Basenji

Basenji is a muscular, elegant and athletic hunting dog from Africa. Its name means "wild and violent" in Swahili. The Basenji hunts by both sight and scent. It’s known as the non-barking dog, the Basenji never barks but does have a lot of other unusual vocalizations. It may yodel, howl, growl or crow, depending on its mood. The Basenji is roughly the size of a fox terrier. Its tail curls off to one side of its muscular thighs. The breed has a distinctive, horse-like running gait. The Basenji is alert, affectionate, demanding, energetic and curious. It loves to play and makes a good pet as long as it is handled on a regular basis from an early age. It’s elegant and graceful. Its balanced structure and the smooth musculature enable it to move with ease and agility. Unlike most other domestic breeds, which have two heats per year, the female Basenji comes into heat only once a year.

The Basenji is extremely intelligent, active and responds well to training with a strong desire to please. This dog breed is usually patient and does best with considerate older children but should not be trusted with non-canine pets. Basenji has a strong urge to please and should be trained from an early age. Basenji can be reserved with strangers, but can also form strong bonds with people. It likes to climb and can easily get over chain wire fences. It tends to chew a lot so requires a lot of toys. It dislikes wet weather. Its strong desire to play can lead to behavior problems if left alone. It has the unique properties of not barking and of cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, and tireless at play and teasing the owner into play.

Country of Origin:
The Basenji originated in Egypt (3600 B.C.) but was refined by English breeders in 1934.

Other names:
Congo Dog, Congo Terrier