We adopted a 4 year old abandoned dog. The vet said he was basenji and possibly retriever. He is between 45 and 50 pounds and larger than any of our previous dogs. We have had 3 dogs previous to him. He has turned out to be amazing. His personality has turned out to be very different than any of the other dogs too. At first he didn’t really pay attention to us, sort of like “why bother” attitude. Over time he has become a constant companion. He now comes to greet us when we get home. If we are in different rooms he comes in to remind us he is happiest when we are all together. When one of us joins the other in the living room he always gets a toy and plays with it. It’s like “ok, we’re all here now, I can relax”. He is the quietest dog, in 5 years he has never barked in the house. He has his own quiet way of showing contentment and getting his point across. If he wants something he rests his head on a lap. I can say “ show me what you want” and he will do so (usually he goes either to the door to the yard or the cupboards where the treats are). He is the gentlest guy. Great with the grandkids, and actually with anyone who comes in the door. We took a chance on a bigger dog (and one who paced back and forth when we saw him at the shelter) and after a little adjustment time we became one happy family!