subject: The Hunting Dog Basenji [print this page] The basenji is a hunting dog that comes from central Africa. It is known as the "barkless dog" because for centuries no basenji had ever been known to bark. Then, at a dog show in London in 1953, a basenji actually barked, and it was so unusual that it was mentioned in the newspapers. When most dogs bark, people try to make them keep quiet; when a basenji barks, it's news. Basenjis were used for hunting in ancient Egypt, and they are still used for hunting in Africa. In the United States, people keep them as pets because they are playful and gentle. The basenji has an unusual habit. It washes itself all over, like a cat, and is a very clean dog. The basenji is a medium-sized dog. It is about sixteen or seventeen inches high at the shoulders, and weighs about twenty pounds. The basenji's tail is very distinctive. It curls up tightly over the dog's back, making a complete ring. The forehead of the basenji is deeply wrinkled, and its ears are round and upstanding. A basenji's coat is short and silky, and is sometimes reddish brown and white, sometimes golden brown and white, or black and white, or black, tan, and white.The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound commonly called a "barroo", due to its unusually shaped larynx.Basenji are smooth, muscular, athletic dogs on the small side.The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic and curious. It loves to play and makes a good pet, as long as it is handled regularly from an early age.
