Breed Comparison: Basenji Versus Harrier

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Basenji Versus Harrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Harrier.

Basenji versus Harrier: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Basenji and the Harrier are Hound Dogs. This means both the Basenji and the Harrier 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.

Basenji versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Harrier 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 Harrier

Factor Basenji Harrier
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 10 to 12 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health 2/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
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 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 11.0 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
    		•
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • 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 Harrier. 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 Harrier is 81 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Harrier

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

    • Basenjis are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Basenjis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Harriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Basenjis have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Harriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Basenjis not very playful. However, Harriers are very playful.
    • Basenjis adapt well to apartment living. However, Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Harrier

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

    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier are not easy to train.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Basenji and the Harrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Harrier

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

    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, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Harrier

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

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

    Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Harrier

    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 Harrier 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 Harrier.

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.

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

    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.

    Harrier Health Problems

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

  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Harrier

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Harriers?

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

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Harrier

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

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

    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.

    Harriers 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 Harriers?

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

    Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Harrier

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Harriers?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Harriers?

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

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

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

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