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There are several theories as to why Basenjis do not bark.
The fact is that their vocal chords are perfectly formed and
they are able to make sounds. The general consensus among
Basenji experts is that because the breed is perhaps the oldest
breed of domesticated dog in the world, they were domesti-
cated before man taught or encouraged dogs to bark.
Another train of thought is that a barking dog is very easy
to locate at night, and that leopards, being fond of dogs,
would move quickly to kill their next meal. The 'yowling'
and 'howling' of Basenjis which vary in both pitch and vol-
ume are far more difficult to localize as far as direction and
distance are concerned.
New Basenji owners have often been surprised to hear a puppy 'bark'. What they have heard is in fact not a bark com-
parable to other breeds but is a warning call, a startle reaction
which can also be heard in wolves, foxes, jackals and Cape
Hunting Dogs.
The claim to be the most ancient breed of dog is supported
by the annual photoperiodic breeding season for both dogs
and bitches. In addition, they display other primitive behave-ioural traits such as lactation and maternal care by unbred
bitches and the regurgitation of foods for the pups by males,
as with the other ancient predecessors of dogs.
Basenjis have been described as 'big dogs in little bodies' because while they are not aggressive they seem to be fright-
ened of nothing and will stand nose to nose growling at dogs
as big as German Shepherds or even Great Danes. Little they
may be, but these fearless canines have hearts the size of the
great continent they know as home - Africa.
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