Basenji vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison

Basenji vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed ComparisonWest Highland White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Basenji is originated from Congo. West Highland White Terrier may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Basenji. Both West Highland White Terrier and Basenji are having almost same weight. Both West Highland White Terrier and Basenji has almost same life span. Both West Highland White Terrier and Basenji has same litter size. West Highland White Terrier requires High Maintenance. But Basenji requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Hound dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Congo
Height Male:
25 - 30 cm
9 - 12 inches
41 - 43 cm
16 - 17 inches
Height Female:
23 - 28 cm
9 - 12 inches
37 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
7 - 10 kg
15 - 23 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
6 - 7 kg
13 - 16 pounds
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 7
5 - 7
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Westie or Westy
Congo Dog, Congo Terrier
Colors Available:
White
red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white, tri-color
Coat:
‎Double
short
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Friendly, Independent
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

History

west highland white terrierThe West highland white terrier originated from Poltalloch in Scotland. So they were initially called as Poltalloch terrier and after that they were called as Roseneath terrier. They were initially used for hunting fox, badger, otter and in killing the vermin like rats.

The breed history says that Colonel Malcolm of Poltalloch was the reason for the Westie's white colour. This is because in 19th centuryhe went for hunting with his dogs and accidentally he shot his dog as its colour was as fox. So he decided to breed only white colour dogs.

basenjiThe Basenji is an old breeds of domesticated dog and the dog was discovered by Westerners in the Congo region of West Africa in the 19th century. The word ‘Basenji’ means ‘dog of the bush’ the Congo area of Africa. The Basenji falls into the hound category as a hunting dog.

The dogs were first imported into England and the United States in the 1930s.The Basenji Club of America was started in 1942, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. The new additions also introduced the brindle color pattern to the Western Basenji.

Description

west highland white terrier puppy - descriptionThe Westie can be said as that a small dog having the talents of the big dog. They are very popular for their obedience. They are also working as therapy dogs and also some in search and rescue teams. The home having Westie will have fun always and be enthusiastic. They will suit them for country or city living, but they like to live with their family. They are well suitable for apartment living, but some training should be given to them for not barking. They can stay in home when you are at work. Westie can be taken to travel, whether it may be long vacation or a short visit.

They are quick learners and so training them is not difficult. Mistakes of them can be corrected patiently since they don't like harsh activities against them. Westie will definitely bark when he sees something or hear different sounds. He will bark on seeing visitors or even other dogs. Sometimes they will bark for very silly things but when given appropriate training in their young stage, they can bark only for alerts.

A Variety of Strange Features

basenji puppy - descriptionDescribed as being catlike, this is an unusual dog to say the least. The reason for this is that he doesn’t have a bark but rather emits a characteristic noise which is likened to a chortel and a yodel. The Basenji is a medium sized dog but he isn’t robust looking. He is a lightly built dog of 40 – 43cm in height and his coat is short and sleek. He has long legs which help with being quick and agile and his shortish tail curls over his back and he has naturally upright ears.

A Quizzical Expression

As we’ve said, this is an unusual dog, and his wrinkled head gives the dog a quizzical expression. Another strange feature is that not only is this dog breed looked upon as being somewhat primitive, the odd thing about these dogs is that the female only comes into heat once a year. Another somewhat unusual aspect of this self-confident, friendly dog is that unlike other dogs which have a typical dog odour, this canine is odourless, making him a particularly excellent household pet.

His coat comes in different colors and this can be red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white or tri-color. These particular dogs are well known for their excellent eyesight and their excellent sense of smell.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

west highland white terrier dog - characteristicsThe Westie is friendly with children but not all the time. So some care should be taken while they are near children.

Special talents

They like to chase rodents like rabbits as they are interested in hunting.

Adaptability

They are suitable for apartment living unless they are left alone for a very long time. They love cold weather more than hot.

