Which is Better Between the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog?

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Basenji Versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Introduction

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

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

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 Icelandic Sheepdog.

Basenji versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Overview

A very important difference between the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basenji is a small-sized dog while the Icelandic Sheepdog is a medium-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 Icelandic Sheepdog belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

Basenji versus Icelandic Sheepdog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog

Factor Basenji Icelandic Sheepdog
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 1/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 1/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 14 to 15 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder
General Health 2/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 4/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 20 to 30 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 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
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 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 2/5
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 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 14.5 years
Average Price $1560 No Data
Price Range $1450 – $1450 No Data
Temperament Score 68.9 percent 100.0 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
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•

    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 Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is 68 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    • Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate cold weather.
    • Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Basenjis do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Basenjis are good for new dog owners. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Basenjis adapt well to apartment living. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Basenjis are very friendly towards strangers. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Basenjis are very easy to groom. However, Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    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, Icelandic Sheepdogs weigh 20 to 30 pounds when fully grown. Icelandic Sheepdogs are 16 to 18 inchestall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Icelandic Sheepdog

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

    The lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is between 14 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Icelandic Sheepdogs is 14.5 years.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs live longer than Basenjis.

    Temperament of the Basenji Versus the Icelandic Sheepdog

    The Icelandic Sheepdog has a better temperament than the Basenji.

    This is because the temperament score for the Icelandic Sheepdog is 100.0 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 100.0 percent, the Icelandic Sheepdog has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basenji and the Icelandic Sheepdog by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 10 Icelandic Sheepdogs.

    Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Icelandic Sheepdog

    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 Icelandic Sheepdog 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 Icelandic Sheepdog is prone to more genetic health problems than the Basenji.

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 8 tests are recommended for the Icelandic Sheepdog.

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

    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.

    Icelandic Sheepdog Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Patellar Luxation

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Icelandic Sheepdog

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Icelandic Sheepdogs?

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Icelandic Sheepdog

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    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.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs 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 Icelandic Sheepdogs?

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Icelandic Sheepdog

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Icelandic Sheepdogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Icelandic Sheepdogs?

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Icelandic Sheepdogs?

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

    Icelandic Sheepdogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Icelandic Sheepdog?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Icelandic Sheepdogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basenji versus Icelandic Sheepdog. 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 Icelandic Sheepdog better suits you and your family.