Basenji versus Shichon. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Basenji Versus Shichon: Introduction

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

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

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 Shichon.

Basenji versus Shichon

Basenji versus Shichon: Overview

Both the Basenji and the Shichon are similar in size. The Basenji and the Shichon 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 Shichon belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

Basenji versus Shichon: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Shichon 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 Shichon

Factor Basenji Shichon
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 5/5
Easy To Train 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 18 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 9 to 12 inches
General Health 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 5/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 9 to 15 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 4/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 1/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
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 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 15.0 years
Average Price $2320 $1610
Price Range $1450 – $1500 $1200 – $2000
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

    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 Shichon. 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 Shichon is 95 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shichon is a better pet than the Basenji. So, you should get the Shichon!

    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 Shichon so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Shichon

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

  • Basenjis not very playful. However, Shichons are very playful.
  • Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems. However, Shichons do not like to be left alone.
  • Basenjis are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Shichons 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, Shichons have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • Basenjis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects. However, Shichons 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 Shichon

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

  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon are good for new dog owners.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Basenji and the Shichon have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Basenji versus Shichon

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

    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, Shichons weigh 9 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Shichons are 9 to 12 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Shichon

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

    The lifespan of Shichons is between 12 to 18 years. The average lifespan of Shichons is 15.0 years.

    Shichons live longer than Basenjis.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Shichon

    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 Shichon puppy is $1610. The price of the Shichon typically ranges from $1200 – $2000. However, the price of the Shichon can be as low as $700 and as high as $4000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 155 Shichon puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Basenji is more expensive than the Shichon.

    Basenji Shichon
    Average Price $2320 $1610
    Price Range $1450 to $1500 $1200 to $2000

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Shichon. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Shichon 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 Shichons

    A breakdown of the prices of Shichons

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Shichon

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Shichons do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Shichons?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Shichon

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Shichons do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Shichon?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Shichons are very easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shichon?

    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.

    Shichons 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 Shichons?

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shichons Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Shichon

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

    Shichons 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 Shichons Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Shichons cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Shichons get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Shichons?

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Shichons?

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

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

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Shichon?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Shichons are fairly easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Shichon?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Shichons adapt very well to apartment living.

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

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Shichons 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:

  • Italian Greyhound (69 percent match with Basenji). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Whippet (69 percent match with Basenji). Here is our comparison of the Shichon vs Whippet.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shichon

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shichon 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 Shichon:

  • Biewer Terrier (78 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Basenji vs Biewer Terrier.
  • Cockalier (83 percent match with Shichon). Here is our comparison of the Basenji vs Cockalier.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Basenji and how the Shichon compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Basenji and of the Shichon to other breeds:

    Basenji Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Basenji versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     Basenji versus Bloodhound     Basenji versus Puli     Basenji versus Australian Terrier     Basenji versus Belgian Sheepdog          Basenji versus Manchester Terrier     Basenji versus Black Mouth Cur     Basenji versus Barbet     Basenji versus American Foxhound     Basenji versus Tibetan Spaniel     Basenji versus Saluki     Basenji versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Basenji versus Cesky Terrier     Basenji versus Canaan Dog     Basenji versus Westiepoo     Basenji versus Clumber Spaniel     Basenji versus German Shepherd Dog     Basenji versus German Longhaired Pointer     Basenji versus Rottweiler     Basenji versus German Longhaired Pointer     Basenji versus Frenchton     Basenji versus Boxerdoodle     Basenji versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Basenji versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     

    Shichon Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Shichon versus Finnish Spitz     Shichon versus Whippet     Shichon versus Biewer Terrier     Shichon versus Irish Terrier     Shichon versus Leonberger     Shichon versus Mudi     Shichon versus Hovawart     Shichon versus Canaan Dog     Shichon versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Shichon versus American Hairless Terrier     Shichon versus Cavapoo     Shichon versus Peek A Poo     Shichon versus Shih Tzu     Shichon versus Akita     Shichon versus Toy Fox Terrier     Shichon versus Dachshund     Shichon versus Black Mouth Cur     Shichon versus Spanish Mastiff     Shichon versus Schipperke     Shichon versus Belgian Malinois     Shichon versus Kai Ken     Shichon versus Hovawart     Shichon versus Kooikerhondje     Shichon versus Great Dane     Shichon versus Sheepadoodle     

    Conclusion: Basenji versus Shichon. 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 Shichon better suits you and your family.