At a glance
Side by side.
| Trait | Basenji | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Hound Dogs | Companion Dogs |
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Height | 16 to 17 inches | 13 to 17 inches |
| Weight | 22 to 24 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Life span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Energy | ||
| Exercise needs | ||
| Easy to train | ||
| Intelligence | ||
| Good with children | ||
| Good with other dogs | ||
| Friendly with strangers | ||
| Shedding | ||
| Easy to groom | ||
| Barking | ||
| Apartment living | ||
| First-time owners | ||
| Copes alone | ||
| Drooling | ||
| General health |
Ratings are 1 to 5, from our breed database. Every pet is an individual.
Background
Where they come from.
The Basenji
An ancient hunting dog from the Congo basin of Central Africa, used to flush game into nets. Images of similar dogs appear in ancient Egyptian art.
Known as the barkless dog: it makes a yodel-like sound called a barroo instead of barking, and it grooms itself like a cat.
Health to watch
- Fanconi syndrome
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Hypothyroidism
- Immunoproliferative enteropathy
The Shiba Inu
The smallest and possibly oldest Japanese spitz, used to flush birds and small game in mountain brush. It was declared a natural monument of Japan in 1936.
It is independent and catlike, and makes a loud "Shiba scream" when unhappy.
Health to watch
- Allergies
- Patellar luxation
- Glaucoma
- GM1 gangliosidosis
Key differences
Where they differ most.
Shedding
The Shiba Inu sheds more than the Basenji.
Barking
The Shiba Inu barks more than the Basenji.
Exercise needs
The Basenji needs more exercise than the Shiba Inu.
Good with children
The Basenji is better with children than the Shiba Inu.
Friendly with strangers
The Basenji is friendlier with strangers than the Shiba Inu.
Energy
The Basenji has more energy than the Shiba Inu.
Which to choose
Basenji or Shiba Inu?
Choose the Basenji if…
- You want a dog that sheds less
- You want a dog that barks less
- You’re out walking, running or hiking most days (it needs more exercise)
- You want a dog that is better with children
Choose the Shiba Inu if…
- You have less time for long walks (it needs less exercise)
- You want a more watchful dog (it is more reserved with strangers)
- You’d like a calmer pet (it is calmer)
- You want a dog that is easier to train
Questions.
Is the Basenji or the Shiba Inu bigger, and which lives longer?
The Shiba Inu tends to live about 3 years longer. Individual pets vary, so meet the parents or the pet where you can.
Which is easier to train, the Basenji or the Shiba Inu?
The Shiba Inu is generally easier to train than the Basenji. Short, positive, reward-based sessions work best for both.
Which is better for families, the Basenji or the Shiba Inu?
The Basenji is usually the better fit for families with children, though a well-socialised Shiba Inu can be great too. Always supervise young children with any pet.
Which sheds less?
The Basenji sheds less than the Shiba Inu. No breed is completely hair-free; regular brushing helps with both.
What health problems do the Basenji and Shiba Inu have?
The Basenji is prone to Fanconi syndrome, progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism. The Shiba Inu is prone to allergies, patellar luxation, glaucoma. Ask any breeder for the parents' health test results.
