A Detailed Comparison of the Basenji and the Cockalier.

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Basenji Versus Cockalier: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji and the Cockalier 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 Cockalier. 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 Cockalier.

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 Cockalier.

Basenji versus Cockalier: Overview

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

Basenji versus Cockalier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Cockalier 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 Cockalier

Factor Basenji Cockalier
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 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
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 12 to 15 inches
General Health 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 10 to 28 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 4/5
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 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1560 $1600
Price Range $1450 – $1450 $1200 – $1895
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 Cockalier. 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 Cockalier is 89 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Cockalier

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

    • Basenjis are not easy to train. However, Cockaliers are very easy to train.
    • Basenjis not very playful. However, Cockaliers are very playful.
    • Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Cockaliers are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Basenjis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Cockaliers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Cockalier

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

    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Basenji and the Cockalier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Cockalier

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

    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, Cockaliers weigh 10 to 28 pounds when fully grown. Cockaliers are 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Cockalier

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

    The lifespan of Cockaliers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cockaliers is 13.5 years.

    Cockaliers live longer than Basenjis.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Cockalier

    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 Cockalier puppy is $1600. The price of the Cockalier typically ranges from $1200 – $1895. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 33 Cockalier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cockalier is more expensive than the Basenji.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Cockalier. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Cockalier 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 Cockaliers

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockaliers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Basenji puppy or the Cockalier 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 Cockalier

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Cockaliers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Cockaliers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Cockalier

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cockaliers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Cockalier?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Cockaliers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Cockalier?

    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.

    Cockaliers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Cockaliers?

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Cockaliers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Cockalier

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

    Cockaliers do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cockaliers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Cockaliers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Cockaliers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Cockaliers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Cockaliers?

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

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

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Cockalier?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Cockaliers are very easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Cockalier?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Cockaliers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Cockaliers are very good for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basenji versus Cockalier. 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 Cockalier better suits you and your family.