Is the Basenji Better than the Cockapoo as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Basenji Versus Cockapoo: Introduction

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

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

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 Cockapoo.

Basenji versus Cockapoo: Overview

Both the Basenji and the Cockapoo are similar in size. The Basenji and the Cockapoo 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 Cockapoo belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

Basenji versus Cockapoo: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Cockapoo 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 Cockapoo

Factor Basenji Cockapoo
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 4/5
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 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 3/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder From under 10 to over 15 inches tall at the should
General Health 2/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds From under 6 to over 19 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
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 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
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 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1560 $1980
Price Range $1450 – $1450 $1500 – $2400
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 Cockapoo. 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 Cockapoo is 94 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Cockapoo

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

    • Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Cockapoos can tolerate cold weather.
    • Basenjis are not easy to train. However, Cockapoos are very easy to train.
    • Basenjis not very playful. However, Cockapoos are very playful.
    • Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Cockapoos are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Cockapoo

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

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

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Cockapoo

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

    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, Cockapoos weigh From under 6 to over 19 pounds when fully grown. Cockapoos are From under 10 to over 15 inches tall at the should when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Cockapoo

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

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

    Cockapoos live longer than Basenjis.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Cockapoo

    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 Cockapoo puppy is $1980. The price of the Cockapoo typically ranges from $1500 – $2400. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 873 Cockapoo puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Cockapoo is more expensive than the Basenji.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Cockapoos

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

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Cockapoos can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Cockapoos?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Cockapoo

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Cockapoos do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Cockapoos are moderately easy to groom.

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

    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.

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

    Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Cockapoos?

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

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

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

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

    Cockapoos can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Cockapoo

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Cockapoos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Cockapoos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Cockapoos get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Cockapoos?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Cockapoos?

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

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

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Cockapoo?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Cockapoos are very easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Cockapoo?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Cockapoos adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Cockapoos are very good for new dog owners.

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