Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Basenji Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
- Basenji versus Shiba Inu: Overview
- Basenji versus Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Shiba Inu
- The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Shiba Inu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Basenji versus Shiba Inu
- Lifespan of Basenji versus Shiba Inu
- Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Basenji
- Price of Basenji versus Price of Shiba Inu
- The Popularity of Basenji versus Popularity of Shiba Inu
- Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Shiba Inu
- Do Basenjis shed more than Shiba Inus?
- Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Shiba Inu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Shiba Inu?
- Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
- Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Shiba Inu
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Shiba Inu?
- Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
- How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Shiba Inus?
- Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basenji
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Basenji versus Shiba Inu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Basenji Versus Shiba Inu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji and the Shiba Inu? 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu.
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 Shiba Inu.
Basenji versus Shiba Inu: Overview
Both the Basenji and the Shiba Inu are similar in size. The Basenji and the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Basenji to the Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu
| Factor | Basenji | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Height | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 22 to 24 pounds | 17 to 23 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 14.0 years |
| Average Price | $2320 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1450 – $1500 | $1600 – $2500 |
| Temperament Score | 68.9 percent | 67.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 86 | 44 |
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 Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu is 82 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Basenji is a better pet than the Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Shiba Inu
Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Shiba Inu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Shiba Inu
The Basenji and the Shiba Inu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basenji and the Shiba Inu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Basenji versus Shiba Inu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the Shiba Inu.
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, Shiba Inus weigh 17 to 23 pounds when fully grown. Shiba Inus are 13 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Basenji versus Shiba Inu
The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Shiba Inus is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shiba Inus is 14.0 years.
Shiba Inus live longer than Basenjis.
Temperament of the Shiba Inu Versus the Basenji
The Basenji has a better temperament than the Shiba Inu.
This is because the temperament score for the Basenji is 68.9 percent while the temperament score for the Shiba Inu is 67.9 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 67.9 percent, the Shiba Inu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basenji and the Shiba Inu by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 28 Shiba Inus.
Price of Basenji versus Price of Shiba Inu
The average price of the Basenji puppy is $2320. The price of the Basenji typically ranges from $1450 – $1500. However, the price of a Basenji can be as low as $1400 and as high as $11920. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 14 Basenji puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The average price of the Shiba Inu puppy is $2130. The price of the Shiba Inu typically ranges from $1600 – $2500. However, the price of the Shiba Inu can be as low as $600 and as high as $6995. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 283 Shiba Inu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Basenji is more expensive than the Shiba Inu.
| Basenji | Shiba Inu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2320 | $2130 |
| Price Range | $1450 to $1500 | $1600 to $2500 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Shiba Inu. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Basenji puppy or the Shiba Inu 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 Popularity of Basenji versus Popularity of Shiba Inu
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the Basenji and the Shiba Inu over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shiba Inu is more popular with dog owners than the Basenji. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shiba Inu is 44 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Basenji is 86 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of Basenji
Popularity of Shiba Inu
| Year | Basenji Popularity Rank | Shiba Inu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 85 | 46 |
| 2014 | 86 | 47 |
| 2015 | 87 | 45 |
| 2016 | 88 | 44 |
| 2017 | 84 | 45 |
| 2018 | 87 | 44 |
| 2019 | 87 | 45 |
| 2020 | 86 | 43 |
Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Shiba Inu
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 Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Basenji than for the Shiba Inu.
6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 3 tests are recommended for the Shiba Inu.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basenjis and in Shiba Inus.
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.
Shiba Inu Health Problems
Shiba Inus are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inu puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Shiba Inu 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 Shiba Inus for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Shiba Inus here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in Basenjis and Shiba Inus
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Basenji Breed is Fanconi Syndrome problems.
This is because the Basenji ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Fanconi Syndrome problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 10339 Basenjis, 330 of them had Fanconi Syndrome problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Basenjis, and how common these diseases are in Basenjis relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Shiba Inu Breed is Dentition Database problems.
