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Basenji vs German Shepherd Comparison – Which dog is better African Barkless Dog or Alsatian wolf dog?

"Find similarities and differences between Basenji vs German Shepherd" Compare Basenji and German Shepherd. Which is better: Basenji or German Shepherd?
 
 
 
Name Basenji German Shepherd
OriginsDemocratic Republic of the Congo flagDemocratic Republic of the Congo Germany flagGermany
Group Hunting Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank842
Reviews219
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
African Barkless Dog
African Bush Dog
Ango Angari
Congo Terrier
Zande Dog
Congo Dog
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? Basenji vs German Shepherd breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred

Basenji vs German Shepherd Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which dog is bigger, Basenji or German Shepherd? Is the Basenji bigger than the German Shepherd breed? Is a Basenji smaller than a German Shepherd?
Medium Large
Weight
Which is heavier, Basenji or German Shepherd? Basenji vs German Shepherd weight comparison:
Male: 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg), Female: 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 24 pounds (11 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Basenji or German Shepherd? Is a Basenji taller than a German Shepherd?
Male: 16-17 inches (41-43 cm), Female: 15-16 inches (38-41 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 16.5 inches (42 cm), Female: 15.5 inches (39.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm)

Basenji vs German Shepherd Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, Basenji or German Shepherd? Which is more expensive? What is the difference in price between Basenji and German Shepherd?
$1000-$1200 $800-$2000
Availability
Which is easier to get, Basenji or German Shepherd?
Very frequent: The Basenji is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which dog has more intelligence? Is a Basenji or German Shepherd smarter? Which is best? Basenji vs German Shepherd intelligence:
Low: The Basenji is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
See more.
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Trainability
Basenji vs German Shepherd trainability comparison. What's the difference between Basenji vs German Shepherd?
Basenji dogs are easy to train.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: Basenji or German Shepherd?
Basenji dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog Basenji or German Shepherd? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
Basenji dogs are average defenders.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, Basenji or German Shepherd? Basenji vs German Shepherd behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Playful
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Affectionate
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Basenji vs German Shepherd?
Basenji dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
See more.
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Basenji vs German Shepherd?
Slightly Below Average: Basenji dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Basenji vs German Shepherd social needs comparison:
Basenji dogs are kinda antisocial.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Basenji vs German Shepherd?
Basenji dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Basenji vs German Shepherd? Which can be better for hunting?
Basenji dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
See more.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
Basenji vs German Shepherd playfulness comparison:
Average: Basenjis, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
See more.
Barking
Which dog barks more/less: Basenji vs German Shepherd?
Low: The Basenji barks none to minimal.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
See more.
Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly Basenji or German Shepherd?
It is not recommended to keep the Basenji breed in the home.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
Average: Basenji dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: Basenji or German Shepherd?
Basenji dogs handle alone time quite well.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: Basenji or German Shepherd?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Basenji bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Is a Basenji more dangerous than a German Shepherd?

Low 🔽

The Basenji has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? Basenji vs German Shepherd mouthiness comparison:
Basenji dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
Basenji vs German Shepherd health comparison. Which is the healthier: Basenji vs German Shepherd?
The Basenji is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Basenji vs German Shepherd? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Basenji vs German Shepherd health problems comparison:
Eye Problems
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Kidney Issues
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits: Basenji vs German Shepherd?
Average
The Basenji should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
Basenji vs German Shepherd lifespan comparison. How long do Basenji and German Shepherd breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy? What is the age limit of the Basenji and German Shepherd?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Basenji: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: Basenji vs German Shepherd?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a Basenji or German Shepherd? Basenji vs German Shepherd energy level comparison:
Basenji dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Basenji vs German Shepherd exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Basenji or German Shepherd? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Basenji dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Basenji or German Shepherd?
Basenji dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: Basenji or German Shepherd? Does the Basenji breed eat more than the German Shepherd breed?
3/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? Basenji vs German Shepherd weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The Basenji has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? Basenji vs German Shepherd coat comparison:
Fine Fuzzy
Colors
What are the original Basenji and German Shepherd color? Basenji vs German Shepherd color comparison:
Black
Tan
Red
White
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, Basenji or German Shepherd? Basenji vs German Shepherd grooming comparison:
Effortless: The Basenji requires minimal grooming.
See more.
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Basenji or German Shepherd? Do Basenji dogs shed more than German Shepherd dogs?
Basenji dogs shed none to minimal.
See more.
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
See more.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: Basenji or German Shepherd?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
See more.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Hypoallergenic
Basenji vs German Shepherd hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, Basenji or German Shepherd?

Low 🔽

The Basenji has a low chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least? What's the difference between Basenji vs German Shepherd?
The Basenji is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Basenji vs German Shepherd Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Basenji dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Basenji or German Shepherd? Which dog is more friendly?
Basenji dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly Basenji or German Shepherd?
Basenji dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Basenji or German Shepherd?
Basenji dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Basenji or German Shepherd? Can a Basenji and a German Shepherd be friends? Do Basenji dogs get along with German Shepherd dogs?
Basenji dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Basenji vs German Shepherd?
Yes
Basenji dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Basenji is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Basenjis are usually recommended for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Basenji vs German Shepherd As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: Basenji or German Shepherd? Which is better for autism?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: Basenji vs German Shepherd?

Not really

Basenji breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Basenji vs German Shepherd Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.
Litter Size
How many puppies can Basenji and German Shepherd have? Basenji vs German Shepherd litter size comparison:
4-5 puppies 6-10 puppies

Basenji vs German Shepherd Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1944 as a Hound breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Primitive type section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry
American Pet Registry, Inc.
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America

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