German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Comparison - Dog breed selector: Deutscher Spitz or American Gentlemen or African Barkless Dog? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji" Compare German Spitz and Boston Terrier. Which is better: German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji?

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	German Spitz	Boston Terrier	Basenji
Origins	Germany	United States	Democratic Republic of the Congo
All Dog Breeds By Country Of Origin
Group	Companion Dogs	Companion Dogs	Hunting Dogs
Popularity Rank	344	21	84
Reviews	2	4	2
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases Compare alternative names and nicknames used for German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji breeds.	Deutscher Spitz	American Gentlemen Boston Bull Terrier Boxwood Boston Bull	African Barkless Dog African Bush Dog Ango Angari Congo Terrier Zande Dog Congo Dog
Breed Classification How do breed classifications differ between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji? Compare their breeding categories.	Purebred	Purebred	Purebred

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification Compare size differences between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is the largest?	Small Medium	Small	Medium
Weight Statistics How do weights compare between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji? Compare adult weight ranges.	Male: 24-33 pounds (11-15 kg), Female: 18-27 pounds (8-12 kg)	10-25 pounds (6-11kg)	Male: 22-26 pounds (10-12 kg), Female: 20-25 pounds (9-11 kg)
Average Weight Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?	Male: 28.5 pounds (13 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)	17.5 pounds (8.5 kg)	Male: 24 pounds (11 kg), Female: 22.5 pounds (10 kg)
Height Which is taller, German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji? German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji height comparison:	Male: 19-23 inches (48-58 cm), Female: 15-19 inches (38-48 cm)	15-17 inches (38-43 cm)	Male: 16-17 inches (41-43 cm), Female: 15-16 inches (38-41 cm)
Average Height Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?	Male: 21 inches (53 cm), Female: 17 inches (43 cm)	16 inches (40.5 cm)	Male: 16.5 inches (42 cm), Female: 15.5 inches (39.5 cm)

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range Compare puppy costs for German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Find price differences between these breeds.	$800-$1000	$600-$800	$1000-$1200
Availability Which is easier to get, German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji?	Average: The German Spitz is a commonly available dog breed.	Very frequent: The Boston Terrier is quite easy to get.	Very frequent: The Basenji is quite easy to get.

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating Compare intelligence levels between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed ranks highest?	Very smart: German Spitz is an excellent dog breed. See more.	Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. See more.	Low: The Basenji is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. See more.
Smartest Dog Breeds
Training Difficulty Compare training difficulty levels between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which is easiest to train?	German Spitz dogs are easy to train. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are quite easy to train. See more.	Basenji dogs are easy to train. See more.
Least Obedient Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Easy To Train
Watchdog Rating Compare watchdog abilities of German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most alert?	German Spitz dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average watchdogs. See more.	Basenji dogs are one of the best watchdogs. See more.
Territorial Protection Compare territorial instincts between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most protective?	German Spitz dogs are average defenders. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are average defenders. See more.	Basenji dogs are average defenders. See more.
Guard Dog Breeds List

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits How do personalities differ between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji? Compare temperaments.	Independent Devoted Lively Attentive Trainable	Playful Intelligent Friendly Affectionate Lively Gentle Aggressive	Curious Playful Energetic Alert Intelligent Affectionate
Sensitivity Level Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?	Sensitive: German Spitz dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Sensitive: Boston Terrier dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits. See more.	Basenji 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: German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji?	Average: German Spitz dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level. See more.	High: Boston Terrier dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. See more.	Slightly Below Average: Basenji dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence. See more.
Most Affectionate Dog Breeds
Social Needs German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji social needs comparison:	German Spitz dogs need for social interaction is average. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs are a social breed. See more.	Basenji dogs are kinda antisocial. See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?	German Spitz dogs have average wanderlust potential. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.	Basenji dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. See more.
Prey Drive Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?	German Spitz dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs have low to an average impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals. See more.	Basenji dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. See more.
Dog Breeds With Low Prey Drive		Dog Breeds With High Prey Drive

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Activity and Playfulness Comparison

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

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability Compare adaptability between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most flexible?	Average: German Spitz dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.	Boston Terrier dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.	Average: Basenji dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Alone Time Tolerance Which dog can be left alone: German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji?	Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.	Boston Terrier dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.	Basenji dogs handle alone time quite well.