Learning ability

They can be trained by giving some extra efforts.

basenji dog - characteristicsThe Basenji is an affectionate dog with his family, but he doesn’t take kindly to strangers. If he is socialized when young, he’ll be fairly friendly with other pets in the family too. The Basenji is an intelligent dog but not particularly easy to train, and will require patience as he has a will of his own.

These short-haired dogs are clean-living with grooming habits similar to a cat. They shed just a little too. They love their human family and will make a good watchdog because they are courageous dogs, ready to defend what they love.

This is an unusual dog, and not everyone will appreciate him as a pet as he is independent, obstinate and determined to do his own thing. If you’re a single person or a family who spends a lot of time outdoors hiking, swimming and hunting – then the Basenji can make an affectionate devoted, loyal companion.

Health Problems

west highland white terrier puppies - health problemsItchy skin and pyoderma are common in terriers. Skin diseases such as Seborrhea and epidermal dysplasia are also found in them.

Hair fall

Westies have possibilities of getting yeast infections in skin[Malassezia Dermatitis] and due to that hair loss will be more.

basenji puppies - health problemsBasenji are generally healthy dogs. As with most other canines, these dogs are also prone to health disorders such as canine hip dysplasia. Check your Basenji for hereditary eye diseases which can lead to blindness.

Fanconi Syndrome

This is a kidney disease where your pet will urinate out the protein he so badly needs. He’ll be excessively thirsty and the disease mostly sets in from 4 years of age. It is an inherited kidney disease which can be fatal.

Preventing Health Problems

Many health problems can be partially- or totally prevented by the way you raise your puppy, and the lifestyle you provide him with. By doing everything you can to give him good food, a dry, warm space to sleep, lots of activities and exercise and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have less health problems.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

west highland white terrier dogs - caringThe puppy should be fed 3 to 4 times per day as it requires a considerable amount for their growth. Cooked chicken breast and turkey are best for them and also vegetables should be given to them. Beef and chicken should be kept a limit as it will lead to itchy skin and allergies.

Feeding the adult

The preferable food for the Westie is home cooked. The home food will only contain all the essential nutrients for the Westie.

Points for Good Health

Eventhough the Westie is suitable for apartment living it is recommended to have a daily walk for him to be active and refreshing.

Games and Exercises

They should be made to play for atleast 30 minutes per day for their health as to not gain overweight. Grown up children can play with them as they like it.

Grooming

basenji dogs - caringBasenjis are fastidious – much like a cat, and they like to be licking at their coats to keep themselves clean. They have a short coat, and this will need to be brushed once or twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to also stimulated skin oils throughout the coat to keep it shiny and glossy.

As with all dog breeds, the Basenji‘s ears should be checked over and his nails regularly trimmed.

Food

The Basenji needs high quality dog food, regardless of whether you food him commercially manufactured foods or you make your own. If you aren’t sure about how to feed a dog properly to maintain good health, speak to your veterinarian. Dog food needs to be appropriate to the dog’s age and his breed type. Certainly it can be wise to learn what human foods can be dangerous for your dog. Clean, fresh water from bowls which are regularly cleaned should be accessible at all times.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Basenji vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Basenji vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Basenji vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Basenji vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Basenji vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Basenji vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Basenji vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Basenji vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Basenji vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Basenji vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Basenji vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Basenji vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Basenji vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Basenji vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Basenji vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Basenji vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Basenji vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Basenji vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Basenji vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Basenji vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Basenji vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Basenji vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Basenji vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Basenji vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Basenji vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. West Highland White Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. West Highland White Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. West Highland White Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. West Highland White Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. French Bulldog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Beagle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Yorkshire Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Poodle vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Rottweiler vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Boxer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. English Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Siberian Husky vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Doberman Pinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. American Bully vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Abruzzenhund vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Affenpinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Afghan Hound vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Aidi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Airedale Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Akbash Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Akita vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Africanis vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Askal vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Atlas Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Aussie Poo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison