Basenji
VS
Shih Tzu
Basenji vs Shih Tzu
Compare Basenji and Shih Tzu 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
Shih Tzu
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
40 – 43 cm
23 – 27 cm
Weight
9 – 11 kg
5 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 16 years
10 – 16 years
Child friendly
2/5
4/5
Energy level
4/5
2/5
Intelligence
3/5
2/5
Trainability
3/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
2/5
4/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
Barking level
1/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
1/5
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Characteristics
Basenji
High energy
Low grooming
Quiet
Small
Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzu
Small, sturdy companion dog from Tibetan and Chinese palaces, 4.5–8 kg with a long, flowing coat and chrysanthemum-like face. Affectionate, cheerful, and confident, it suits many homes. Needs moderate exercise, intensive grooming, and patient, reward-based training.
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