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Bite Characteristics Comparison

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

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan Compare life expectancies of German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed lives longest?	12-14 years The average lifespan of German Spitz: 13 years	11-15 years The average lifespan of Boston Terrier: 13 years	10-12 years The average lifespan of Basenji: 11 years
Calculate dog years to human years by breed here
Climate Tolerance Compare weather adaptability between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which handles climate changes best?	Tolerates warm and cold weather Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. 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 warm weather Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates. See more.
Health Concerns Compare health problems common in German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which has fewer health issues?	German Spitzs are commonly healthy dogs.	The Boston Terrier is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.	The Basenji 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?	Rare The German Spitz should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).	Average The Boston Terrier should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.	Average The Basenji 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: German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji health problems comparison:	Luxating Patella Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Dental Problems	Cataracts Heart Murmurs Patellar Luxation Allergies Deafness Cherry Eye Brain Tumors Megaesophagus Reverse Sneezing	Eye Problems Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) Kidney Issues

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating Compare energy levels between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which breed is most active?	German Spitz dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Boston Terrier dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.	Basenji dogs are high-energy dogs.
Low-Energy Dog Breeds		High-Energy Dog Breeds
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?	German Spitz dogs need quite a lot of exercise.	Boston Terrier dogs have an average exercise need.	Basenji dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Sleeping Need Which one sleeps the least/most: German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji?	German Spitz dogs sleep 12-14 hours a day as an average dog and they're not considered a lazy breed.	Boston Terrier dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.	Basenji dogs don't need too much sleep.
Dog Breeds That Sleep A Lot

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency Compare weight gain tendencies between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which is most prone to obesity?	Low to Average: The German Spitz has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.	Average: The Boston Terrier has an average risk for obesity. See more.	Low to Average: The Basenji has a low to the average risk for obesity. See more.
Dog Breeds Prone To Obesity
Food Consumption Compare food requirements between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which needs most food?	1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	0.5 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.	3/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Dog Breeds That Eat A Lot

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness Compare hypoallergenic qualities of German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which is best for allergy sufferers?	No See more.	No See more.	No See more.
Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds
Coat Colors Compare color variations between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. What colors are available?	Black White Orange Tricolor	Black White Brindle Seal	Black Tan Red White Brindle
Grooming Requirements Compare grooming needs between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which requires most maintenance?	Advanced: The German Spitz requires a lot of grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Boston Terrier requires minimal grooming. See more.	Effortless: The Basenji requires minimal grooming. See more.
Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds		High-Maintenance Dog Breeds
Drooling Tendency Compare drooling tendencies between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which drools least?	The German Spitz is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Boston Terrier is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. See more.	The Basenji is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. See more.
Stinkiness Rating Compare odor levels between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which has least natural smell?	Medium ⏺ The German Spitz has an average chance of bad smell.	Medium ⏺ The Boston Terrier has an average chance of bad smell.	Low 🔽 The Basenji has a low chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics Compare coat types between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. How do their fur characteristics differ?	Dense Straight	Fine	Fine
Bathing Needs Compare bathing needs between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which requires most frequent baths?	4-6 weeks Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.	3-4 weeks More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. See more.
Shedding Level Who sheds more German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji? German Spitz or Boston Terrier or {name3 shedding:	German Spitz dogs shed above average. See more.	Boston Terrier dogs shed moderately. See more.	Basenji dogs shed none to minimal. See more.
Low-Shedding Dog Breeds		Dog Breeds That Shed The Most

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility Compare child-friendliness between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which is best with kids?	German Spitz dogs are kid-friendly dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.	Basenji dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Kid-Friendly Dog Breeds
Pet Compatibility Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?	German Spitz dogs are generally with other pets.	Boston Terrier dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.	Basenji dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly Which dog is more stranger friendly German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji? Which dog is more friendly?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards strangers.	Boston Terrier dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.	Basenji 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 German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards cats.	Boston Terrier dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.	Basenji dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Breeds That Get Along Well With Cats
Dog Friendly Which dog is more dog friendly German Spitz or Boston Terrier or Basenji?	German Spitz dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.	Boston Terrier dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.	Basenji dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji?	Yes German Spitz dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Boston Terrier dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.	Yes Basenji dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly Which one fits better in the office?	No German Spitz is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Boston Terrier is not the best dog breed for office environment.	No Basenji is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly Which dog is good for elderly people?	German Spitzs are usually recommended for elderly people.	Boston Terriers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.	Basenjis are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability Compare service dog potential between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. 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 German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. 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 German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. 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 German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. 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 German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which is best suited for water work?	Not really German Spitz breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Boston Terrier breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.	Not really Basenji breed usually doesn't like being on a boat. See more.
Draft Work Capability Compare cart pulling abilities between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. 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 German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which has most military use?	Not really In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.	Yes In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size Compare typical litter sizes of German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which has most puppies?	2-4 puppies	3-5 puppies	4-5 puppies
Dog Name Generator – Find A Perfect Name For Your Puppy
Pregnancy Duration Compare gestation periods of German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Any breeding differences?	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.	60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency Compare breeding intervals between German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. 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.

German Spitz vs Boston Terrier vs Basenji Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification Compare AKC groups for German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. How are they classified?	Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1893 as a Non-Sporting breed.	Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1944 as a Hound breed.
FCI Classification Compare FCI groups for German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. How are they classified internationally?	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the European Spitz section.	Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Small Molossian type Dogs section.	Recognized by FCI in the Spitz and primitive types group, in the Primitive type section.
Kennel Club Recognition Compare breed recognition status of German Spitz, Boston Terrier, and Basenji. Which has most recognition?	Dog Registry of America Inc. Federation Cynologique Internationale North American Purebred Registry, Inc. American Canine Association, Inc. Continental Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service	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 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.

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