Maltese
VS
Basenji
Maltese vs Basenji
Compare Maltese and Basenji 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
Maltese
Basenji
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
20 – 25 cm
40 – 43 cm
Weight
3 – 4 kg
9 – 11 kg
Life expectancy
12 – 15 years
12 – 16 years
Child friendly
3/5
2/5
Energy level
2/5
4/5
Intelligence
3/5
3/5
Trainability
3/5
3/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
2/5
Shedding
1/5
2/5
Barking level
3/5
1/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
3/5
Characteristics
Maltese
Tiny
Basenji
High energy
Low grooming
Quiet
Small
Summary
About Maltese
The Maltese is a small, sturdy companion dog with a long, white silky coat and expressive dark eyes. Affectionate and people oriented, it adapts well to apartments with daily walks. It needs regular grooming, dental care and gentle training, and often enjoys a long, active life.
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.
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