posted by dsaelf at 6:34 PM on August 25, 2006
posted by dsaelf at 6:34 PM on August 25, 2006
Response by poster: Thanks, everyone. Initially, I had been looking for a terrier/cross mutt because I had one for 15 years and he was the greatest dog in the world, and lived to a ripe old age without EVER being a nuisance. I thought the Basenji might become this dog, but apparently not. Sorry for those of you that thought me naive, I've never had any purebred. If anyone knows of someone who wants to adopt out a dog, please let me know. I'm having trouble with the shelters - single, condo, etc. in Massachusetts only breeders cater to us and I prefer to adopt.
posted by WaterSprite at 7:57 PM on August 25, 2006
posted by WaterSprite at 7:57 PM on August 25, 2006
Response by poster: Third, you seem to be indicating that your disdain for breeders is so strong that you won't even talk to them -- pr0n didn't suggest that you run to a pet store and buy a basenji, only that you talk to a breeder. If so, this is downright dumb.
OK, I'm downright dumb. I didn't SAY that the dogs that breeders produce are bad, I am just interested in saving a nice dog and having a companion. Why is there always someone that has to make negative comments? I feel bad for puppies from pet stores, but my personal experience is that they tend to be sick and cost a lot in anguish and vet bills.
posted by WaterSprite at 8:05 PM on August 25, 2006
OK, I'm downright dumb. I didn't SAY that the dogs that breeders produce are bad, I am just interested in saving a nice dog and having a companion. Why is there always someone that has to make negative comments? I feel bad for puppies from pet stores, but my personal experience is that they tend to be sick and cost a lot in anguish and vet bills.
posted by WaterSprite at 8:05 PM on August 25, 2006
Sorry I jumped down your throat.
But buying from a reputable, ethical breeder is worlds different from buying from a pet store or from someone selling puppies in the parking lot of a PetCo. Dogs in pet stores come from puppy mills, not good breeders.
Talking to breeders would be useful because (decent) breeders know a lot about their breed and can answer lots of questions. Even if you get a rescue dog or a pound dog!
If you want a dog but aren't sure which kind you really want, one way to do this is to list qualities you want and ones you don't to narrow things down a bit and then go to dog shows where you can meet the dogs you're interested in and some more besides. It's also a good place to talk to breeders who are doing at least some of the right things.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 8:47 PM on August 25, 2006
But buying from a reputable, ethical breeder is worlds different from buying from a pet store or from someone selling puppies in the parking lot of a PetCo. Dogs in pet stores come from puppy mills, not good breeders.
Talking to breeders would be useful because (decent) breeders know a lot about their breed and can answer lots of questions. Even if you get a rescue dog or a pound dog!
If you want a dog but aren't sure which kind you really want, one way to do this is to list qualities you want and ones you don't to narrow things down a bit and then go to dog shows where you can meet the dogs you're interested in and some more besides. It's also a good place to talk to breeders who are doing at least some of the right things.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 8:47 PM on August 25, 2006
I feel bad for puppies from pet stores, but my personal experience is that they tend to be sick and cost a lot in anguish and vet bills.
And you'd be absolutely right. As ROU_Xenophobe points out, pet store puppies do not ever come from ethical breeders, they come from puppy mills. Which is why nobody should buy puppies from pet stores (but that's another discussion).
I definitely agree that going to some dog shows and talking to some breeders and meeting some different breeds is a great idea. Most ethical breeders will want to tell you what you WON'T like about their breed, as well as what you will.
While a pet shop won't care about your living situation (they want to sell you a dog, period), anyone involved with dogs who actually has ethics will. This doesn't mean that you won't find a breeder or rescue or pound who'll place a dog with you, but you need to come up with a solid plan for how you intend to manage providing a good quality of life for a dog ahead of time, and demonstrate how feasible it is and how committed to it you are. Ethical breeders do not cater to anyone, they breed only to improve their breed, breed to improve their breeding stock, and are very picky about where they place the puppies they sell. An ethical breeder will want to spend time with you, getting to know you and your living situation, and they will then decide if they feel a dog of theirs will fit into your life (they want the dog to be happy). Many rescue groups will also be willing to hear you out about how you'll manage a dog (they also want the dog to be happy, and they don't want to see it back in rescue). Please keep in mind that there's a reason that many ethical dog people are leery of people in your situation: once the novelty wears off, lots of people find they just can't keep taking the dog out for walks multiple times per day through rain, snow, sleet, hail, sickness, migraine headaches, needing a good night's sleep, etc. Lots of dogs end up in rescue or shelters precisely because someone in your position couldn't manage it anymore - there's a huge difference between being able to open the back door to let your dog with an upset stomach out for the twelfth time that night, and having to get dressed, put shoes on, go down in the elevator, etc. I know that you know this, but perhaps consider ways in which you can prove that you are aware of this and aren't going to be the person who dumps the dog when it becomes inconvenient.
