Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Basenji Versus Havanese: Introduction
- Basenji versus Havanese: Overview
- Basenji versus Havanese: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Havanese
- The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Havanese
- Size Comparison of Basenji versus Havanese
- Lifespan of Basenji versus Havanese
- Temperament of the Basenji Versus the Havanese
- Price of Basenji versus Price of Havanese
- Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Havanese
- Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Havanese
- Do Basenjis shed more than Havaneses?
- Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Havanese
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Havanese?
- Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Havanese?
- Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Havaneses?
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Havanese
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Havanese?
- Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Havaneses?
- How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Havaneses?
- Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Havanese?
- Conclusion: Basenji versus Havanese. Which One is a Better Pet?
Basenji Versus Havanese: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji and the Havanese? 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 Havanese 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 Havanese.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji and the Havanese 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 Havanese. 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 Havanese.
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 Havanese.
Basenji versus Havanese: Overview
Both the Basenji and the Havanese are similar in size. The Basenji and the Havanese 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 Havanese belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
Basenji versus Havanese: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Basenji to the Havanese 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 Havanese
| Factor | Basenji | Havanese |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 1/5 | 5/5 |
| 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 | 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Weight | 22 to 24 pounds | 7 to 13 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.5 years |
| Average Price | $1560 | $2180 |
| Price Range | $1450 – $1450 | $1700 – $2750 |
| Temperament Score | 68.9 percent | 81.8 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
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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 Havanese. 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 Havanese is 91 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Havanese is a better pet than the Basenji. So, you should get the Havanese!
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 Havanese so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Havanese
Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Havanese are most different:
- Basenjis are not easy to train. However, Havaneses are very easy to train.
- Basenjis not very playful. However, Havaneses are very playful.
- Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Havaneses do not like to be left alone.
- Basenjis are very easy to groom. However, Havaneses require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
- Basenjis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Havaneses 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 Havanese
The Basenji and the Havanese are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basenji and the Havanese are most similar:
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese do not have the tendency to drool.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese are good for new dog owners.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese can tolerate hot weather.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese get along well with other dogs.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese are highly intelligent.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese adapt well to apartment living.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese are very friendly towards strangers.
- Both the Basenji and the Havanese have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
Size Comparison of Basenji versus Havanese
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the Havanese.
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, Havaneses weigh 7 to 13 pounds when fully grown. Havaneses are 8 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Basenji versus Havanese
The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Havaneses is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Havaneses is 13.5 years.
Havaneses live longer than Basenjis.
Temperament of the Basenji Versus the Havanese
The Havanese has a better temperament than the Basenji.
This is because the temperament score for the Havanese is 81.8 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 81.8 percent, the Havanese has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basenji and the Havanese by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 11 Havaneses.
Price of Basenji versus Price of Havanese
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 Havanese puppy is $2180. The price of the Havanese typically ranges from $1700 – $2750. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 647 Havanese puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Havanese is more expensive than the Basenji.
The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Havanese. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Havanese 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 Havaneses
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Basenji puppy or the Havanese 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 Havanese
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 Havanese 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 Havanese.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Basenji than for the Havanese.
6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 4 tests are recommended for the Havanese.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basenjis and in Havaneses.
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:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Basenjis here.
Havanese Health Problems
Havaneses are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Havanese 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 Havanese puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Havanese 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 Havaneses for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Havaneses here.
Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Havanese
Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.
Havaneses do not like to be left alone.
Do Basenjis shed more than Havaneses?
Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Havaneses do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Havanese
Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Havaneses do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Havanese?
Basenjis are very easy to groom.
Havaneses require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Havanese?
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.
Havaneses 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 Havaneses?
Basenjis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Havaneses are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Havaneses Tolerate Cold Weather?
Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Havaneses can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Havanese
Basenjis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Havaneses 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 Havaneses Tolerate Hot Weather?
Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.
Havaneses can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Havanese?
Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.
Havaneses get along very well with other dogs.
Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Havaneses?
Basenjis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Havaneses are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Havaneses?
Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Havaneses get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Havanese?
Basenjis are not easy to train.
Havaneses are very easy to train.
Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Havanese?
Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.
Havaneses adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the Havanese?
Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.
Havaneses are very good for new dog owners.
Conclusion: Basenji versus Havanese. 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 Havanese better suits you and your family.