Basenji
Basenji
VS
Rat Terrier
Rat Terrier

Basenji vs Rat Terrier

Compare Basenji and Rat 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
Rat Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
40 – 43 cm
25 – 46 cm
Weight
9 – 11 kg
5 – 10 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
15 – 18 years
Child friendly
2/5
3/5
Energy level
4/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
1/5
Shedding
2/5
3/5
Barking level
1/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
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Characteristics

Basenji
High energy
Low grooming
Quiet
Small
Rat Terrier
Low grooming
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 Rat Terrier
The Rat Terrier is an American‑bred, small to medium, athletic farm and vermin dog. Intelligent and energetic, it thrives on training, exercise, and close family contact. With a short, low‑maintenance coat in many pied colors, it suits active homes and excels in various dog sports.

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