Breed Comparison: Basenji Versus Irish Terrier

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Basenji Versus Irish Terrier: Introduction

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

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

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 Irish Terrier.

Basenji versus Irish Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Basenji and the Irish Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basenji is a small-sized dog while the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

Basenji versus Irish Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terrier

FactorBasenjiIrish Terrier
Tolerates Cold Weather1/54/5
Does NOT Shed5/52/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Easy To Train1/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl5/52/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor5/52/5
Life Span10 to 12 years12 to 16 years
Height16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health2/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/53/5
Potential For Playfulness2/55/5
Weight22 to 24 pounds25 to 27 pounds
Easygoing3/53/5
Good For Novice Owners4/52/5
Tolerates Being Alone4/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Dog Friendly4/51/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/53/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Does NOT chew on things1/55/5
Low Prey Drive1/54/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Average Lifespan11.0 years14.0 years
Average Price$1560$1730
Price Range$1450 – $1450$1700 – $1700
Temperament Score68.9 percent80.0 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
    		• No Data
    Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)7853

    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 Irish Terrier. 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 Irish Terrier is 78 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Irish Terrier

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

    • Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Irish Terriers can tolerate cold weather.
    • Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Basenjis are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Irish Terriers 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, Irish Terriers do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Basenjis have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, Irish Terriers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Basenjis not very playful. However, Irish Terriers are very playful.
    • Basenjis get along well with other dogs. However, Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
    • Basenjis are very easy to groom. However, Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Terriers are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Basenjis have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Irish Terrier

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

    • Both the Basenji and the Irish Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Irish Terrier are not easy to train.
    • Both the Basenji and the Irish Terrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Basenji and the Irish Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Basenji and the Irish Terrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Irish Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Irish Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Basenji and the Irish Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Basenji and the Irish Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Irish Terrier

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

    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, Irish Terriers weigh 25 to 27 pounds when fully grown. Irish Terriers are 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Irish Terrier

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

    The lifespan of Irish Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Irish Terriers is 14.0 years.

    Irish Terriers live longer than Basenjis.

    Temperament of the Irish Terrier Versus the Basenji

    The Irish Terrier has a better temperament than the Basenji.

    This is because the temperament score for the Irish Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Irish Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basenji and the Irish Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 10 Irish Terriers.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Irish Terrier

    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 Irish Terrier puppy is $1730. The price of the Irish Terrier typically ranges from $1700 – $1700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 7 Irish Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Irish Terrier is more expensive than the Basenji.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Irish Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Irish Terrier 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 Irish Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Irish Terriers

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

    The Intelligence of the Basenji versus the Intelligence of the Irish Terrier

    `
    Basenji Irish Terrier
    Intelligence Rank 78 out of 130 dog breeds 53 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions

    Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.

    According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
    • Instinctive Intelligence: This is the natural intelligence a dog has because of what the dog was bred for. This type of intelligence comes from instinct. For example, dog breeds that were bred for guarding will have high `guarding` instinctive intelligence, while dog breeds that were bred for hunting will what high `hunting` instinctive intelligence. However, you cannot compare the intelligence of dog breeds based on instinctive intelligence because such a comparison will not make sense.
    • Adaptive Intelligence (learning and problem-solving ability): This indicates what a dog can learn to do for himself or herself. It includes learning and benefiting from experience with his environment, solving new problems, and so forth. Adaptive intelligence is specific to each dog, and not breed specific. Thus, two dogs can have remarkably different levels of adaptive intelligence even if they are of the same breed.
    • Working/Obedience Intelligence: This intelligence is the closest to what we might call school-learning ability and it is based upon what the dog can learn to do when instructed by humans. Importantly, different dog breeds have different learning abilities. Also, science has shown that some dog breeds can learn faster than some other breeds. This means certain dog breeds tend to have higher working/obedience intelligence than some other breeds. Dogs with high Working/Obedience Intelligence are smart and easy to train.

    Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.

    This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.

    To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.

    Prof. Coren found that the Basenji has an obedience intelligence rank of 78 out of 130 dog breeds. The Basenji belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Basenjis tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.

    The Irish Terrier has an obedience intelligence rank of 53 out of 130 dog breeds. The Irish Terrier belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Irish Terriers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.

    The Irish Terrier is more intelligent than the Basenji.

    However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Irish Terrier

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Irish Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Irish Terriers?

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

    Irish Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Irish Terrier

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Irish Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Irish Terrier?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Irish Terriers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Irish Terrier?

    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.

    Irish Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Irish Terriers?

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Irish Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Irish Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Irish Terrier

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

    Irish Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Irish Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Irish Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Irish Terriers?

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

    Irish Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Irish Terriers?

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

    Irish Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Irish Terrier?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Irish Terriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Irish Terrier?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Irish Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Irish Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basenji versus Irish Terrier. 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 Irish Terrier better suits you and your family.