Looking to get a Basenji, but not sure with my 2 y/o
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A basenji is a big dog in a small, fabulous body. They want to be treated respectfully, and they will respect you in turn. But they do need a firm, kind and loving leader.
When people ask me about kids and basenjis, I usually ask, "If the kid is chasing the dog or hurting an ear, and the dog gives a corrective nip–no blood or puncture, just a 'leave me alone' nip, do you consider that a bite?" If they say, yes of course and I could not tolerate that, I tell them that most basenjis would not be right for you. They are 'fair' and may give a grrr or nip to another basenji or to the kid, if cornered or frustrated. But attack for no reason and chew their face...never heard of such with a basenji. Many years ago a basenji of mine appeared to bite my grandson, my son used great restraint and didn't drop-kick my dog, and when we looked at the child, there was not a mark to be seen. But we saw the strike and the child screamed. The dog just had excellent mouth control and did a "could have had you, now behave" move. And the 2 year old child DID respect all the dogs after that.
My Nicky was evidently raised with kids, she loves them...for their toys and for low-held food. My friend Ginny was raised with basenjis and raised her 2 boys with basenjis in the house, but she is a "what did you do to the dog?" person. And her sons always put away their shoes and toys if they wanted to use them again!
Basenjis are perpetual toddlers, so I would not consider getting one, even a nice mellow adult, till your boy is 7 or 8, old enough to participate in care and training, and to really understand mutual respect.
They are my favorite breed, obviously, but they are not usually a 'lay on me, beat on me, pull my ears' dog !
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Glad you are waiting. But if you were actively watching and the child actually was not interacting with the dog and it bit him, put the dog down. The dog is not safe anywhere.
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I find Basenjis are quite individual in their attitude to kids. My first would never have bitten anyone, no matter the provocation. My second would warn an adult who had the temerity to try moving her out of a comfortable spot, but would tolerate young children with great patience. I caught my two nieces…..ages probably 4 and 6 at the time.....fighting over possession of the dog.....literally one at each end, trying to pull her apart! And she didn't say a word! But when they were older, they lost their "special status" and she would warn them if they bugged her. (I think the only person she ever bit was me......in an altercation over a hole she was digging to China. Yeah, I lost my patience and suffered the consequences. I would call it a draw. I got bit and she quit digging.....permanently, at least for that location. :) ) Of my other three Basenjis, one was fine with kids, the other two I wouldn't trust.
Dogs raised with kids are supposed to be better, and perhaps they are......depending on the kids they were raised with! :D