Meet some breeders at shows (the AKC's website lists shows in your area), at very least it will help you narrow down what breeds you like and what breeds you don't (a terrier is unlikely to be a good choice for you, they are high-energy, barky dogs as a general rule, not normally well-suited to life in a condo) - even if you end up with a mix, more education about different breeds and their tendencies will help you choose wisely. I am not really a fan of the AKC, but big dog shows are where you'll find lots of different breeds and lots of different people to talk to.
Perhaps consider a rescued Greyhound, they make very good apartment dogs. Dogs can also be trained to use a litterbox, which might be something to look into (especially toy breeds, since they need less litter space). Many rescues will consider someone in your situation as long as you can show that you're serious about being a responsible owner (perhaps volunteer at a shelter for a while, this will not only help your "resume" in terms of experience and commitment, it will also give you a "dog fix" and let you figure out what kind of dogs you like and what kind you don't). Good luck to you, I'm sure you will find a dog who'll fit into your life, and you certainly seem to be doing things correctly: you're doing your homework, and you're learning from what you're finding out, these are things many people never do. There's a dog out there for you, and thank you for wanting to do this right, I'm sure you'll be a great dog owner eventually.
posted by biscotti at 10:19 PM on August 25, 2006
And you'd be absolutely right. As ROU_Xenophobe points out, pet store puppies do not ever come from ethical breeders, they come from puppy mills. Which is why nobody should buy puppies from pet stores (but that's another discussion).
I definitely agree that going to some dog shows and talking to some breeders and meeting some different breeds is a great idea. Most ethical breeders will want to tell you what you WON'T like about their breed, as well as what you will.
While a pet shop won't care about your living situation (they want to sell you a dog, period), anyone involved with dogs who actually has ethics will. This doesn't mean that you won't find a breeder or rescue or pound who'll place a dog with you, but you need to come up with a solid plan for how you intend to manage providing a good quality of life for a dog ahead of time, and demonstrate how feasible it is and how committed to it you are. Ethical breeders do not cater to anyone, they breed only to improve their breed, breed to improve their breeding stock, and are very picky about where they place the puppies they sell. An ethical breeder will want to spend time with you, getting to know you and your living situation, and they will then decide if they feel a dog of theirs will fit into your life (they want the dog to be happy). Many rescue groups will also be willing to hear you out about how you'll manage a dog (they also want the dog to be happy, and they don't want to see it back in rescue). Please keep in mind that there's a reason that many ethical dog people are leery of people in your situation: once the novelty wears off, lots of people find they just can't keep taking the dog out for walks multiple times per day through rain, snow, sleet, hail, sickness, migraine headaches, needing a good night's sleep, etc. Lots of dogs end up in rescue or shelters precisely because someone in your position couldn't manage it anymore - there's a huge difference between being able to open the back door to let your dog with an upset stomach out for the twelfth time that night, and having to get dressed, put shoes on, go down in the elevator, etc. I know that you know this, but perhaps consider ways in which you can prove that you are aware of this and aren't going to be the person who dumps the dog when it becomes inconvenient.
Meet some breeders at shows (the AKC's website lists shows in your area), at very least it will help you narrow down what breeds you like and what breeds you don't (a terrier is unlikely to be a good choice for you, they are high-energy, barky dogs as a general rule, not normally well-suited to life in a condo) - even if you end up with a mix, more education about different breeds and their tendencies will help you choose wisely. I am not really a fan of the AKC, but big dog shows are where you'll find lots of different breeds and lots of different people to talk to.
Perhaps consider a rescued Greyhound, they make very good apartment dogs. Dogs can also be trained to use a litterbox, which might be something to look into (especially toy breeds, since they need less litter space). Many rescues will consider someone in your situation as long as you can show that you're serious about being a responsible owner (perhaps volunteer at a shelter for a while, this will not only help your "resume" in terms of experience and commitment, it will also give you a "dog fix" and let you figure out what kind of dogs you like and what kind you don't). Good luck to you, I'm sure you will find a dog who'll fit into your life, and you certainly seem to be doing things correctly: you're doing your homework, and you're learning from what you're finding out, these are things many people never do. There's a dog out there for you, and thank you for wanting to do this right, I'm sure you'll be a great dog owner eventually.
posted by biscotti at 10:19 PM on August 25, 2006
We have two basenjis, and they're absolutely wonderful dogs.
