Great Pyrenees vs. Basenji: Breed Differences and Similarities

Weight Gain Potential

Which breed eats more: Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

4 / 5

Great Pyrenees has high obesity risk, needs regular exercise and food control to maintain healthy weight.

2 / 5

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

Hypoallergenic

Are Great Pyreneess or Basenjis hypoallergenic, or neither?

Unfortunately, neither Great Pyrenees nor Basenji are hypoallergenic, which may not make them the best choice for dog lovers who suffer from pet allergies.

Temperament

What are the personalities of Great Pyrenees and Basenji dogs?

Affectionate
Fearless
Patient
Confident
Gentle
Strong
Willed

Affectionate
Curious
Playful
Alert
Energetic
Intelligent

Shedding Level

Do Great Pyreneess shed more than Basenjis, or which breed sheds more, Great Pyreneess or Basenjis?

4 / 5

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

1 / 5

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

Watchdog Ability

Which dog breed makes a better watchdog, the Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

5 / 5

The Great Pyrenees and Basenji dogs are some of the best choices if you want good watchdogs. These breeds will keep watch over you and your family at all times. They take this task seriously and will typically perform their guarding duty with little to no training. These dogs will require obedience training, or you can consider guard dog training to sharpen their skills.

Origin

What is the origin of Great Pyrenees and Basenji dog breeds?

Asia

Central Africa (Zaire and the Congo)

Ancestry

What are the origins of Great Pyrenees and Basenji breeds?

Hungarian Kuvasz, Maremmano-Abruzzese

African Bush Dog

Date of Birth

When were Great Pyrenees and Basenji breeds first developed?

Ancient Times

Ancient

Breed Group

What is the Breed Group of Great Pyrenees and Basenji?

Working (AKC:1933)
Guardian Dogs (UKC)

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

Eye Color Possibilites

What are the eye colors of Great Pyrenees and Basenji dogs?

Brown

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Nose Color Possibilites

What are the natural nose colors of Great Pyrenees and Basenji?

Black

Black
Brown

Coat Color Possibilites

What are the natural colors of the coat for Great Pyrenees and Basenji breeds?

White
Cream

White
Black
Brindle
Red

Coat Length

What is the typical coat length for Great Pyrenees and Basenji breeds?

4 / 5

Great Pyreneess have longer coats compared to most dogs.

1 / 5

Basenjis have short coats.

Coat Density

What is the density of the coat of Great Pyrenees and Basenji?

5 / 5

2 / 5

Coat Texture

What is the hair texture of Great Pyrenees and Basenji?

Wavy

Straight

Litter Size

What is the usual litter size for Great Pyrenees and Basenji?

Great Pyrenees and Basenji, can have a litter of 10-12 puppies each on average. Nonetheless, it's important to keep in mind that litter size can differ significantly between individual dogs. Various factors such as the mother's health, breeding history, and genetics can have an impact on litter size.

Adaptability

4 / 5

Great Pyreneess are known for their adaptability and can adjust well to different environments and lifestyle changes.

3 / 5

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

Health Issues

Between Great Pyrenees and Basenji, which breed is more prone to health problems?

4 / 5

Great Pyreneess typically have low vet costs due to their good health, but it's important to monitor their health and seek vet care when necessary.

3 / 5

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

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns for Great Pyrenees and Basenji breeds?

Patellar Luxation
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Bloat
Addison's Disease

PRA
Fanconi Syndrome
Basenji Enteropathy

Minor Concerns

What minor health issues should be kept in mind when owning Great Pyrenees and Basenji?

Entropion
Cataracts

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

Occasional Tests

What occasional tests are recommended for Great Pyrenees and Basenji breeds?

Eye
Hip
Knee
Blood Test
X-Rays
Physical Examination

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

Energy

How do the energy levels of Great Pyreneess and Basenjis compare?

4 / 5

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

5 / 5

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

Social Needs

Great Pyrenees vs Basenji social needs comparison

4 / 5

Great Pyrenees has above average social needs and thrives with interaction with humans and other dogs.

2 / 5

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

Exercise Needed

Great Pyrenees vs Basenji exercise need comparison.

3 / 5

Great Pyreneess need moderate physical activity and are great for families and active individuals.

4 / 5

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

Sleeping Need

Which of the two sleeps the most/least: Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

1 / 5

Great Pyrenees and Basenji are active dogs that may not require as much sleep as other breeds. However, they still need enough sleep to stay healthy.

Drooling Tendency

Which drools more/less, Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

2 / 5

The Great Pyrenees and Basenji breeds are known for their low drooling tendency, making them ideal choices for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing. If you are looking for a dog that drools less, these breeds may be suitable options for you.

