Basenji vs Chihuahua
Compare the Basenji to the Chihuahua. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Basenjis and Chihuahuas.
Basenji
Chihuahua
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
No
Lifespan
10-12 Years
15-20 Years
Height
16-18 Inches
6-9 Inches
Weight
20-24 Pounds
3-6 Pounds
Intelligence
Basenji
Chihuahua
Origin Country
Congo
Mexico
Origin Year
-2 BC
1850 AD
Basenji
Chihuahua
Overall Friendliness
Family Friendly
Child Friendly
Pet Friendly
Stranger Friendly
Basenji
Chihuahua
Basenji
Chihuahua
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
60-85 °F
50-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Basenji
Chihuahua
Energy Level
High
High
Exercise Required
High
Medium
Top Running Speed
26 MPH
18 MPH
Strength
Medium
Low
Basenji
Chihuahua
Coat Maintenance
Low
Low
Shedding
Low
Medium
Dander
Low
Low
Drool
Low
None
Basenji
Chihuahua
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Basenji
Chihuahua
Distracted Easy
Yes
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Basenji
Chihuahua
Aggression
Burrow / Digging
Chasing
Follow Commands
Fighting
Guarding
Herding
Hunting
Protection
Remove Vermin
Sled Pulling
Watch / Guardian
Basenji
Chihuahua
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
15-20 Years
Basenji
Chihuahua
Basenji
Chihuahua
Coat Type
Hair
Fur
Coat Layering
Single
Smooth
Double
Single
Coat Texture
Straight
Silky
Straight
Coat Length
Short
Short to Long
Basenji
Chihuahua
