In today’s article we look at Basenji vs Shiba Inu.
Used as hunting dogs in the past both the Basenji and Shiba Inu are great working dogs that love to be with their family. These two breeds have a lot in common, but there are also some differences that help you to distinguish them.
Basenji and Shiba Inu Origin
Out of Africa, the Basenji dog was originally found in Congo and today they’re one of the most ancient dog breeds. These dogs use both sand and side to hunt and were used to first small game into hunters net and to control bullet road and population. Due to their quiet nature this breed has been ever nicknamed the barkless dog.
All the Shiba Inu is an ancient breed originating in Japan. Their original purpose was also to flush small animals such as birds and rodent for hunters, and the natural environment of scrubby mountainous terra may well have inspired the hunters of antiquity to use the term brushwar dog to describe the breed.
Basenji vs Shiba Inu personality
Both dog breeds have an independent personality which is strong-willed and confident. They often have their own ideas about things and can be demanding. To Basenji there was a loving dog that craves attention compassion from any human interaction.
The Shiba Inu is also a family lover, but can be suspicious of strangers. They also don’t like to share their food choice or territory with power dogs. You need to have a consistent leadership and always think one step ahead of them. They share the behaviors of most sight hounds and love to chase after squirrels or rabbits on the daily walks.
So if you consider one of these two breeds, you should also get a leash and try to reduce their prey drive when training them.
Appearance
Basenji are distinctive for their wrinkled curly tail and almond shaped eyes. They have Arab ears, a short back and lightly built appearing high on the leg compared to its length. Basenji can grow up to 17 inches, which is 43 centimeters and weighs up to 24 pounds, which is 11 kilograms.
The Shiba Inu has a dense double coat with tough long primary hairs and a shorter soft undercoat. The hair on the tail is generally slightly longer giving it a fluffy appearance. Pale markings are desired on the inside of the ears on the cheeks and on the under sides of the neck chest abdomen and tail. Shiba Inu grow up to 17 inches, which is 43 centimeters and weigh up to 22 pounds, which is 10 kilograms.
Both breeds have the same height and weight, so if we try to find out more about the differences to decide which fit better suits to you, you should watch the next topics.
Trainability
The Basenji will be definitely harder to train then Shiba Inu. They are more independent and often tend to have their own will, which can make training a real challenge for you. Having training experience is highly recommended when dealing with Basenji and requires a lot of patience and persistence.
Shiba Inu are also not an easy to train breed but easier to train than Basenji. They are capable of learning complex tricks and behaviors. Shiba’s can derive great enjoyment out of challenging activities like agility or obedience classes that need to be incentivized to follow tasks with their set because of their dislike of being dirty. Shiba Inu puppies are generally easy to house-train the viewer or first-time ultimate dog owner.
Time investment
Basenjis have a high activity level and require an hour or two a physical activity a day. Shiba Inus are very active and love to be outdoors on a walk as adults. They need around 60 minutes of exercise every day. Ideally, this should be split into two walks morning and evening to balance out your dog’s day. Remember to keep all dogs on their leashes to control the pride and only let them go when they’re in a fenced yard.
Proper socialization and behavior training on a consistent basis can stop them from tracing small animals.
Best home
Both breeds can do well in a family with and without children. Basenjis have a higher exercise requirement so make sure to provide enough time and space to burn off their energy. This breed is aware of strangers, so teach your children to not approach them from behind, as they don’t like it at all.
Shiba Inus can be aggressive toward other dogs or small animals, but an holy socialization can help to change this behavior. Also make sure your children treat your dog kindly and respectfully.
Health
Both breeds are healthy in general and will live a happy life and you care about them. Basenjis average lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years, whereas the Shiba Inus lifespan ranges from 12 to 16 years. This is not a guarantee, and if you want to give your dog a long life, you should always do your research talk to your veterinarian and experienced dog owners before purchasing. Also groom and path your dog to maximize their overall health.
Puppy Costs
The average costs of both breeds will be somewhere around $800, as first time investment. You have to pay between 500 to 1,000 dollars a year for what builds food, toys, leashes and much more, and if you’re searching for high-quality tote that will do well in shows and competitions, you can budget for Basenji anywhere between 1800 to $4,500. And for Shiba Inu anywhere between nineteen hundred and ten thousand dollars.
Which breed do you think wins the battle between Basenji vs Shiba Inu? I think that’s up to you.