Samoyed vs Basenji
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Samoyed
Working Group
Basenji
Hound Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Samoyed Overview
Majestic and snow-white, Samoyeds captivate with their distinctive upturned mouth corners forming their famous 'Sammy smile'. Their thick double coat features a soft, woolly undercoat and straight outer coat that stands off the body, creating an impressive ruff around the neck and shoulders. Gentle yet spirited, these medium-sized dogs combine strength with agility, reflecting their heritage as working dogs of the Arctic.
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: Samoyeds are less energetic than Basenjis, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Samoyeds require more grooming attention compared to Basenjis.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Samoyeds 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 Samoyeds typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Samoyed and Basenji, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Samoyed | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Small |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 13-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Hound Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Samoyed | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 19-24 inches 48-60 cm | 16-17 inches 41-43 cm |
| Weight | 35-65 lbs 16-29 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 | Samoyed | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Adaptable, Friendly, Gentle | Independent, Smart, Poised |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Samoyed | Basenji |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Samoyed Temperament
The Samoyed is known for being adaptable, friendly, gentle, 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. 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 Samoyed 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
Samoyed
Rating: 5/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Samoyed
Rating: 3/5
Basenji
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
Basenji
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Samoyed
Rating: 2/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Samoyed
Rating: 4/5
Basenji
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Samoyed Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Samoyeds 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, Samoyeds 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
Samoyed Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- PRA
- Diabetes
- Heart Issues
- Glaucoma
Basenji Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Fanconi Syndrome
- PRA
- Hypothyroidism
- Hip Dysplasia
- Hemolytic Anemia
Pros & Cons
Samoyed
Pros
- Friendly and gentle temperament
- Great with children
- Low aggression levels
- Adaptable to various living situations
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High grooming needs
- Can be stubborn
- Not suitable for hot climates
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 Samoyed and Basenji, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.