Dogo Argentino vs Basenji
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Dogo Argentino
Working Group
Basenji
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Dogo Argentino Overview
Powerful and athletic, the Dogo Argentino showcases a muscular build with a pure white coat. Their broad head features a strong jaw and alert expression, while their deep chest and strong limbs reflect their hunting heritage. Known for combining strength with agility, these dogs display a balanced temperament, being both protective and affectionate with family.
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: Dogo Argentinos are more energetic than Basenjis, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Dogo Argentinos require less grooming attention compared to Basenjis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Dogo Argentinos 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 Dogo Argentinos typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Dogo Argentino and Basenji, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Dogo Argentino | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 9-15 years | 13-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Dogo Argentino | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 24-27 inches 61-67 cm | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm |
| Weight | 88-100 lbs 40-45 kg | 22-24 lbs 10-11 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Dogo Argentino | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Cheerful, Humble | Independent, Smart, Poised |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Dogo Argentino | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Dogo Argentino Temperament
The Dogo Argentino is known for being friendly, cheerful, humble, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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. 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 Dogo Argentino 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
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 5/5
Basenji
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 1/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Dogo Argentino
Rating: 2/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Dogo Argentino Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Dogo Argentinos 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, Dogo Argentinos 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
Dogo Argentino Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Skin Allergies
Basenji Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Fanconi Syndrome
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hemolytic Anemia
Pros & Cons
Dogo Argentino
Pros
- Loyal and protective
- Athletic and strong
- Good with family
- Low grooming needs
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Not for novice owners
- Can be stubborn
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 Dogo Argentino and Basenji, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.