Need some help on choosing a dog breed.

[Tempest]

Hey everyone, great forum you have here! Anyways, I just moved into a new apartment a few weeks ago and I am looking for a new dog. I need one that is under, or around 25 pounds and doesn't bark too much. I have seen and fell in love with both the Basenji and the Manchester Terrier. So far I am finding it very hard to choose between the breeds.

Im no newcomer to training and keeping dogs. I have a very well trained Staffie that my mother has been keeping for me since I am not allowed to have her here at this apartment.

I have read up on the two breeds mentioned above, and I wanted to ask someone who has, or still owns them about the trainability and social skills of these dogs. I am looking for a dog that I can take to a park and let run free, but not so far away that I need to yell and run after them. I also want a breed that will train fairly easily, and get along with other dogs that they come in contact with (and preferably one that enjoys water). Do either of those breeds match my criteria? One of my friends had a Basenji that I absolutely fell in love with, but I've heard you can't let them run free, and I just don't want to go through whole antisocial/run away thing. (Note that I had a Pitbull before, and its no fun not being able to let her run free on walks )

Any information on this subject would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

 

[Cassiepeia]

Although I've not owned a Basenji, from what I've heard they wouldn't be right for you. They're extremely active dogs who can be very destructive and they're also not silent dogs. They are very talkative, they just don't "bark". I have heard from a Basenji breeder that, amongst other sounds, they kind of yodel and sometimes scream too. Not the kind of dog you want if you can't disturb your neighbours.

You can't let them off leash either. They're a hound so would probably disappear at the first sighting or scenting of something interesting.

The Manchester Terrier may be right for you. I don't really know much about them but from what little I've read they seem ok.
I'm sure some MT owners/lovers will turn up soon to give you a little info on their breed.

Cass.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

If you have never heard a Basenji screech, you need to before you decide to get one.

Do not EVER plan for a Basenji to come back to you off lead. Even a very well trained one.

I also respectfully submit that it is not a good idea to let ANY dog run free on walks unless you are in a safely fenced area that is approved for dogs, and you are also certain that there are no other dogs in the area that would harm yours.

If I were you, I might consider a well bred miniature Poodle. They are wonderful little dogs, with a trainable temperament, but you do have to consider that they require regular grooming.

 

[Gempress]

If you would like a dog that is relatively quiet, I would stay away from terriers. All the terriers I have met are very "talkative." Perhaps one of the toy spaniels or poodles would suit you better.

I'd do some serious reading on the basenji. "Barkless" doesn't mean quiet. It just means that basenjis have other ways of vocalizing, and they can be just as annoying and loud as a bark. And, they are known to be very stubborn and not very trainable. Unless you're absolutely in love with the basenji look and quirks, it's not the dog for you.

 

[Tempest]

Thanks for all the helpful input! I have been looking into some more breeds and found the Italian Greyhound. Does anyone know much about this one? The main attributes I am looking for is athletic/hardy (one that I can take camping and such), and quiet. I'm sure I would be making enemies here real quick if I had a dog that yaps every time someone knocks at the door


I'm not really a big fan of Poodles or the "Fluffy" breeds. I like a lean, athletic, and short haired dog thats easy to keep groomed.

 

[gaddylovesdogs]

Terriers tend to be a bit stubborn and barky. That doesn't sound like something you'd want, lol.

I don't know too much about Iggies, but they can be hard to housetrain.

 

[AmberwayGSD]

Pug,Boston Terrier,Min Pin,Dachhunds.

 

[RedyreRottweilers]

Check out the German Pinscher.

I think that just might be what you are looking for.

http://www.german-pinscher.com/

 

[Gempress]

Our neighbors have 2 Italian greyhounds. Very elegent-looking dogs, sweet-natured, and not very barky. But I don't think they're for camping and outdoor stuff. They get cold very easily, and those long legs can be fragile. But the German Pinscher thing seems like a great idea.

Another great idea would be to go to the shelter and adopt a small adult dog. I'm sure you'd be able to find the ideal dog. If the dog has been living in a foster home, the foster family would be able to tell you whether the dog is barky or not, and what its temperament is like.

 

[Tempest]

Well, I visited the local pet shop a few days ago and got ahols of some breeders. Later that day I brought home my very own 4 month old Miniature Pinscher. This dog is going to suit me very well. Thank you for all the help!

 

[PFC1]

I would echo the comment about the Italian greyhounds-- they are not very hardy. Their legs are so delicate. More hardy would be the Whippet. (the version of Greyhound size-wise between an Italian Greyhound and a Greyhound.) But this is not a dog I would let off leash. They are incredibly fast. Also, they can get very cold, too.

My uncle has had two different Bazenjis. I think that they are absolutely great. They are very smart dogs, so you have to get them excercise, or they will cause you all kinds of problems. They also have a little bit of an untamed streak lurking in them. Like the Greyhounds, they are a sight hound. As such, they are not really good to let off leash.