Is the Australian Terrier or the Basenji better for families with children?

Both the Australian Terrier and the Basenji are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Australian Terrier or the Basenji?

The Australian Terrier and Basenji shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Australian Terrier or the Basenji?

The Australian Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is Australian Terrier or Basenji bigger?

Australian Terrier and Basenji are a similar size (Small).

Which barks more, Australian Terrier or Basenji?

Australian Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Basenji is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Australian Terrier or Basenji?

For apartment or apartment living, Basenji has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Terrier vs Basenji: Which Is Quieter?

Australian Terrier vs Basenji: full comparison

Trait	Australian Terrier	Basenji
Size	Small	Small
Energy level	High	High
Trainability	Medium	Low
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	Low	Very Low
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Very Low
Protectiveness	High	Medium
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	14 years	14 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Key differences at a glance

The Australian Terrier has noticeably higher barking than the Basenji.

Size and living space

The Australian Terrier is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. By comparison, the Basenji is a compact little dog that lives comfortably in an apartment and asks for very little space. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Australian Terrier demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The Basenji demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Australian Terrier needs only light grooming, a brush once or twice a week and sheds only lightly. The Basenji is very easy to groom — an occasional brush is all it takes and sheds only lightly. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Australian Terrier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and gets on with children when raised around them. The Basenji takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, is very quiet and rarely barks and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Australian Terrier is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Basenji will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Basenji has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Australian Terrier and Basenji are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Australian Terrier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Basenji has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Australian Terrier and Basenji are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Australian Terrier if you want an easier dog to train, you want a more protective, watchful guardian, or you want a more adaptable dog.

Choose the Basenji if you prefer a quieter dog or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Australian Terrier or the Basenji better for families with children?: Both the Australian Terrier and the Basenji are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Australian Terrier or the Basenji?: The Australian Terrier and Basenji shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Australian Terrier or the Basenji?: The Australian Terrier is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is Australian Terrier or Basenji bigger?: Australian Terrier and Basenji are a similar size (Small).
Which barks more, Australian Terrier or Basenji?: Australian Terrier tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Basenji is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Australian Terrier or Basenji?: For apartment or apartment living, Basenji has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Australian Terrier vs Basenji