Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Comparison - Dog breed selector: African Barkless Dog or Chrysanthemum Dog or Japanese Shiba Inu? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu" Compare Basenji and Shih Tzu. Which is better: Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu?

Size and Weight Price and Availability Trainability and Intelligence Personality and Temperament Activity and Playfulness Adaptability and Independence Bite Characteristics Health and Lifespan Energy and Activity Diet and Weight Management Allergies and Grooming Good With As a Working Dog Reproducibility Recognition Show differences only

Name	Basenji	Shih Tzu	Shiba Inu
Origins	Democratic Republic of the Congo	China	Japan
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Hunting Dogs	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs
Popularity Rank	84	20	45
Reviews	2	19	9
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu breeds.	African Barkless Dog African Bush Dog Ango Angari Congo Terrier Zande Dog Congo Dog	Chrysanthemum Dog Chinese Lion Dog	Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small-Size Dog Shiba Shiba Ken Brushwood Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is the largest?	Medium	Small	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg), Female: 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg)	9–16 pounds (4-7 kg)	Male: 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg), Female: 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 24 pounds (11 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)	9–16 pounds (5.5 kg)	Male: 21.5 pounds (9.5 kg), Female: 17.5 pounds (6.8.5 kg)
Height Which is taller, Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu? Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu height comparison:	Male: 16-17 inches (41-43 cm), Female: 15-16 inches (38-41 cm)	8-11 inches (20-28 cm)	Male: 14-16 inches (36-41 cm), Female: 13-15 inches (33-38 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 16.5 inches (42 cm), Female: 15.5 inches (39.5 cm)	9.5 inches (24 cm)	Male: 15 inches (38.5 cm), Female: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Find price differences between these breeds.	$1000-$1200	$800-$1200	$800-$1000
Availability Which is easier to get, Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu?	Very frequent: The Basenji is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shih Tzu is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Shiba Inu is quite easy to get.

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which breed ranks highest?	Low: The Basenji is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Low: The Shih Tzu is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which is easiest to train?	Basenji dogs are easy to train. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	A slightly harder to train than average. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most alert?	Basenji dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs are good watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most protective?	Basenji dogs are average defenders. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs strongly protect their territory. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs are extremely protective guard dogs. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu? Compare temperaments.	Curious Playful Energetic Alert Intelligent Affectionate	Active Playful Happy Courageous Intelligent Friendly Outgoing Lively Gentle	Alert Confident Going Fearless Keen Faithful Charming
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Basenji dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed. See more.
Most Sensitive Dog Breeds		Less Sensitive Dog Breeds
Affection Level Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu?	Slightly Below Average: Basenji dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.	High: Shih Tzu dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Average to High: Shiba Inu dogs are highly affectionate dogs. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu social needs comparison:	Basenji dogs are kinda antisocial. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs need a lot of social interaction. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	Basenji dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to escape less than other breeds. See more.	The wanderlust potential of the Shiba Inu is strong enough to escape from home. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	Basenji dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency Compare barking frequencies of Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most vocal?	Low: The Basenji barks none to minimal. See more.	A lot: Shih Tzu is a particularly loud breed. See more.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu rarely barks. See more.
Quiet Dog Breeds That Don't Bark		Dog Breeds That Bark The Most
Playful Nature Compare playfulness levels between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most playful?	Average: Basenjis, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.	Shih Tzus are not the most playful dog breed. See more.	Average: Shiba Inus, like any other dog breed, like playing. See more.
Most Playful Dog Breeds
Apartment Adaptability Compare apartment suitability of Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which adapts best to small spaces?	It is not recommended to keep the Basenji breed in the home.	Very house-friendly dog the Shih Tzu breed.	Very house-friendly dog the Shiba Inu breed.
The Worst Dog Breeds for Apartment Living		Apartment Friendly Dogs List

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most flexible?	Average: Basenji dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Shih Tzu dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Shiba Inu dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu?	Basenji dogs handle alone time quite well.	Shih Tzu dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment Compare biting potential between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which has lowest bite risk?	Low 🔽 The Basenji has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of biting somebody.	Low 🔽 The Shiba Inu has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency Compare mouthing tendencies between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which uses mouth most during play?	Basenji dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. See more.
Bite Strength Rating Compare bite forces between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which has the strongest bite?	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Basenji bite force: Ordinary.	Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽 Shih Tzu bite force: Weak.	Between 200 and 400 PSI ⏺ Shiba Inu bite force: Ordinary.
Dog Breeds With The Lowest Bite Force		Dog Breeds With the Strongest Bite Force

