Basenji vs Yorkshire Terrier

Which dog breed is right for you?

Basenji

Size
22–24 lbs, 16–17 in
Lifespan
13–14 years
Exercise
High
Grooming
Low
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
No
Independent Curious Alert Energetic

Yorkshire Terrier

Size
4–7 lbs, 7–8 in
Lifespan
11–15 years
Exercise
Moderate
Grooming
High
Good with Kids
No
Good with Pets
Yes
Bold Confident Spirited Affectionate

About the Basenji

The Basenji is an ancient breed originating from Central Africa — specifically the Congo region — where it was used by indigenous peoples for hunting small game in dense forests. Often called the "barkless dog," Basenjis stand 16–17 inches tall and weigh 22–24 pounds, with a sleek, elegant build made for speed and agility. Their short, fine coat comes in chestnut red, black, tricolor, and brindle — always with white markings on the feet, chest, and tail tip — and requires almost no grooming.

Temperament & Personality

Basenjis are curious, independent, and remarkably cat-like in their behavior — they groom themselves fastidiously, can climb, and often perch on high surfaces to survey their domain. While they don't bark, they are far from silent, producing a unique yodel-like sound called a "baroo." They bond closely with their family but are aloof with strangers, and their strong prey drive and independent nature make them a challenging but rewarding breed for experienced owners.

Pros

  • Virtually no doggy odor and minimal shedding — one of the cleanest dog breeds
  • Quiet breed that doesn't bark, ideal for noise-sensitive living situations
  • Compact and athletic with a graceful, elegant appearance
  • Highly intelligent and endlessly entertaining with their curious antics

Cons

  • Extremely independent and stubborn — conventional obedience training often fails
  • Strong prey drive makes them unsafe around small animals and unreliable off-leash
  • Notorious escape artists who can climb fences and open gates
  • Prone to Fanconi syndrome, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism

Intrigued by the Basenji's unique charm? Explore adoptable Basenjis on Puplister and meet this one-of-a-kind breed.

About the Yorkshire Terrier

The Yorkshire Terrier was developed in the mid-19th century in the English counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire by working-class weavers who bred small terriers to catch rats in textile mills and coal mines. Despite their current status as a glamorous toy breed, these feisty dogs retain every bit of their terrier courage in a tiny 7-pound, 7-to-8-inch frame. Their signature floor-length, silky coat is steel blue on the body and rich golden tan on the head and legs — a single-layer coat that grows continuously and is remarkably similar to human hair in texture.

Temperament & Personality

Yorkshire Terriers are bold, confident, and fiercely loyal — they carry themselves with a self-importance that far exceeds their diminutive stature, never hesitating to challenge dogs ten times their size. They are deeply attached to their owners and can be wonderful companions for adults and older children, though their small size and feisty temperament make them a poor fit for rough play with toddlers. Yorkies are intelligent, curious, and entertaining, bringing big-dog energy and attitude to the smallest package in the terrier world.

Pros

  • Minimal shedding — silky coat is more similar to hair than fur
  • Tiny size ideal for apartments, travel, and urban living
  • Bold watchdog temperament — always alert to unusual activity
  • Long lifespan of 11 to 15 years with proper care

Cons

  • Fragile — easily injured by falls, being sat on, or rough handling
  • Long coat demands daily brushing or regular professional grooming
  • Prone to tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, portosystemic shunt, and dental disease
  • Can be difficult to housetrain and may develop snappish behavior if overindulged

Yorkshire Terriers prove that the best things truly come in small packages — find your Yorkie on Puplister.

Available for Adoption

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a Basenji and a Yorkshire Terrier?
The Basenji is 22–24 lbs, 16–17 in sized while the Yorkshire Terrier is 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in sized. They differ in size (22–24 lbs, 16–17 in vs 4–7 lbs, 7–8 in), lifespan (13–14 years vs 11–15 years), and care requirements.
Which breed is better with kids, Basenji or Yorkshire Terrier?
Basenji is not typically good with kids. Yorkshire Terrier is not typically good with kids.
Which breed lives longer, Basenji or Yorkshire Terrier?
The Basenji has a lifespan of 13–14 years while the Yorkshire Terrier has a lifespan of 11–15 years.

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