Quick Links: Table of Contents
- Basenji Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- Basenji versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- Basenji versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of Basenji versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of Basenji versus Shih Tzu
- Temperament of the Basenji Versus the Shih Tzu
- Price of Basenji versus Price of Shih Tzu
- The Intelligence of the Basenji versus the Intelligence of the Shih Tzu
- The Popularity of Basenji versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Shih Tzu
- Do Basenjis shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do Basenjis Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Shih Tzu
- Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Shih Tzu?
- Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Shih Tzus?
- Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Basenji
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: Basenji versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
Basenji Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Basenji and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
Basenji versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the Basenji and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basenji is a small-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the Basenji to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | Basenji | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 3/5 |
| Life Span | 10 to 12 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Height | 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| General Health | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 22 to 24 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| 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 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 11.0 years | 13.0 years |
| Average Price | $2320 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1450 – $1500 | $1200 – $2300 |
| Temperament Score | 68.9 percent | 77.6 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
No Data |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 86 | 18 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 78 | 70 |
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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the Basenji. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Shih Tzu
The Basenji and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Basenji and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of Basenji versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the Shih Tzu.
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, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of Basenji versus Shih Tzu
The lifespan of Basenjis is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basenjis is 11.0 years.
The lifespan of Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Shih Tzus live longer than Basenjis.
Temperament of the Basenji Versus the Shih Tzu
The Shih Tzu has a better temperament than the Basenji.
This is because the temperament score for the Shih Tzu is 77.6 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 77.6 percent, the Shih Tzu has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basenji and the Shih Tzu by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 49 Shih Tzus.
Price of Basenji versus Price of Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu puppy is $1820. The price of the Shih Tzu typically ranges from $1200 – $2300. However, the price of the Shih Tzu can be as low as $200 and as high as $5850. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 806 Shih Tzu puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Basenji is more expensive than the Shih Tzu.
| Basenji | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $2320 | $1820 |
| Price Range | $1450 to $1500 | $1200 to $2300 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Shih Tzu. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzus
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Basenji puppy or the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Basenji | Shih Tzu | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 78 out of 130 dog breeds | 70 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! | Tend To Learn New Commands After 80 To 100 Repetitions Or More! |
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:
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 Shih Tzu has an obedience intelligence rank of 70 out of 130 dog breeds. The Shih Tzu belongs to the `Lowest Degree of Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Shih Tzus tend to learn new commands after 80 to 100 repetitions or more!.
The Shih Tzu 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.
The Popularity of Basenji versus Popularity of Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Shih Tzu is more popular with dog owners than the Basenji. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Shih Tzu is 18 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 Shih Tzu
| Year | Basenji Popularity Rank | Shih Tzu Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 85 | 15 |
| 2014 | 86 | 17 |
| 2015 | 87 | 19 |
| 2016 | 88 | 20 |
| 2017 | 84 | 20 |
| 2018 | 87 | 20 |
| 2019 | 87 | 20 |
| 2020 | 86 | 20 |
Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Shih Tzu
Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do Basenjis shed more than Shih Tzus?
Basenjis do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Shih Tzu
Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Shih Tzu?
Basenjis are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.
Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
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.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?
Basenjis are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
Basenjis cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Shih Tzu
Basenjis have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Shih Tzu?
Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
Basenjis are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Shih Tzus?
Basenjis get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
Basenjis are not easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the Shih Tzu?
Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the Basenji and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Basenji and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
Basenji Versus Other Dog Breeds
Basenji versus Pyrenean Shepherd Basenji versus Pyrenean Mastiff Basenji versus Papipoo Basenji versus Newfoundland Basenji versus Bernese Mountain Dog Basenji versus Plott Basenji versus Finnish Lapphund Basenji versus Dutch Shepherd Basenji versus Labradoodle Basenji versus Harrier Basenji versus American Eskimo Dog Basenji versus Australian Shepherd Basenji versus Puggle Basenji versus Curly-Coated Retriever Basenji versus Affenhuahua Basenji versus Mudi Basenji versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Basenji versus Akita Basenji versus Affenpinscher Basenji versus Redbone Coonhound Basenji versus Icelandic Sheepdog Basenji versus Shichon Basenji versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Basenji versus Cavachon Basenji versus Schnoodle
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Sloughi Shih Tzu versus Standard Schnauzer Shih Tzu versus Westiepoo Shih Tzu versus Keeshond Shih Tzu versus Berger Picard Shih Tzu versus Border Terrier Shih Tzu versus Golden Cocker Retriever Shih Tzu versus Kooikerhondje Shih Tzu versus Afador Shih Tzu versus Boxer Shih Tzu versus Havanese Shih Tzu versus Cockapoo Shih Tzu versus Chinese Shar-Pei Shih Tzu versus Leonberger Shih Tzu versus Cairn Terrier Shih Tzu versus Kooikerhondje Shih Tzu versus Akita Shih Tzu versus Japanese Chin Shih Tzu versus Shetland Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Norwegian Buhund Shih Tzu versus Saluki Shih Tzu versus Toy Fox Terrier Shih Tzu versus Redbone Coonhound Shih Tzu versus Puggle Shih Tzu versus Tibetan Mastiff
Conclusion: Basenji versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.