BasenjiVSShiba Inu
The Basenji and the Shiba Inu are both ancient, catlike breeds known for their strong independence, fastidious grooming habits, and powerful prey drive. The Basenji is famous for being barkless, while the Shiba Inu produces the distinctive "Shiba scream." Both are challenging for first-time owners but deeply rewarding for those who understand primitive breeds. Here is a full comparison.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | Basenji | Shiba Inu |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 22–24 lbs, 16–17 in | 17–23 lbs, 13.5–16.5 in |
| Energy Level | High | High |
| Trainability | Very Difficult | ✓Difficult |
| Shedding | ✓Very Low | Heavy (seasonal) |
| Good With Kids | Fair | Fair |
| Good With Other Dogs | Fair (high prey drive) | Fair (can be dominant) |
| Barking | ✓None (barkless — yodels) | Moderate (loud when upset) |
| Independence | Extreme | ✓Very High |
| Life Expectancy | 13–14 years | ✓13–16 years |
| Price Range | ✓$1,200–$2,500 | $1,400–$3,500 |
✓ indicates advantage in this category. Tie = comparable.
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Choose a Basenji if…
Choose a Basenji if you want a barkless, very low-shedding primitive breed with a unique personality who suits experienced owners living without small pets.
Choose a Shiba Inu if…
Choose a Shiba Inu if you want a bold, fox-like primitive dog with a longer lifespan who is slightly more trainable than a Basenji and has wider breed availability.
Compare pet insurance for Basenji and Shiba Inu
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Compare Pet Insurance QuotesFrequently Asked Questions
Is it true Basenjis cannot bark?
Basenjis cannot produce the classic bark that most dogs make due to a differently shaped larynx. However, they are not silent — they produce yodels, howls, whines, and a distinctive vocalization called a "baroo" that can be quite loud. They are often marketed as quiet dogs, but owners should know they are simply differently vocal, not mute.
Which breed is harder to train?
Basenjis are generally considered more difficult to train than Shiba Inus — they are independently-minded to an extreme degree and have very little motivation to please their owner. Shiba Inus are also stubborn but respond somewhat better to consistent training with high-value rewards. Both breeds require experienced handlers and are not suitable for first-time dog owners.
Which breed is better in an apartment?
Both breeds can adapt to apartment living given sufficient exercise. The Basenji has an advantage in that it does not bark — which is a significant consideration in apartments with shared walls. Shiba Inus can produce the "Shiba scream" when distressed, which carries considerable volume. Both breeds have relatively low space requirements if their exercise needs are met.
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