Cairn Terrier has average risk of obesity, needs daily walks and quality diet to maintain healthy weight.

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

While no dogs are truly 100% hypoallergenic, Cairn Terriers are about as close as it gets, making them an ideal pet if you are an allergy sufferer.

Unfortunately, the Basenji is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Active
Courageous
Intelligent
Assertive
Fearless

Affectionate
Curious
Playful
Alert
Energetic
Intelligent

Cairn Terriers are moderate shedders, but regular brushing can reduce shedding and maintain coat health.

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

Cairn Terriers make excellent watchdogs - they're vocal and protective of their territory.

Choose a Basenji if you want a top-notch watchdog. This breed takes guarding seriously, and may not require much training, though obedience or guard dog training can improve their skills.

Scotland

Central Africa (Zaire and the Congo)

Scottish Terrier, West Highland White Terrier, Skye Terrier

African Bush Dog

1500s

Ancient

Terrier (AKC:1913 & UKC)

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

Brown

Hazel
Brown
Amber

Black

Black
Brown

Cream
Black
Brindle
Gray
Red

White
Black
Brindle
Red

Cairn Terriers have medium-length coats.

Basenjis have short coats.

Wiry

Straight

A Cairn Terrier can have a litter of 12-15 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

A Basenji can have a litter of 10-12 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Cairn Terriers are susceptible to health issues like all breeds, so it's important to monitor their health and seek veterinary care when needed.

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

Flea Allergy

PRA
Fanconi Syndrome
Basenji Enteropathy

Weight Gain

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

Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

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

Cairn Terrier has very high social needs and requires regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship.

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

Cairn Terrier minimally drools, ideal for those who dislike drool marks on clothing.

Basenji has low drooling tendency, suitable for those who dislike drool marks.

Cairn Terrier dogs bark and howl frequently and are not recommended for quiet homes.

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

Socializing, Eating Snacks, Walking, Fetch, Playing, Running, Chasing, Barking, Snuggling, Walk, Play with ball, Jump, Run, Chew, Sniffing, Marking

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

Cairn Terriers 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.

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Cairn Terrier, it's at least 9 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.

In general most Cairn Terriers 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.

The Cairn Terrier requires an average amount of grooming compared to other breeds.

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

In general Cairn Terrier should be brushed at least once a month. Of course you can give them more frequent brushes, especially if they enjoyed it

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

Slicker Brush
Comb
Scissors
Nail Clipper

Slicker Brush
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

For an average 12-14 pound (5 - 6 kg) Cairn Terrier feed 1.3 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.

The average cost of a Cairn Terrier is somewhere $1.40 - $1.80 per day.

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

The average per month expenses of a Cairn Terrier is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 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.

Cairn Terrier is a very intelligent and trainable breed.

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

Cairn Terriers are good apartment dogs as long as they get enough exercise and stimulation outside of the apartment.

Basenjis can do well in apartments with enough exercise and time outside, but a small yard would be ideal.

Cairn Terriers are average in their friendliness toward cats and tend to do well with them, especially if raised together.

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

Cairn Terriers are average in their friendliness towards other dogs, and socialization can help.

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

Cairn Terriers are averagely friendly around strangers but benefit from early socialisation.

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

Cairn Terriers are a playful breed that needs daily playtime to be happy.

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