Basenji versus Chi-Poo. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Basenji Versus Chi-Poo: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji and the Chi-Poo? 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 Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji and the Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo. 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 Chi-Poo.

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 Chi-Poo.

Basenji versus Chi-Poo: Overview

Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo are similar in size. The Basenji and the Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Basenji versus Chi-Poo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Chi-Poo 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 Chi-Poo

Factor Basenji Chi-Poo
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 5 to 15 inches
General Health 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 5 to 20 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 5/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1560 $1180
Price Range $1450 – $1450 $800 – $1600
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
    		•  No Data

    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 Chi-Poo. 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 Chi-Poo is 90 out of 125.

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

    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 Chi-Poo so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Chi-Poo

    Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Chi-Poo are most different:

    • Basenjis are not easy to train. However, Chi-Poos are very easy to train.
    • Basenjis require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Chi-Poos have low exercise needs.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Chi-Poo

    The Basenji and the Chi-Poo are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basenji and the Chi-Poo are most similar:

    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Chi-Poo get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Chi-Poo

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the Chi-Poo.

    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, Chi-Poos weigh 5 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Chi-Poos are 5 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Chi-Poo

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

    The lifespan of Chi-Poos is between 12 to 15 years . The average lifespan of Chi-Poos is 13.5 years.

    Chi-Poos live longer than Basenjis.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Chi-Poo

    The average price of the Basenji puppy is $1560. The price of the Basenji typically ranges from $1450 – $1450. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 10 Basenji puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Chi-Poo puppy is $1180. The price of the Chi-Poo typically ranges from $800 – $1600. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 64 Chi-Poo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Basenji is more expensive than the Chi-Poo.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Chi-Poo. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Chi-Poo puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Basenjis. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Basenjis. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Chi-Poos

    A breakdown of the prices of Chi-Poos

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Basenji puppy or the Chi-Poo puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Chi-Poo

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Chi-Poos can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Chi-Poos?

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

    Chi-Poos do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Chi-Poo

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Chi-Poos do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Chi-Poo?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Chi-Poos are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Chi-Poo?

    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.

    Chi-Poos have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Chi-Poos?

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

    Chi-Poos bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Chi-Poos Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Chi-Poos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Chi-Poo

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

    Chi-Poos have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Chi-Poos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Chi-Poos can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Chi-Poo?

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Chi-Poos get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Chi-Poos?

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

    Chi-Poos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Chi-Poos?

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

    Chi-Poos get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Chi-Poo?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Chi-Poos are very easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Chi-Poo?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Chi-Poos adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the Chi-Poo?

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Chi-Poos are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basenji versus Chi-Poo. 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 Chi-Poo better suits you and your family.