Is the Basenji Better than the Treeing Walker Coonhound as a Pet? Answer…

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Basenji Versus Treeing Walker Coonhound: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound. 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound.

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 Treeing Walker Coonhound.

Basenji versus Treeing Walker Coonhound: Overview

A very important difference between the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Basenji is a small-sized dog while the Treeing Walker Coonhound is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound are Hound Dogs. This means both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound 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.

Basenji versus Treeing Walker Coonhound: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basenji to the Treeing Walker Coonhound 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound

Factor Basenji Treeing Walker Coonhound
Tolerates Cold Weather 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 5/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 5/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 13 years
Height 16 to 17 inches tall at the shoulder 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder
General Health 2/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 3/5
Weight 22 to 24 pounds 45 to 80 pounds
Easygoing 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 2/5
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 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $2320 $620
Price Range $1450 – $1500 $300 – $850
Temperament Score 68.9 percent 62.5 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
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds 86 127

    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 Treeing Walker Coonhound. 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound is 66 out of 125.

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

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound

    Below is a list of where the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound are most different:

  • Basenjis are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl. However, Treeing Walker Coonhounds 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, Treeing Walker Coonhounds do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Basenjis adapt well to apartment living. However, Treeing Walker Coonhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound

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

  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound are not easy to train.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound not very playful.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Basenji versus Treeing Walker Coonhound

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    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, Treeing Walker Coonhounds weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Treeing Walker Coonhounds are 20 to 27 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Basenji versus Treeing Walker Coonhound

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

    The lifespan of Treeing Walker Coonhounds is between 12 to 13 years. The average lifespan of Treeing Walker Coonhounds is 12.5 years.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds live longer than Basenjis.

    Temperament of the Treeing Walker Coonhound Versus the Basenji

    The Basenji has a better temperament than the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    This is because the temperament score for the Basenji is 68.9 percent while the temperament score for the Treeing Walker Coonhound is 62.5 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 62.5 percent, the Treeing Walker Coonhound has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound by measuring the temperaments of 177 Basenjis and 8 Treeing Walker Coonhounds.

    Price of Basenji versus Price of Treeing Walker Coonhound

    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 Treeing Walker Coonhound puppy is $620. The price of the Treeing Walker Coonhound typically ranges from $300 – $850. However, the price of the Treeing Walker Coonhound can be as low as $250 and as high as $1000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 20 Treeing Walker Coonhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Basenji is more expensive than the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    Basenji Treeing Walker Coonhound
    Average Price $2320 $620
    Price Range $1450 to $1500 $300 to $850

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Basenji and Treeing Walker Coonhound. For different price points, the charts show how many Basenji puppies or how many Treeing Walker Coonhound 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 Treeing Walker Coonhounds

    A breakdown of the prices of Treeing Walker Coonhounds

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

    Adopting the Basenji versus Adopting the Treeing Walker Coonhound

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Basenjis and many Treeing Walker Coonhounds are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Basenji named Puff that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Basenjis like Puff on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Basenjis, Treeing Walker Coonhounds are also available for adoption. For example, Oddie is a Male Treeing Walker Coonhound that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Treeing Walker Coonhounds like Oddie that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Basenji and the Treeing Walker Coonhound can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Also, Jethro is an adorable Male Treeing Walker Coonhound on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    You can find more Basenjis and Treeing Walker Coonhounds that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    The Popularity of Basenji versus Popularity of Treeing Walker Coonhound

    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 Treeing Walker Coonhound over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Basenji is more popular with dog owners than the Treeing Walker Coonhound. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Basenji is 86 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Treeing Walker Coonhound is 127 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Basenji

    Popularity of Basenji

    Popularity of Treeing Walker Coonhound

    Popularity of Treeing Walker Coonhound

    Year Basenji Popularity Rank Treeing Walker Coonhound Popularity Rank
    2013 85 101
    2014 86 112
    2015 87 117
    2016 88 137
    2017 84 131
    2018 87 137
    2019 87 129
    2020 86 153

    Health Problems of Basenji versus Health Problems of Treeing Walker Coonhound

    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 Treeing Walker Coonhound 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Basenji than for the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    6 health tests are recommended for Basenji while 4 tests are recommended for the Treeing Walker Coonhound.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Basenjis and in Treeing Walker Coonhounds.

    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.

    Treeing Walker Coonhound Health Problems

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

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Treeing Walker Coonhounds here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basenji versus Treeing Walker Coonhound

    Basenjis can be left alone for some time without problems.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do Basenjis shed more than Treeing Walker Coonhounds?

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

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Basenji or the Treeing Walker Coonhound

    Basenjis do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Basenji or the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

    Basenjis are very easy to groom.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds are very easy to groom.

    Does the Basenji Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

    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.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds 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 Treeing Walker Coonhounds?

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

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Treeing Walker Coonhounds Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basenji vs. Treeing Walker Coonhound

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

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

    Can Basenjis Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Treeing Walker Coonhounds Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basenjis can tolerate hot weather.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Basenji or the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

    Basenjis get along very well with other dogs.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Basenjis good family dogs? What about Treeing Walker Coonhounds?

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

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Basenjis and Treeing Walker Coonhounds?

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

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Basenji Easier to Train than the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

    Basenjis are not easy to train.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds are not easy to train.

    Is the Basenji Better for Apartment Owners than the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

    Basenjis adapt very well to apartment living.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Basenji or the Treeing Walker Coonhound?

    Basenjis are very good for new dog owners.

    Treeing Walker Coonhounds are not the best dogs 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound vs Italian Greyhound.
  • Whippet (69 percent match with Basenji). Here is our comparison of the Treeing Walker Coonhound vs Whippet.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Treeing Walker Coonhound

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Treeing Walker Coonhound 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound:

  • Black Mouth Cur (84 percent match with Treeing Walker Coonhound). Here is our comparison of the Basenji vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Bluetick Coonhound (83 percent match with Treeing Walker Coonhound). Here is our comparison of the Basenji vs Bluetick Coonhound.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Basenji Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Basenji versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Basenji versus Whippet     Basenji versus German Shepherd Dog     Basenji versus Irish Setter     Basenji versus Pekingese     Basenji versus Whoodle     Basenji versus Portuguese Water Dog     Basenji versus Dalmatian     Basenji versus Puli     Basenji versus Havanese     Basenji versus Alaskan Malamute     Basenji versus Brussels Griffon     Basenji versus Carolina Dog     Basenji versus Mountain Cur     Basenji versus Alaskan Malamute     Basenji versus English Setter     Basenji versus Skye Terrier     Basenji versus Xoloitzcuintli     Basenji versus American Bulldog     Basenji versus Portuguese Pointer     Basenji versus Shiranian     Basenji versus Samoyed     Basenji versus Shetland Sheepdog     Basenji versus Shetland Sheepdog     Basenji versus Barbet     

    Treeing Walker Coonhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Lhasapoo     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Japanese Spitz     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Bolognese     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Komondor     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Borzoi     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Border Terrier     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Aussiedoodle     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus French Bulldog     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Pyredoodle     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Bracco Italiano     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Mastiff     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Miniature Schnauzer     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi          Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Chow Chow          Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Bernedoodle     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Sealyham Terrier     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus English Springer Spaniel     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Norwegian Buhund     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Keeshond     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Jack Russell Terrier     Treeing Walker Coonhound versus Australian Terrier     

    Conclusion: Basenji versus Treeing Walker Coonhound. 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 Treeing Walker Coonhound better suits you and your family.