This is because the Shiba Inu ranks 22 out of 49 dog breeds for Dentition Database problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 200 Shiba Inus, 12 of them had Dentition Database problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Shiba Inus, and how common these diseases are in Shiba Inus relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in Basenji and in Shiba Inu and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Basenji and the Shiba Inu:
| Disease | Basenji Rank | Shiba Inu Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Fanconi Syndrome problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy problems | 5 out of 32 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 12 out of 182 dog breeds | 170 out of 182 dog breeds |
| Thyroid problems | 48 out of 115 dog breeds | 91 out of 115 dog breeds |
| Elbow problems | 90 out of 144 dog breeds | 53 out of 144 dog breeds |
| Patella problems | 106 out of 145 dog breeds | 31 out of 145 dog breeds |
| Hips problems | 177 out of 198 dog breeds | 141 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Dentition Database problems | Not Common | 22 out of 49 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Shiba Inu
Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.
Shiba Inus can be left alone for some time without problems.
Do Basenjis shed more than Shiba Inus?
Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shiba Inus shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Shiba Inu
Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shiba Inus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Shiba Inu?
Basenjis are very easy to groom.
Shiba Inus are very easy to groom.
Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shiba Inu?
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.
Shiba Inus have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Shiba Inus?
Basenjis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Shiba Inus are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shiba Inus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shiba Inus can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Shiba Inu
Basenjis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shiba Inus have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shiba Inus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.
Shiba Inus can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Shiba Inu?
Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Shiba Inus?
Basenjis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shiba Inus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Shiba Inus?
Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shiba Inus get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Shiba Inu?
Basenjis are not easy to train.
Shiba Inus are not easy to train.
Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Shiba Inu?
Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.
Shiba Inus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the Shiba Inu?
Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.
Shiba Inus are very good for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basenji
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Basenji that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Basenji:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shiba Inu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shiba Inu that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.
We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Shiba Inu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Basenji and how the Shiba Inu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Basenji and of the Shiba Inu to other breeds:
Basenji Versus Other Dog Breeds
Basenji versus Miniature Pinscher Basenji versus Harrier Basenji versus Lakeland Terrier Basenji versus Sloughi Basenji versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Basenji versus Norwich Terrier Basenji versus Norfolk Terrier Basenji versus Bedlington Terrier Basenji versus Dutch Shepherd Basenji versus American Staffordshire Terrier Basenji versus German Shepherd Dog Basenji versus Komondor Basenji versus English Cocker Spaniel Basenji versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog Basenji versus Coton de Tulear Basenji versus Papillon Basenji versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Basenji versus Dutch Shepherd Basenji versus Basset Hound Basenji versus German Wirehaired Pointer Basenji versus Cane Corso Basenji versus Collie Basenji versus Bich Poo Basenji versus Cesky Terrier
Shiba Inu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shiba Inu versus Norfolk Terrier Shiba Inu versus Papillon Shiba Inu versus Shetland Sheepdog Shiba Inu versus Goldador Shiba Inu versus Whoodle Shiba Inu versus Puggle Shiba Inu versus Kuvasz Shiba Inu versus Kooikerhondje Shiba Inu versus Bernedoodle Shiba Inu versus Jack Russell Terrier Shiba Inu versus Ibizan Hound Shiba Inu versus Cavachon Shiba Inu versus West Highland White Terrier Shiba Inu versus Norwegian Lundehund Shiba Inu versus Shiranian Shiba Inu versus Toy Fox Terrier Shiba Inu versus Miniature Pinscher Shiba Inu versus Field Spaniel Shiba Inu versus Vizsla Shiba Inu versus French Spaniel Shiba Inu versus Boxerdoodle Shiba Inu versus Bolognese Shiba Inu versus Pyrenean Mastiff Shiba Inu versus Whippet Shiba Inu versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever
Conclusion: Basenji versus Shiba Inu. 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 Shiba Inu better suits you and your family.