Bohemian Shepherd vs Basenji
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bohemian Shepherd
Foundation Stock Service
Basenji
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bohemian Shepherd Overview
Bohemian Shepherds showcase a balanced blend of strength and agility, with a medium-sized, well-muscled frame and distinctive double coat. Their alert expression and noble bearing reflect their heritage as versatile working dogs. Featuring a wedge-shaped head, erect ears, and intelligent dark eyes, these dogs carry themselves with natural grace and confidence.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bohemian Shepherds are less energetic than Basenjis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bohemian Shepherds require less grooming attention compared to Basenjis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bohemian Shepherds tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Basenjis.
- Trainability: Basenjis may be slightly easier to train due to their Basenji's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Basenjis adapt better to apartment living, while Bohemian Shepherds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bohemian Shepherd and Basenji, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bohemian Shepherd | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-15 years | 13-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bohemian Shepherd | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-22 inches 49-55 cm | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm |
| Weight | 37-60 lbs 17-27 kg | 22-24 lbs 10-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Occasional | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bohemian Shepherd | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Devoted, Alert and Intelligent | Independent, Smart, Poised |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bohemian Shepherd | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bohemian Shepherd Temperament
The Bohemian Shepherd is known for being friendly, devoted, alert and intelligent, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Basenji Temperament
The Basenji is characterized by being independent, smart, poised, which makes them better for households without small children. 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bohemian Shepherd and Basenji, 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
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 5/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 1/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bohemian Shepherd
Rating: 2/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Bohemian Shepherd Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bohemian Shepherds require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bohemian Shepherds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Basenji Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Basenjis 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, Basenjis require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bohemian Shepherd Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Allergies
Basenji Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Fanconi Syndrome
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hemolytic Anemia
Pros & Cons
Bohemian Shepherd
Pros
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Devoted family companion
- Versatile working abilities
- Good with children
Cons
- Requires regular exercise
- May be reserved with strangers
- Moderate grooming needs
- Strong herding instincts
Basenji
Pros
- No barking
- Minimal grooming needed
- Cat-like cleanliness
- Highly intelligent
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Challenging to train
- Requires secure fencing
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bohemian Shepherd and Basenji, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.