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which breed lives longest?	10-12 years The average lifespan of Basenji: 11 years	10-16 years The average lifespan of Shih Tzu: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Shiba Inu: 13 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which handles climate changes best?	Prefers warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. See more.	Prefers average to cold weather conditions The Shiba Inu can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which has fewer health issues?	The Basenji is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shih Tzu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Shiba Inu is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Healthiest Dog Breeds
Vet Care Frequency Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?	Average The Basenji should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shih Tzu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Shiba Inu should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Longest Living Dog Breeds
Health Problems Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu health problems comparison:	Eye Problems Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Kidney Issues	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Umbilical Hernias Ear Infections Distichiasis Portosystemic Liver Shunt Bladder Stones Ectopic Cilia Reverse Sneezing Dry Eye Proptosis Juvenile Renal Dysplasia Keratitis Retained Baby Teeth Snuffles	Hip Dysplasia Patellar Luxation Allergies Cancer Hypothyroidism Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Epilepsy Glaucoma Spinning Chylothorax

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which breed is most active?	Basenji dogs are high-energy dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	Basenji dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Shih Tzu dogs exercise need is minimal.	Shiba Inu dogs have an average exercise need.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu?	Basenji dogs don't need too much sleep.	Shih Tzu dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot.	Shiba Inu dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The Basenji has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Shih Tzu's weight, he can easily gain weight. See more.	Low to Average: The Shiba Inu has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which needs most food?	3/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day.	Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	Yes See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. What colors are available?	Black Tan Red White Brindle	Black Red Blue Silver Brindle Liver Gold	Black Tan Red Cream Sesame
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which requires most maintenance?	Effortless: The Basenji requires minimal grooming. See more.	Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. See more.	Easy to groom: The Shiba Inu doesn't require a lot of grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which drools least?	The Basenji is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shih Tzu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Shiba Inu is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which has least natural smell?	Low 🔽 The Basenji has a low chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Shih Tzu has a low chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Shiba Inu has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Fine	Dense	Dense
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which requires most frequent baths?	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu? Basenji or Shih Tzu or {name3 shedding:	Basenji dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shih Tzu dogs shed none to minimal. See more.	Shiba Inu dogs shed above average. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which is best with kids?	Basenji dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	Basenji dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.	Shih Tzu dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Shiba Inu dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu? Which dog is more friendly?	Basenji dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Are Aloof With Strangers		Dog Breeds That Are Friendly To Strangers
Cat Friendly Which dog is more cat friendly Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu?	Basenji dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly Basenji or Shih Tzu or Shiba Inu?	Basenji dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.	Shih Tzu dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Shiba Inu dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu?	Yes Basenji dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Shih Tzu dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	No Shiba Inu dogs are not good for novice owners, due to their stubborn personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No Basenji is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shih Tzu is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Shiba Inu 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.	Shih Tzus are not the best breed for elderly people.	Shiba Inus are commonly okay with elderly people.

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which is best suited for service work?	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.	Not really This breed generally not used as a service dog. See more.
Most Popular Service Dog Breeds
Therapy Work Suitability Compare therapy dog potential between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which excels in therapy work?	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.	Not really This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. See more.
Therapy Dog Breeds
Scent Detection Ability Compare detection capabilities between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which has best nose work ability?	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.	Not really They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.
Search & Rescue Potential Compare search and rescue potential between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which is best for SAR work?	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.	Not really This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability Compare boating aptitude between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really Basenji breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shih Tzu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Shiba Inu breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which is best for draft work?	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.	Not really A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. See more.
Military Service Background Compare military service history of Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which has most military use?	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which has most puppies?	4-5 puppies	2-5 puppies	2-4 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. What's recommended?	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.	Once a year. More frequent breeding is not healthy. See more.

Basenji vs Shih Tzu vs Shiba Inu Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. How are they classified?	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1944 as a Hound breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1969 as a Toy breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 as a Non-Sporting breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Primitive type section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Tibetan breeds section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Asian Spitz and related breeds section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of Basenji, Shih Tzu, and Shiba Inu. Which has most recognition?	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 Canadian Canine Registry	American Canine Registry American Kennel Club America's Pet Registry 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

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