Borzoi vs Basenji
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Borzoi
Hound Group
Basenji
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Borzoi Overview
Graceful and aristocratic, the Borzoi exhibits a distinctive silhouette with its long, curved neck, deep chest, and flowing silky coat. Standing tall with elegant proportions, these sighthounds possess remarkable speed and agility. Their refined features include a narrow, elongated head, dark almond-shaped eyes, and small ears that lay back against their neck when relaxed.
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: Borzois are less energetic than Basenjis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Borzois require more grooming attention compared to Basenjis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Borzois tend to be more reserved 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 Borzois typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Borzoi and Basenji, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Borzoi | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 9-14 years | 13-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Hound Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Borzoi | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-28 inches 66-71 cm | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm |
| Weight | 60-105 lbs 27-48 kg | 22-24 lbs 10-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Borzoi | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Regally Dignified | Independent, Smart, Poised |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Borzoi | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Borzoi Temperament
The Borzoi is known for being affectionate, loyal, regally dignified, 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.
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 Borzoi 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
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Borzoi
Rating: 4/5
Basenji
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Borzoi
Rating: 2/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Borzoi
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Borzoi Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Borzois 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, Borzois 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
Borzoi Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Bloat
- Hip Dysplasia
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Osteochondrosis
Basenji Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Fanconi Syndrome
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hemolytic Anemia
Pros & Cons
Borzoi
Pros
- Elegant and graceful appearance
- Gentle and calm indoors
- Low barking tendency
- Good with other dogs
Cons
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
- Requires secure fencing
- Regular grooming needed
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 Borzoi and Basenji, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.