That doesn't mean I would recommend one. And there are a lot of warning signs flashing in this particular case.
Basenjis are great but they take a lot of work. They are definintely not for beginning dog owners, and the world of this breed is littered with rescues due not to temperament or abuse but simply due to owners who cannot handle their dogs and are completely overwhelmed by them.
Some things to note:
--Their reactions and comportment is different than other dogs. They don't wag their tail in the same way as most, for example, and their vocalization is very different than other dogs. So although they get along well with other dogs most of the time, there are times when others seem to get very mixed messages. In the dog world, this is a big problem.
--Basenjis are hounds, primarily sight hounds (like greyhounds or whippets). They were bred to chase prey, and to such a dog, some litter in the wind at 300 yards is indistinguishable from prey. They will run, and if they're interested enough, they won't notice any street or anything between them and their "prey". This is important, because it means that when retriever owners, say, go to the park and let their dogs roam around, basenji owners should never do this save in an enclosed area. In other words, Basenjis should never be let off their leash in an unfenced area. This is difficult for many dog owners to understand, and means that one of the highest causes of death for basenjis is being hit by cars.
--they can climb chain link fences. A chain link fence at the local dog run is probably not an issue. A chain link fence in the back yard where the dog will spend a lot of idle time - this is mostly just a challenge.
--One of their joyful sounds is very similar to a growl. Most basenji people know this as chortling, and once you get used to it, it's great. At first it's pretty disconcerting though.
The red flags I have about this dog are a) that the original breeder didn't take him back - as any reputable breeder would; and b) Basenji Rescue and Transport (or another well-known Basenji rescue organization) isn't involved. The latter in particular go out of the way to get involved in any seemingly purebred basenji's placement and re-homing, and that they're not involved seems strange to me. The basenji world is pretty small.
posted by mikel at 8:06 PM on August 26, 2006
That doesn't mean I would recommend one. And there are a lot of warning signs flashing in this particular case.
Basenjis are great but they take a lot of work. They are definintely not for beginning dog owners, and the world of this breed is littered with rescues due not to temperament or abuse but simply due to owners who cannot handle their dogs and are completely overwhelmed by them.
Some things to note:
--Their reactions and comportment is different than other dogs. They don't wag their tail in the same way as most, for example, and their vocalization is very different than other dogs. So although they get along well with other dogs most of the time, there are times when others seem to get very mixed messages. In the dog world, this is a big problem.
--Basenjis are hounds, primarily sight hounds (like greyhounds or whippets). They were bred to chase prey, and to such a dog, some litter in the wind at 300 yards is indistinguishable from prey. They will run, and if they're interested enough, they won't notice any street or anything between them and their "prey". This is important, because it means that when retriever owners, say, go to the park and let their dogs roam around, basenji owners should never do this save in an enclosed area. In other words, Basenjis should never be let off their leash in an unfenced area. This is difficult for many dog owners to understand, and means that one of the highest causes of death for basenjis is being hit by cars.
--they can climb chain link fences. A chain link fence at the local dog run is probably not an issue. A chain link fence in the back yard where the dog will spend a lot of idle time - this is mostly just a challenge.
--One of their joyful sounds is very similar to a growl. Most basenji people know this as chortling, and once you get used to it, it's great. At first it's pretty disconcerting though.
The red flags I have about this dog are a) that the original breeder didn't take him back - as any reputable breeder would; and b) Basenji Rescue and Transport (or another well-known Basenji rescue organization) isn't involved. The latter in particular go out of the way to get involved in any seemingly purebred basenji's placement and re-homing, and that they're not involved seems strange to me. The basenji world is pretty small.
posted by mikel at 8:06 PM on August 26, 2006
Oh - if you want an option other than the local SPCA or Humane Society, pick a breed you like and find their breed-specific rescue program on the net. These folks really love their dogs and their deep understanding of a particular breed can really help to determine if you're the right person for a particular breed or even dog.
posted by mikel at 8:09 PM on August 26, 2006
posted by mikel at 8:09 PM on August 26, 2006
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posted by needs more cowbell at 4:18 PM on August 25, 2006