Havanese vs Basenji
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Havanese
Toy Group
Basenji
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Havanese Overview
Havanese dogs captivate with their silky, flowing coats and expressive dark eyes. Standing 8.5-11.5 inches tall with a sturdy yet compact frame, these charming companions showcase a distinctive springy gait. Their coat comes in various colors, featuring a soft texture and slight wave. Alert and spirited, they carry themselves with a gentle, intelligent expression that perfectly matches their affectionate nature.
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: Havaneses are less energetic than Basenjis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Havaneses require more grooming attention compared to Basenjis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Havaneses 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 Havaneses typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Havanese and Basenji, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Havanese | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 13-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Toy Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Havanese | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 9-12 inches 22-29 cm | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm |
| Weight | 7-13 lbs 3-6 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 | Havanese | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Intelligent, Outgoing, Funny | Independent, Smart, Poised |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Havanese | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Havanese Temperament
The Havanese is known for being intelligent, outgoing, funny, 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 Havanese 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
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Havanese
Rating: 5/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Havanese
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Havanese
Rating: 1/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Havanese
Rating: 4/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Havanese Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Havaneses 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, Havaneses require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
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
Havanese Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Chondrodysplasia
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Deafness
- Heart Murmurs
- Cataracts
Basenji Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Fanconi Syndrome
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hemolytic Anemia
Pros & Cons
Havanese
Pros
- Excellent companion dog
- Good with children
- Highly adaptable
- Low shedding
- Intelligent
- Social nature
Cons
- Regular grooming needed
- Separation anxiety prone
- Can be vocal
- Frequent brushing required
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 Havanese and Basenji, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.