Tendency to Bark

Do Great Pyreneess or Basenjis bark more/less frequently?

4 / 5

The Great Pyrenees is a vocal breed that frequently barks and howls, and may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet companion.

1 / 5

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

Territorial

Is the Great Pyrenees or Basenji a better guard dog?

4 / 5

Great Pyrenees dogs have a strong protective nature and territorial instinct. They are highly vigilant and will fiercely defend their home and family.

3 / 5

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

Mouthiness

Mouthiness Comparison: Great Pyrenees vs Basenji?

2 / 5

5 / 5

Roaming urge

Great Pyrenees vs Labrador: Running away tendency?

5 / 5

Prey Drive

Great Pyrenees or Basenji - which breed has a higher level of prey drive?

5 / 5

Past times

What are some enjoyable activities and ways to keep Great Pyrenees and Basenji entertained?

Sniff, Sit, Walk, Petting, Sniffing, Mouthing, Play, Being outside, People, Tug-of-war, Run, Walking, W, Hike, Going on drives, Car rides, Hiking, Tug of war, Hide and seek, Throw the ball

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

Activity Level

Which breed has higher energy, Great Pyreneess or Basenjis?

Great Pyreneess 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.

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.

Tolerance of being left alone

2 / 5

4 / 5

Walks per Week

How many miles should Great Pyrenees or Basenji walk each week?

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Great Pyrenees, it's at least 12 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 Basenji, it's at least 15 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

Do Great Pyreneess or Basenjis require more exercise?

In general most Great Pyreneess usually need at least 60 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 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.

Grooming

Which breed is easier to maintain in terms of grooming, Great Pyreneess or Basenjis?

3 / 5

The Great Pyrenees requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

1 / 5

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

Brushing Frequency

What is the recommended brushing frequency for Great Pyrenees and Basenji dogs?

Great Pyrenees and Basenji should be brushed at least once a week. Of course, you can give them more frequent brushes if you find that they are still shedding a lot.

Brushing Tools

What brushing tools are used for Great Pyreneess and Basenjis?

Pin Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Cups

How much food should be given to Great Pyrenees or Basenji in cups?

For an average 100-140 pound (45 - 64 kg) Great Pyrenees feed 4.5 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 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.

Daily Cost

Which breed has a higher daily cost, Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

The average cost of a Great Pyrenees is somewhere $4.20 - $4.90 per day.

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

Monthly Cost

Which breed has a higher monthly cost, Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

The average per month expenses of a Great Pyrenees is between $126 - $147. This makes an average of $1512 - $1764 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 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.

Intelligence

Comparing Intelligence: Great Pyreneess vs Basenjis

3 / 5

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

1 / 5

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

Sensitivity Level

How do Great Pyrenees and Basenji compare in sensitivity?

4 / 5

This breed is sensitive and requires gentle handling and a calm home environment.

3 / 5

Basenjis have average emotions and adapt well to different situations.

Affection Dependance

Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Great Pyrenees vs Basenji?

3 / 5

2 / 5

Apartment Friendly

Which breed is more apartment-friendly: Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

2 / 5

It's not recommended to keep Great Pyrenees or Basenji in an apartment, but these breeds make good apartment dogs as long as they get to spend a good amount of time outside of the apartment. Dogs of these breeds living in apartments will need plenty of physical exercise and stimulation throughout the day to remain happy and well-behaved.

Child Friendly

Do Great Pyreneess or Basenjis have a friendlier temperament towards children?

4 / 5

Great Pyrenees and Basenji are kid-friendly dogs. They are good with children and excellent dogs with children if they are socialized and trained at a young age.

Senior-friendly

Which dog is more suitable as a pet for the elderly - Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

4 / 5

Cat Friendly

Do Great Pyrenees or Basenji breeds have a better compatibility with cats?

4 / 5

Great Pyreneess are good with cats, but early training is needed to prevent chasing behavior.

2 / 5

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

Dog Friendly

Which breed is more sociable with other dogs: Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

3 / 5

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

2 / 5

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

Pet friendly

How do Great Pyrenees or Basenji dogs interact with other pets?

4 / 5

2 / 5

Stranger Friendly

Which breed is more friendly with strangers: Great Pyrenees or Basenji?

3 / 5

Great Pyreneess are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

2 / 5

Basenjis are quick to announce strangers and can be standoffish or suspicious.

Playfulness

Which breed is more playful between Great Pyrenees and Basenji?

2 / 5

Great Pyreneess are not known for being a highly playful breed.

3 / 5

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

Trainability

How do the trainability levels of Great Pyreneess and Basenjis compare?

4 / 5

Great Pyrenees and Basenji dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.