Basenji vs Shih Tzu
Compare the Basenji to the Shih Tzu. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Basenjis and Shih Tzus.
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
Yes
Yes
Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-15 Years
Height
16-18 Inches
9-10 Inches
Weight
20-24 Pounds
9-16 Pounds
Intelligence
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Origin Country
Congo
China
Origin Year
-2 BC
618 AD
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Overall Friendliness
Family Friendly
Child Friendly
Pet Friendly
Stranger Friendly
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Apartment
Yes
Yes
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
No
Medium Yard
No
No
Large Yard
No
No
Temperature Tolerance
60-85 °F
55-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Energy Level
High
Medium
Exercise Required
High
Low
Top Running Speed
26 MPH
12 MPH
Strength
Medium
Low
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Coat Maintenance
Low
Medium
Shedding
Low
None
Dander
Low
None
Drool
Low
None
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Dominant / Alpha
No
No
Family / Pack
No
Yes
Independent
Yes
No
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Distracted Easy
Yes
No
Focused & Patient
No
No
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Aggression
Burrow / Digging
Chasing
Follow Commands
Fighting
Guarding
Herding
Hunting
Protection
Remove Vermin
Sled Pulling
Watch / Guardian
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Average Lifespan
10-12 Years
10-15 Years
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Basenji
Shih Tzu
Coat Type
Hair
Hair
Coat Layering
Single
Smooth
Double
Coat Texture
Straight
Silky
Coat Length
Short
Long
Basenji
Shih Tzu
