Basenji vs English Toy Spaniel
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Basenji
Hound Group
English Toy Spaniel
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Basenji Overview
Graceful and poised, the Basenji stands out with its distinctive wrinkled forehead, erect ears, and tightly curled tail. Known as Africa's 'barkless dog', this medium-sized hound exhibits remarkable cleanliness and cat-like agility. Their short, fine coat comes in rich chestnut red, black, tricolor, or brindle, always featuring pristine white feet, chest, and tail tip.
English Toy Spaniel Overview
English Toy Spaniels feature a distinctive domed head, short muzzle, and large, dark eyes that give them an endearing expression. Their silky coat comes in four color combinations, with long feathering on ears, chest, and legs. Compact and square-proportioned, these gentle companions carry themselves with a dignified yet playful air, typically standing 9-10 inches at the shoulder.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Basenjis are more energetic than English Toy Spaniels, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Basenjis require less grooming attention compared to English Toy Spaniels.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Basenjis tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Toy Spaniels.
- Trainability: English Toy Spaniels may be slightly easier to train due to their English Toy Spaniel's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Toy Spaniels adapt better to apartment living, while Basenjis typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Basenji and English Toy Spaniel, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Basenji | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 13-14 years | 10-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Basenji | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm | 9-10 inches 23-25 cm |
| Weight | 22-24 lbs 10-11 kg | 8-14 lbs 4-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Basenji | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Independent, Smart, Poised | Gentle, Playful, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Basenji | English Toy Spaniel |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Basenji Temperament
The Basenji is known for being independent, smart, poised, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
English Toy Spaniel Temperament
The English Toy Spaniel is characterized by being gentle, playful, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Basenji and English Toy Spaniel, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Basenji
Rating: 4/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
English Toy Spaniel
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Basenji Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Basenjis require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Basenjis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
English Toy Spaniel Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Toy Spaniels need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, English Toy Spaniels require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Basenji Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Fanconi Syndrome
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hemolytic Anemia
English Toy Spaniel Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Heart Disease
- Eye Problems
- Patellar Luxation
- Syringomyelia
- Dental Issues
Pros & Cons
Basenji
Pros
- No barking
- Minimal grooming needed
- Cat-like cleanliness
- Highly intelligent
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Challenging to train
- Requires secure fencing
English Toy Spaniel
Pros
- Gentle temperament
- Good with families
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Affectionate nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Health issues common
- Can be stubborn
- Temperature sensitive
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Basenji and English Toy Spaniel, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.