Besenji owners?

[Pearl]

Have you considered whippets? They're sighthounds who are about the same size as basenjis, maybe a little bigger. The ones I've known were very friendly and good with children.
Also Springer spaniels are medium-size dogs who are wonderful with children.

 

[Lycanthropic]

not allowed a spaniel either >.< landloard says they pee everywhere

 

[Pearl]

not allowed a spaniel either >.< landloard says they pee everywhere

That may be true for Cockers (I've known a few who were incontinent), but it doesn't apply to the Springers I have known. Of course you'll probably never convince your landlord that all spaniels aren't created equally. Sometimes, people just get these ideas in their heads and the chances of changing their minds are slim to none.
Anyway, good luck finding a dog. You may want to consider a whippet. Also, another medium-size dog who's not only good with children, but who's coat is more appropriate for the Canadian climate is the Samoyed.

 

[Sploke]

One breed to look into are schipperkes. My wife had one when she was younger, they are pretty intelligent dogs, small enough to not be a problem if you keep one inside a lot, and fiercely loyal and protective of their family, especially kids.