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Shih Tzu vs Basenji
Compare Shih Tzu 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
Shih Tzu
Basenji
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
23 – 27 cm
40 – 43 cm
Weight
5 – 8 kg
9 – 11 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 16 years
12 – 16 years
Child friendly
4/5
2/5
Energy level
2/5
4/5
Intelligence
2/5
3/5
Trainability
4/5
3/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
2/5
Shedding
2/5
2/5
Barking level
3/5
1/5
Aggressiveness
1/5
3/5
Characteristics
Shih Tzu
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Basenji
High energy
Low grooming
Quiet
Small
Summary
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.
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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