Side by side
Both columns come from the same cost model, so every row is a like for like comparison.
| Measure | Basenji | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime cost | $33,031 | $38,185 |
| First year | $5,978 | $6,095 |
| Monthly average | $227 | $227 |
| Puppy price | $1,500 to $3,000 | $1,200 to $3,500 |
| Routine care, yearly | $2,354 | $2,371 |
| Documented conditions | 12 | 26 |
| Median lifespan | 12.1 yrs | 14 yrs |
| Adult weight | 22 to 24 lb | 16 to 32 lb |
| Daily food | 1.7 cups | 1.8 cups |
| Grooming, yearly | $184 | $184 |
| Risk profile | Moderate | High, mid life |
| Biggest single risk | Skin disease | Extracted teeth (US) |
Health risks compared
What tends to go wrong in each breed, how often, and what it costs to treat.
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Eye disease | 23%screened dogs | $449–$1,209 |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Periodontal disease | 13%1-yr clinical | $246–$663 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 4%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Hip dysplasia | 3%screened dogs | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Fanconi syndrome | 3%screened dogs | $710–$1,911 |
| Elbow dysplasia | 3%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | 1%screened dogs | $316–$850 |
| Patellar luxation | 1%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Condition | Measured result | Treatment cost |
|---|---|---|
| Extracted teeth (US) | 38%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Skin disease | 36%1-yr clinical | $252–$679 |
| Dental calculus (US) | 30%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Digestive disease | 30%1-yr clinical | $354–$954 |
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) (US) | 16%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Intervertebral disc disease | 16%lifetime, owner | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Intervertebral disc disease (US) | 15%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Musculoskeletal disease | 15%1-yr clinical | $281–$756 |
| Intervertebral disc disorder | 10%owner survey | $3,776–$10,168 |
| Chocolate (US) | 10%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Murmur (US) | 9%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Gingivitis (US) | 9%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Cataracts (US) | 9%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Fractured teeth (US) | 8%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Ear infection | 7%1-yr clinical | $100–$270 |
| Anal sac impaction | 7%1-yr clinical | $84–$226 |
| Dog bite (US) | 7%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Pancreatitis (US) | 6%lifetime, owner | not priced |
| Hip dysplasia | 5%screened dogs | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Patellar luxation | 4%screened dogs | $1,000–$5,000 |
| Hypersensitivity (allergic) skin disorder | 3%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Anal gland/sac impaction/blockage | 3%owner survey | $84–$226 |
| Dermatitis | 3%owner survey | $252–$679 |
| Unspecified Skin Ear or Coat | 3%owner survey | $252–$679 |
| Lipoma | 2%owner survey | not priced |
| Elbow dysplasia | 2%screened dogs | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Chronic Itching | 2%owner survey | $629–$1,694 |
| Pancreatitis | 2%owner survey | $254–$682 |
| Autoimmune thyroiditis | 1%screened dogs | $169–$455 |
| Congenital heart disease | 0%screened dogs | $534–$1,438 |
| Dental disease | n/a | $246–$663 |
| Obesity | n/a | $168–$452 |
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Both breeds carry surgical risk, and premiums are priced by breed
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Common questions
Is a Basenji or a Dachshund more expensive?
The Basenji is cheaper by about $5,154 over a lifetime. Basenji: $33,031. Dachshund: $38,185. Health costs are not inside either figure. They are documented separately below, in the units each study used.
Which lives longer, a Basenji or a Dachshund?
The Dachshund has the longer typical lifespan. Basenji: 12.1 years. Dachshund: 14 years.
Which is healthier, a Basenji or a Dachshund?
Both figures below are what it costs to own the dog, not what it costs if something goes wrong. The Basenji's biggest single risk is skin disease, seen in 36% of the breed. For the Dachshund it is extracted teeth (us), at 38%.
How we calculated this
Both breeds run through one model, so the comparison is like for like. Full method.