The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog. It was originally bred in Central Africa. The Basenji makes a yodel-like sound. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname the “barkless dog”.
Origin and History of the Basenji
Originating on the continent of Africa. Europeans first discovered the Basenji breed in 1895—in the Congo. These local dogs, which Europeans identified as a distinct breed and called Basenji, were prized by locals for their intelligence, courage, speed, and silence. Some consider independent dogs such as Basenjis and Afghan Hounds more intelligent than obedient breeds because of their ability to recognize which actions benefit them, and which simply please another.
Basenjis are small, short-haired dogs with erect ears, tightly curled tails and graceful necks. A Basenji’s forehead is wrinkled, even more so when it is young or excited. A Basenji’s eyes are typically almond-shaped. Basenjis typically weigh about 9–11 kg (20–24 lb) and stand 41–46 cm (16–18 in) at the shoulder. They are a square breed, which means they are as long as they are tall with males usually larger than females.
Basenjis are athletic dogs, and deceptively powerful for their size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a double suspension gallop, with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance when running at their top speed. Basenjis come in a few different colorations: red, black, tricolor, and brindle, and they all have white feet, chests and tail tips. They can also come in trindle, which is a tricolor with brindle points, a rare combination.
