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

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

Affectionate
Curious
Playful
Alert
Energetic
Intelligent

Affectionate
Gentle
Lively
Responsive
Friendly
Intelligent
Playful

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

Shetland Sheepdogs are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

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.

Shetland Sheepdogs make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Central Africa (Zaire and the Congo)

Scotland (Shetland Islands)

African Bush Dog

collie

Ancient

1800s

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

Herding (AKC:1911 & UKC)

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Blue
Brown

Black
Brown

Black

White
Black
Brindle
Red

Sable
Black
Blue
White

Basenjis have short coats.

Shetland Sheepdogs have longer coats compared to most dogs.

A Basenji can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Shetland Sheepdog can have a litter of 12-14 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Basenjis have average adaptability to changes in lifestyle and living environments compared to other breeds.

Shetland Sheepdogs are highly adaptable and versatile, making them excellent companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

PRA
Fanconi Syndrome
Basenji Enteropathy

Dermatomyositis
Sensitive to Ivermectin

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

Patellar Luxation
Cataract
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Hip Dysplasia
Collie Eye Anomaly

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

Eye
Hip
Hearing
Blood Test
Hip X-Rays
Dna For Vwd
Eye Examination
Physical Examination

Basenjis thrive on an active lifestyle due to their high-energy nature.

Shetland Sheepdogs' high energy levels make them unsuitable for a low-key dog, choose accordingly.

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

Shetland Sheepdog has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

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

Shetland Sheepdogs need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

Basenjis are active and require sufficient sleep to stay healthy.

Shetland Sheepdogs sleep less than other breeds but still need adequate sleep for good health.

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

Shetland Sheepdog 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.

Shetland Sheepdog dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

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

Shetland Sheepdog dogs are highly protective and make excellent guard dogs due to their strong instinct to defend their territory and owners, and their high level of vigilance.

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

Walk, Playing fetch, Tug of war, Training, Running, Go to Beach, Go to Park, Long walks, Run After birds, Showing, Beach, Obedience, Snuggles, Soccer, Frisbee, Run, Play, Chase, Fetch, Dog Parks

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.

Shetland Sheepdogs 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 Shetland Sheepdog, it's at least 8 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 Shetland Sheepdogs 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.

Shetland Sheepdogs have high grooming needs, requiring regular trims and professional grooming assistance to keep their coat healthy.

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Pin Brush
Dematter
Comb
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 14-27 pound (6 - 12 kg) Shetland Sheepdog feed 2 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

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

Shetland Sheepdog is highly intelligent and very trainable.

Basenjis have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

This breed is sensitive to its environment and best suited for patient and understanding families with a consistent routine.

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

Shetland Sheepdogs are very friendly with cats and make great companions for them.

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

Shetland Sheepdogs are friendly and active companions, and can be good family pets, though their friendliness towards other dogs may vary.

Basenjis are popular for their ease of training and quick learning ability.

Shetland Sheepdogs are usually easy to train but require consistency to fully obey commands.