Lapponian Herder vs Basenji
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Lapponian Herder
Foundation Stock Service
Basenji
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Lapponian Herder Overview
Lapponian Herders are medium-sized Nordic dogs with distinctive thick double coats suited for harsh Arctic conditions. Their strong, muscular build combines agility with endurance, featuring pricked ears and a curved tail carried over the back. Alert and keen-eyed, they display the classic spitz-type appearance with a wedge-shaped head and deep chest, embodying their herding heritage through both physical form and attentive demeanor.
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: Lapponian Herders are less energetic than Basenjis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Lapponian Herders require more grooming attention compared to Basenjis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Lapponian Herders 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 Lapponian Herders typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Lapponian Herder and Basenji, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Lapponian Herder | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 10-14 years | 13-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Lapponian Herder | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 18-20 inches 46-51 cm | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm |
| Weight | 70-70 lbs 32-32 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 | Lapponian Herder | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Energetic, Intelligent | Independent, Smart, Poised |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Lapponian Herder | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Lapponian Herder Temperament
The Lapponian Herder is known for being friendly, energetic, intelligent, 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. 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 Lapponian Herder 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
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 1/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Lapponian Herder
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Lapponian Herder Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Lapponian Herders 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, Lapponian Herders 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
Lapponian Herder Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Allergies
Basenji Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Fanconi Syndrome
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hemolytic Anemia
Pros & Cons
Lapponian Herder
Pros
- Excellent herding abilities
- Loyal family companion
- Intelligent and trainable
- Good with children
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong herding instinct
- Not suited for hot climates
- Requires experienced owner
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 Lapponian Herder and Basenji, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.