Comparison: Basenji and Shiba Inu

Basenji and Shiba Inu are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Basenji
Photo: Niko Herlin, CC BY 2.0, source
Shiba Inu
Photo: Maja Dumat, CC BY 2.0, source
BasenjiShiba Inu
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originCongo - KinshasaJapan
CategoryMediumSmall
Height at withers40–43 cm35–41 cm
Weight9–11 kg8–11 kg
Life span12–14 years12–15 years
Recognition features
  • Short fine coat in red, black or tricolour with white
  • Tightly curled tail and wrinkled brow
  • Light, lean body with erect ears
  • Spitz type, red, black-and-tan or sesame colouring
  • Tightly curled tail, foxy face
  • 35-41 cm tall
CoatShort, smooth coat; red, black, tricolour.Stiff outer coat and soft undercoat; red, sesame, black-and-tan.
PurposeAn ancient African hunting dog from Congo; does not bark but yodels.The smallest Japanese native breed, bred to hunt small game and birds in mountainous terrain.

Breed page: Basenji · Breed page: Shiba Inu

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.