Basenji vs Cairn Terrier
Compare Basenji and Cairn Terrier side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
Basenji
Cairn Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
40 – 43 cm
28 – 31 cm
Weight
9 – 11 kg
7 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
12 – 17 years
Child friendly
2/5
5/5
Energy level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
4/5
Shedding
2/5
1/5
Barking level
1/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Basenji
High energy
Low grooming
Quiet
Small
Cairn Terrier
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
About Basenji
Basenji: small, athletic African hound, 40–43 cm and 9–12 kg, with short coat, curled tail and wrinkled forehead. Often “barkless,” it yodels instead. Clean, independent, intelligent and strong-willed, it needs patient positive training, secure fencing, and regular mental and physical exercise.
About Cairn Terrier
Small, sturdy Scottish terrier bred to hunt among rocky cairns. Around 28–31 cm tall with a harsh, weatherproof double coat needing regular stripping and brushing. Bold, curious, affectionate, and vocal; enjoys daily walks, mental stimulation, and active family life. Generally hardy and long-lived.
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