Long Haired Chihuahua vs Basenji - Breed Comparison

Long Haired Chihuahua vs Basenji - Breed ComparisonBasenji is originated from Congo but Long Haired Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. Basenji may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than Long Haired Chihuahua. Basenji may weigh 10 kg / 23 pounds more than Long Haired Chihuahua. Basenji may live 6 years less than Long Haired Chihuahua. Basenji may have more litter size than Long Haired Chihuahua. Basenji requires Low Maintenance. But Long Haired Chihuahua requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Toy dog
undefined
Congo
Mexico
Height Male:
41 - 43 cm
16 - 17 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Height Female:
37 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
12 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 7
1 - 3
Size:
Medium
Toy
Other Names:
Congo Dog, Congo Terrier
None
Colors Available:
red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white, tri-color
brownish, white, black - bi-color, Many colors - cream, apricot
Coat:
short
Long, straight to wavy
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

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.

long haired chihuahuaThe short haired Chihuahua is such a recognizable dog breed, probably because of his tiny size, but did you know that you also get a long haired variety?

Looking quite a bit like a Pomeranian, the only difference between the two types of Chihuahua is the length of the coat.

This small dog dates back to Mayan times and while it may well have originated in Mexico, its popularity saw it becoming a sought after pet in other countries too.

To get the long haired Chihuahua, breeding programs were established and the short-haired variety was mated with other long haired toy sized dogs such as the Pomeranian and the Yorkshire Terrier.

Description

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.

long haired chihuahua puppy - descriptionYour long haired Chihuahua will have a coat that is soft and slightly wavy. He weighs between 1 and 3kg and stands at about 15 – 23cm. He generally sheds throughout the year with a couple of heavier shedding periods during the year.

Don’t be fooled by the long, thick hair on the long haired Chihuahua as it doesn’t protect him from the cold – in fact he doesn’t tolerate the cold well at all, and is essentially an indoor dog. The ears are erect and feathery and the tail is full and plumed, lying over the back. He has a ruff on the neck, which is often described as a mane.

Temperament:

Chihuahuas are such bright-as-a-button little dogs and they’re intelligent too.

It’s difficult to say how a dog’s temperament will turn out, because breed, lifestyle and the type of owners can all make a dog a certain way.

Socialization and training can sometimes help with a dog that has bad genes. There are some people who say the Long haired Chihuahua is a nasty, aggressive little dog who’ll easily give you a nip but they’ve got a good reputation with many other dog lovers.

They love their own human family but may take quite a while to chill towards other people and other dogs too. They’re more ‘birds of a feather flock together’ type of dogs, preferring to get on with other Chihuahua dogs.

Characteristics

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.

long haired chihuahua dog - characteristicsThe Chihuahua is such a feisty, courageous, confident little dog who also believes that he is part- lion. He is loving, sweet and gentle and just loves being picked up and petted non-stop. He looks up at you, moving his front paws up and down to tell you that he wants to be picked up.

He is in 7th heaven when he can be cuddled up in your lap. You just have to teach your children to be very careful with him and not enter into games with him that are too rough and tumble. Tiny he may be but he makes a great watchdog too, barking and alerting you to strangers.

His small size makes him perfect for life in the city or in the countryside. Just be careful when in the countryside lest an Eagle or Owl scoop him up and carry him off to some faraway nest.

He doesn’t need a great deal of exercise either and you can actually keep him happily busy with some games indoors. He’ll always welcome walks with you though.

This small dog is full of life and confidence and he is ready to be your constant, loving companion.

Health Problems

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.

long haired chihuahua puppies - health problemsWith good care, you’ll have your long haired Chihuahua with you for a long time – 15 years and longer.

Parasites:

Make sure to de-worm your Chihuahua. Worms and other parasites can be deadly for your pet and the vet will do preventative deworming on a regular basis.

You Chihuahua will need to be vaccinated when he is a puppy and even when he is an adult, although less often. These vaccines will protect your Chihuahua from the likes of parvo, distemper and rabies. Have your chihuahua spayed or neutered.

There are so many puppies in the world who can’t find homes. Desexing your Chihuahua is a responsible way to ensure your pet doesn’t have puppies. Spaying and neutering can actually be beneficial for your dog’s health.

Caring The Pet

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.

Grooming:

long haired chihuahua dogs - caringThe pint-sized long-haired Chihuahua isn’t going to take up too much of your time in terms of grooming. Make sure you brush him at least twice a week to ensure his long hair doesn’t tangle. Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so try and brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week with special doggy toothbrush- and toothpaste.

General Care:

Take your puppy Chihuahua to the vet for his regular vaccinations to prevent him getting dangerous illnesses.

Feed him a high quality dog food. He is a high energy dog so buy high quality food that caters for small, lively dogs. Try and feed him such home made food from time to time. Remember that with small dogs, high-salt diets can contribute to kidney problems.

Never overfeed your Chihuahua as obesity opens up major health problems in Chihuahuas.

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. Long Haired Chihuahua vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Long Haired Chihuahua vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Long Haired Chihuahua vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Long Haired Chihuahua vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Long Haired Chihuahua vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Long Haired Chihuahua vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison