Basenji vs Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Miscellaneous Class
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.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Overview
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive short legs and a well-proportioned body. Their smooth, dense coat comes in various color combinations, typically with white as the predominant color. Alert ears, bright eyes, and a confident stance reflect their keen intelligence and spirited nature. These agile terriers move with purpose and grace, embodying both strength and athleticism.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Basenjis are less energetic than Teddy Roosevelt Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Basenjis require less grooming attention compared to Teddy Roosevelt Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Basenjis tend to be more reserved with strangers than Teddy Roosevelt Terriers.
- Trainability: Basenjis may be slightly easier to train due to their Basenji's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Teddy Roosevelt Terriers 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 Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Basenji | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 13-14 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Miscellaneous Class |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Basenji | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm | 8-15 inches 20-38 cm |
| Weight | 22-24 lbs 10-11 kg | 8-25 lbs 4-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Basenji | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Independent, Smart, Poised | Playful, Versatile, Intelligent |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Basenji | Teddy Roosevelt Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Temperament
The Teddy Roosevelt Terrier is characterized by being playful, versatile, intelligent, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Basenji and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 5/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Basenji
Rating: 4/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Rating: 3/5
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.
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Teddy Roosevelt Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Teddy Roosevelt Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Basenji Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Fanconi Syndrome
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hemolytic Anemia
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Primary Lens Luxation
- von Willebrand's Disease
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Cardiac 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
Teddy Roosevelt Terrier
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Great with families
- Excellent ratters
- Adaptable
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- High prey drive
- May bark frequently
- Needs consistent exercise
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Basenji and Teddy Roosevelt Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.