Which is Better Between the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino?

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Basenji Versus Dogo Argentino: Introduction

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

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

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 Dogo Argentino.

Basenji versus Dogo Argentino: Overview

A very important difference between the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basenji is a small-sized dog while the Dogo Argentino is a large-sized dog.

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 Dogo Argentino belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Basenji versus Dogo Argentino: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino

Factor Basenji Dogo Argentino
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 9 to 15 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 27 inches
General Health 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 3/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 80 to 100 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 1/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.0 years
Average Price $1560 $2510
Price Range $1450 – $1450 $1500 – $2500
Temperament Score 68.9 percent 89.5 percent
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
    		•
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    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 Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino is 67 out of 125.

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

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino

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

    • Basenjis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Dogo Argentinos do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Basenjis are good for new dog owners. However, Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Basenjis adapt well to apartment living. However, Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly. However, Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.
    • Basenjis are very friendly towards strangers. However, Dogo Argentinos are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Dogo Argentinos are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino

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

    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino are not easy to train.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino not very playful.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Dogo Argentino

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

    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, Dogo Argentinos weigh 80 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Dogo Argentinos are 23 to 27 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Dogo Argentino

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

    The lifespan of Dogo Argentinos is between 9 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Dogo Argentinos is 12.0 years.

    Dogo Argentinos live longer than Basenjis.

    Temperament of the Dogo Argentino Versus the Basenji

    The Dogo Argentino has a better temperament than the Basenji.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dogo Argentino is 89.5 percent while the temperament score for the Basenji is 68.9 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 68.9 percent, the Basenji has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 89.5 percent, the Dogo Argentino has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basenji and the Dogo Argentino by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 19 Dogo Argentinos.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Dogo Argentino

    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 Dogo Argentino puppy is $2510. The price of the Dogo Argentino typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 114 Dogo Argentino puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dogo Argentino is more expensive than the Basenji.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Dogo Argentino. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentinos

    A breakdown of the prices of Dogo Argentinos

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

    Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Dogo Argentino

    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 Dogo Argentino 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 Basenji is prone to more genetic health problems than the Dogo Argentino.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Basenji than for the Dogo Argentino.

    6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 3 tests are recommended for the Dogo Argentino.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basenjis and in Dogo Argentinos.

    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.

    Dogo Argentino Health Problems

    Dogo Argentinos are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentino puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Dogo Argentino 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 Dogo Argentinos for:

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Dogo Argentinos here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Dogo Argentino

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Dogo Argentinos do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Dogo Argentinos?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Dogo Argentino

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Dogo Argentinos drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Dogo Argentino?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Dogo Argentinos are very easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Dogo Argentino?

    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.

    Dogo Argentinos 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.

    Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Dogo Argentinos?

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Dogo Argentinos cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Dogo Argentino

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Dogo Argentinos Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Dogo Argentinos can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Dogo Argentinos?

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

    Dogo Argentinos are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Dogo Argentinos?

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

    Dogo Argentinos do not get along well with kids. They are not kid-friendly.

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Dogo Argentino?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Dogo Argentinos are not easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Dogo Argentino?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Dogo Argentinos do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Dogo Argentinos are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basenji versus Dogo Argentino. 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 Dogo Argentino better suits you and your family.