Basenji

David Molnar: Are Basenjis and Shetland Sheepdogs well suited for living outside most of the time? I would think that, since Basenjis were bred for hunting and Shetland Sheepdogs are bred for herding, that they'd do very well outside most of the time. But is this true? Photo Credit: Paul J. Morris/Flickr CC Answers and Views: Answer by ƦЄƛԼƖƬƳ ƁƖƬЄS™ - ᴘɪᴛ ʙᴜʟʟ Sᴄʜᴏʟᴀʀ All dogs can survive outside for the most part, save many small breeds of dogs who are in danger of being some predators dinner or so then large breeds. Just because a dog is suited for outside life doesn't mean it should be placed outside. Few owners who keep their dogs outside, can provide or provide them with the proper care, attention and training they need to grow up stable. Most owners who get outside dogs, get them, tie them up to a tree with a rickety dog house and two bowls and in a bout a few months the dog becomes nothing more then a nuisance lawn ornament to them. If you are going to keep your dog outside, you need to offer the dog the same amount of attention, socialization, care, training and medical needs that you would for a dog living inside. Dogs are also social animals by nature and need almost constant contact to remain mentally stable. Dogs who are left outside, kenneled, or chained up all day without contact often develop serious mental issues, and fear driven aggression. Answer by ladyren Not really. Dogs are part of a family. What you are describing is a yard ornament. Answer by Courtney It solely depends on where you live and what sort of living arrangements you will provide. Both will definitely need shelter, that's a given. If you live anywhere that ever gets below freezing outside you will need to provide a heated dog house, water bowl, etc. If it gets really warm you will need to have lots of shade, etc. Answer by Kevi B Shetland sheepdogs want to be in the middle of things and don't want to be shut out in a backyard. Though the Basenji is more independent they need plenty more mental and pysical stimulation to keep them tired if they are in kept in the yard. Answer by Katherine I'll never understand why people spend money on dogs just to chuck them outside. Know better? Give your own answer to this question!