Basenji has average obesity risk, needs balanced diet, daily walks, and weight monitoring.

Otterhound has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

Affectionate
Curious
Playful
Alert
Energetic
Intelligent

Amiable
Outright
Tempered
Boisterous

Basenjis shed very little hair, making them a great choice for those who dislike excess hair in the house.

Otterhounds are heavy shedders, but regular brushing can help manage shedding and promote a healthy coat.

Choose a Basenji if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Otterhounds aren't great guard dogs; they tend to just watch without taking action.

Central Africa (Zaire and the Congo)

England

African Bush Dog

griffon nivernais

Ancient

1300s

Hound (AKC:1943)
Sighthounds and Pariahs (UKC)

Hound (AKC:1909)
Scenthound (UKC)

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Hazel
Brown

Black
Brown

Black
Brown

White
Black
Brindle
Red

Cream
Brown
Black
White
Fawn
Blue
Gray

Basenjis have short coats.

Otterhounds have medium-length coats.

Straight

Wiry

While the Basenji breed is generally healthy, occasional vet check-ups are still necessary to address any health concerns.

Otterhounds are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

PRA
Fanconi Syndrome
Basenji Enteropathy

Hip Dysplasia
Congenital Heart Defect

Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)
Pyruvate Kinase (PK) Deficiency

Elbow Dysplasia
Thrombopathia

Eye
Dna Test For Pk
Fanconi Urine Test
Full Body Physical Examination

Hip
Elbow
Blood
Blood Test
X-Rays
Physical Examination

Basenji has below average social needs and is content with spending time alone.

Otterhound has average social needs and is less independent than other breeds.

Basenjis require significant physical activity and suit those with an active lifestyle.

Otterhounds need high physical activity and are ideal for active individuals, but not suitable for sedentary lifestyles or small apartments.

Basenji has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Otterhound minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Basenjis are typically quiet and only bark when needed, such as to alert their owner or when in distress.

Otterhounds bark moderately when necessary and may also bark due to certain triggers like fear, alarm, boredom, greeting, separation anxiety and compulsive barking.

While Basenji dogs can defend their territory or owners, it's not their primary trait, and they are not ideal guard dogs.

Otterhound dogs are not typically good guard dogs due to their lack of protective nature and weak territorial drive.

Shake, Running, Sniffing, Cuddling, Destroying toys, Marking, Run, Play with Toys, Dog Parks, Walk, Being pet, Fetch, Smelling, Out, Catch treats, Play keep away, Play, Chase, Tracking, Eating Snacks, Walking, Mischif, Hiking, Lounging, Mountain biking, Off-leash, Fetch-ish, Trail running, Long hikes

Fishing, Go to Beach, Swim

Basenjis are high-energy dogs. They need mental as well as physical exercise. These dogs require a lot of your involvement and without it they can, and will, become problematic dogs.

Otterhounds are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Basenji, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Otterhound, it's at least 7 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

In general most Basenjis usually need at least 90 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

In general most Otterhounds usually need at least 45 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

The Basenji is a low-maintenance breed that doesn't require much grooming.

Otterhounds require significant grooming, including regular trims and professional grooming assistance to maintain their coat. They may also require frequent bathing to keep their coat and skin healthy.

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Comb
Clipper
Nail Clipper

For an average 22-26 pound (10 - 12 kg) Basenji feed 2.5 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

For an average 90-110 pound (41 - 50 kg) Otterhound feed 3 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

The average cost of a Basenji is somewhere $1.70 - $2.00 per day.

The average cost of an Otterhound is somewhere $2.10 - $2.70 per day.

The average per month expenses of a Basenji is between $48 - $63. This makes an average of $576 - $756 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

The average per month expenses of an Otterhound is between $55 - $73. This makes an average of $660 - $876 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Basenji is an independent and stubborn breed with low obedience intelligence, making training a test of patience.

Otterhounds are average in obedience intelligence but have a high IQ and may cause trouble if left unsupervised.

Basenjis have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Otterhounds are adaptable and resilient, making them ideal for those seeking a less sensitive pet.

Basenjis can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

The Otterhound is not suitable for apartments and requires a large yard to thrive. Pent-up energy in small spaces can lead to destructive behavior.

Basenjis are somewhat cat friendly and can be trained to get along with cats.

Otterhounds are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

Basenjis are less friendly towards other dogs, but can improve with socialization.

Otterhounds are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

Basenjis have an average level of playfulness, enjoying playtime like most dogs but not excessively so.

Otterhounds are very playful, so adopting an older one might be a better option for a more relaxed experience.