A Detailed Comparison of the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer.

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Basenji Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer. 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 German Longhaired Pointer.

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 German Longhaired Pointer.

Basenji versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basenji is a small-sized dog while the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer

Factor Basenji German Longhaired Pointer
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
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 11 to 14 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches
General Health 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 3/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
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 2/5
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 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
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
    		•  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 German Longhaired Pointer. 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 German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Basenji is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. 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 German Longhaired Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer are most different:

    • Basenjis are not easy to train. However, German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.
    • Basenjis adapt well to apartment living. However, German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, German Longhaired Pointers are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer not very playful.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the German Longhaired Pointer.

    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, German Longhaired Pointers weigh 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. German Longhaired Pointers are 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus German Longhaired Pointer

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

    The lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is 12.5 years.

    German Longhaired Pointers live longer than Basenjis.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Basenjis shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the German Longhaired Pointer

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    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.

    German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. German Longhaired Pointer

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and German Longhaired Pointers?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    German Longhaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basenji versus German Longhaired Pointer. 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 German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.