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The Basenji is one of the few recognized breeds of dog to have originated in Africa and, unlike any other domestic breed of dog in the world, does not bark.
That is not to say that Basenjis are mute. Far from it. They have an extensive vocabulary of yowls, howls, yips, yipes and growls that leave owners in little doubt as to what their dogs are 'saying'.
Without doubt, the Basenji is one of the world's most expressive
and communicative breeds of dog. They use their feet to punctuate their 'conversation' as many people use their hands. They will cover their eyes when they feel coy, wave their forefeet in the air when excited or touch you gently when they would like some attention.
In Zaire and the southern Sudan where they originated, Basenjis were used in packs as hunting dogs, flushing game into nets.
Traditionally their owners tied wooded bells around their necks, which would startle the game and cause it to flee. They also helped to locate the dogs in thick bush.
Although Basenjis are still to be found in the area of their origin, very few are believed to be pure as colonialisation brought many dogs, both pure and crossbred, which have mixed with the original breed.
Basenjis are small square dogs of 16 or 17 inches high. They have a smooth, very clean and odourless coat, which sheds mud naturally as it dries. The most common colour of Basenjis is red -and-white, but tri-colour and to a lesser extent black-and-white are also recognized colours. All basenjis have white feet, white chests and white tail tips, they may also have white collars and blazes on their muzzles.
Inquisitive by nature, Basenjis make loving companions while
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