A Detailed Comparison of the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer.

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Basenji Versus Miniature Schnauzer: Introduction

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

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

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 Miniature Schnauzer.

Basenji versus Miniature Schnauzer: Overview

Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer are similar in size. The Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer

FactorBasenjiMiniature Schnauzer
Tolerates Cold Weather1/54/5
Does NOT Shed5/54/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Easy To Train1/55/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl5/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor5/53/5
Life Span10 to 12 years12 to 14 years
Height16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health2/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight4/52/5
Potential For Playfulness2/54/5
Weight22 to 24 pounds11 to 20 pounds
Easygoing3/52/5
Good For Novice Owners4/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone4/55/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Dog Friendly4/53/5
Intelligence4/54/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/54/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Friendly Toward Strangers5/53/5
Easy To Groom5/52/5
Does NOT chew on things1/54/5
Low Prey Drive1/52/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Average Lifespan11.0 years13.0 years
Average Price$1560$1950
Price Range$1450 – $1450$1400 – $2500
Temperament Score68.9 percent79.3 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
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita
    • Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds)7812

    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 Miniature Schnauzer. 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 Miniature Schnauzer is 82 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer

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

    • Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold. However, Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate cold weather.
    • Basenjis are not easy to train. However, Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.
    • Basenjis are very easy to groom. However, Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
    • Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Miniature Schnauzers are not prone to nip and chew at things.

    The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer

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

    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer can be left alone for some time without problems.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer can tolerate hot weather.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Basenji versus Miniature Schnauzer

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

    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, Miniature Schnauzers weigh 11 to 20 pounds when fully grown. Miniature Schnauzers are 13 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Miniature Schnauzer

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

    The lifespan of Miniature Schnauzers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Miniature Schnauzers is 13.0 years.

    Miniature Schnauzers live longer than Basenjis.

    Temperament of the Miniature Schnauzer Versus the Basenji

    The Miniature Schnauzer has a better temperament than the Basenji.

    This is because the temperament score for the Miniature Schnauzer is 79.3 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 79.3 percent, the Miniature Schnauzer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basenji and the Miniature Schnauzer by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 116 Miniature Schnauzers.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Miniature Schnauzer

    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 Miniature Schnauzer puppy is $1950. The price of the Miniature Schnauzer typically ranges from $1400 – $2500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 913 Miniature Schnauzer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Miniature Schnauzer is more expensive than the Basenji.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Miniature Schnauzer. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzers

    A breakdown of the prices of Miniature Schnauzers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Basenji puppy or the Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer

    `
    Basenji Miniature Schnauzer
    Intelligence Rank 78 out of 130 dog breeds 12 out of 130 dog breeds
    Trainability Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 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 Miniature Schnauzer has an obedience intelligence rank of 12 out of 130 dog breeds. The Miniature Schnauzer belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that Miniature Schnauzers tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.

    The Miniature Schnauzer 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.

    Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Miniature Schnauzer

    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 Miniature Schnauzer 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 Miniature Schnauzer.

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

    6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 4 tests are recommended for the Miniature Schnauzer.

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

    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.

    Miniature Schnauzer Health Problems

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

  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Mycobacterium Avian Complex
  • Myotonia Congenita

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Miniature Schnauzer

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Miniature Schnauzers can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Miniature Schnauzers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Miniature Schnauzer

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Miniature Schnauzers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Miniature Schnauzers require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    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.

    Miniature Schnauzers 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 Miniature Schnauzers?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Miniature Schnauzer

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Miniature Schnauzers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Miniature Schnauzers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Miniature Schnauzers?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Miniature Schnauzers?

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

    Miniature Schnauzers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Miniature Schnauzers are very easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Miniature Schnauzer?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Miniature Schnauzers adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Miniature Schnauzers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Basenji versus Miniature Schnauzer. 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 Miniature Schnauzer better suits you and your family.