Basenji versus Cesky Terrier. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Basenji Versus Cesky Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Basenji and for the Cesky Terrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Basenji or the Cesky Terrier.

Basenji versus Cesky Terrier: Overview

Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are similar in size. The Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are both small-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Basenji belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

On the other hand, the Cesky Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Basenji versus Cesky Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Cesky Terrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier

Factor Basenji Cesky Terrier
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 15 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 13 to 30 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1560 No Data
Price Range $1450 – $1450 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Basenji Night Blindness / PRA DNA Test
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of Missouri
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basenji in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Cesky Terrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Basenji is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Cesky Terrier is 89 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Cesky Terrier is a better pet than the Basenji. So, you should get the Cesky Terrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier

    Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are most different:

    • Basenjis are not easy to train. However, Cesky Terriers are very easy to train.
    • Basenjis have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Cesky Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Basenjis not very playful. However, Cesky Terriers are very playful.
    • Basenjis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Cesky Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Basenjis have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Cesky Terriers have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier

    The Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are most similar:

    • Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are very easy to groom.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Cesky Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier.

    Basenjis weigh 22 to 24 pounds when fully grown. Basenjis are 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Cesky Terriers weigh 13 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Cesky Terriers are 10 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Cesky Terrier

    The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis is 11.0 years.

    The lifespan of Cesky Terriers is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cesky Terriers is 12.5 years.

    Cesky Terriers live longer than Basenjis.

    Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Cesky Terrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Cesky Terrier is prone to more genetic health problems than the Basenji.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Cesky Terrier than for the Basenji.

    6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 7 tests are recommended for the Cesky Terrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basenjis and in Cesky Terriers.

    Basenji Health Problems

    Basenjis are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Basenji puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Basenji puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Basenji breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Basenjis for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Basenji Night Blindness / PRA DNA Test
  • Eye Examination each year until 6, thereafter every 2 years
  • Fanconi syndrome
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • OFA/U of Missouri
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Basenjis here.

    Cesky Terrier Health Problems

    Cesky Terriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Cesky Terrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Cesky Terrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Cesky Terrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Cesky Terriers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Dentition
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Primary Lens Luxation
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Cesky Terriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Cesky Terrier

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Cesky Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Cesky Terriers?

    Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Cesky Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Cesky Terrier

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cesky Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Cesky Terrier?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Cesky Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cesky Terrier?

    Basenjis have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Cesky Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Cesky Terriers?

    Basenjis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Cesky Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cesky Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Cesky Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Cesky Terrier

    Basenjis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Cesky Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cesky Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Cesky Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Cesky Terrier?

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Cesky Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Cesky Terriers?

    Basenjis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Cesky Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Cesky Terriers?

    Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Cesky Terriers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Cesky Terrier?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Cesky Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Cesky Terrier?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Cesky Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the Cesky Terrier?

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Cesky Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basenji versus Cesky Terrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Basenji and the Cesky Terrier better suits you and your family.