Introducing the Basenji
The Basenji is a breed of hound dog that originated in central Africa. They are a medium-sized breed, standing around 16 to 17 inches at the shoulder. Basenjis are best known for their unique vocalizations and their inability to bark.
Instead of barking like most dogs, Basenjis make unusual yodeling sounds, howls, and other vocalizations to communicate. This “barkless” trait is due to their narrow larynx and the shape of their vocal cords. Basenjis do not have the same ability to vocalize barks as other dogs.
According to the American Kennel Club, “The word ‘Basenji’ comes from the African word ‘basinji,’ which means ‘dog of the savages.’ Despite the breed’s reputation with Westerners at that time, the Basenji was prized by locals for its intelligence, courage, speed, and silence.” (Source)
Origins of the Basenji
The Basenji originated in central Africa as a hunting dog. According to the Basenji Club of America, the breed comes from the Congo Basin, where it was utilized by ancient tribes for its exceptional hunting abilities and intelligence [1]. Basenjis are one of the oldest dog breeds in the world. Cave paintings found in Libya depicting Basenji-like dogs date back several thousand years.
Physical Characteristics
The Basenji has a distinctive physical appearance that sets it apart from other dog breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, some of the key physical features include:
Short coat – The Basenji has a short, fine coat that lies close to the skin. The coat requires very little grooming or maintenance.
Tightly curled tail – A signature trait of the Basenji is its tightly curled tail that curls upright over the back. This differs from many dog tails that hang down.
Upright ears – The Basenji has small, erect ears that stand upright. The ears are pointed and tilted slightly forward.
Additionally, the AKC notes that Basenjis are a small breed, standing between 16-17 inches tall at the shoulder for males and 16 inches for females. They weigh between 20-24 pounds. Overall, the Basenji has an athletic, graceful build suited for speed and agility.
Sources:
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/basenji/
https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/basenji
Temperament
Basenjis are highly energetic dogs that require a lot of physical and mental stimulation. They are very affectionate and loyal to their family, forming strong bonds with their owners. According to the American Kennel Club, Basenjis tend to be “independent but affectionate” and are known for being intelligent and alert.
Basenjis have a reputation for being stubborn at times, given their independent nature. However, in general, they aim to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement training and consistency. Their energetic and curious disposition means they do best with active owners who can provide them with adequate exercise and mental stimulation.
Overall, when properly trained and socialized, Basenjis make for very devoted and loving companion dogs. Their energetic and playful temperament combined with strong bonds to their family make them wonderful pets for active households.
Barkless Nature
Despite their lack of traditional barking, Basenjis are not entirely silent dogs. While they do not bark in the conventional sense, they communicate in unique ways. The most distinctive vocalization of the Basenjis is known as a “yodel” – a unique sound that combines elements of a bark and a howl. This sound is thought to originate from their history as hunting dogs in central Africa. Yodeling helped hunters locate their Basenjis in dense vegetation. Basenjis also make other noises to communicate, such as growls, howls, and whines. But they do lack the ability to bark in the typical manner of other breeds. This is due to the shape and position of their larynx. The larynx contains vocal cords that must open and close very quickly to produce a woof or sharp bark. The structure of the Basenji larynx allows air to pass through freely without the bark sound [1](https://www.quora.com/Why-does-Basenji-Dog-does-not-bark). So while Basenjis are not completely silent, their unique vocals have earned them the title of “barkless dog.”
Hunting Abilities
Basenjis are quick, agile hunters that rely on their keen eyesight and strong sense of smell to track and catch small game like rabbits, squirrels, and birds. They have a strong prey drive and hunting instinct that goes back to their origins in Africa, where they were used to help locals hunt and provide food.
When hunting, Basenjis use their superb eyesight to spot prey at a distance. Once prey is sighted, the Basenji gives chase using its athleticism and speed. Basenjis can run up to 25 mph, allowing them to quickly close in on prey once spotted. As they get closer, Basenjis then rely on scent tracking to precisely follow the trail of their target. Their sharp sense of smell allows them to stay right on the prey’s trail until they can finally catch it.
Basenjis are adept at hunting in varied terrain, from thick forests to open fields. Their agility and nimbleness allows them to dart through brush and undergrowth with ease. Basenjis will even climb trees and jump fences in pursuit of prey. Their persistence and stamina means they can hunt for extended periods until successfully capturing their quarry.
While mainly used to hunt small game, Basenjis in Africa were also known to help locals hunt big game like antelope. The Basenji’s role was to track and flush out prey from hiding, making it easier for hunters to locate and capture larger animals. So while small game hunting is their forte, Basenjis exhibit capabilities on big game hunts as well.
Overall, the Basenji’s superb eyesight combined with its keen sense of smell and athleticism make it an ideal hunting dog for small game. These innate skills and traits remain embedded in Basenjis today even as they transition to life as companion pets.
As Pets
Though small, the Basenji requires considerable exercise and attention. They are energetic dogs that need lots of exercise and daily playtime to stay happy and out of mischief. Basenjis enjoy going for walks and runs, and also love having space to run around, such as a fenced-in backyard. This athletic breed excels at dog sports like agility, obedience, and lure coursing. Providing adequate exercise also helps prevent nuisance behaviors like barking, chewing, digging, and stealing.
Basenjis can be challenging for novice dog owners as they have strong minds of their own and can be stubborn. This breed needs plenty of training and early socialization. It’s important to begin training and socializing a Basenji from puppyhood, as these intelligent dogs will take advantage of weak leadership. Consistency, patience, and positive reinforcement are essential when training this independent breed. Given their background as hunting dogs in Africa, Basenjis will especially benefit from training that provides mental stimulation.
The Basenji’s aloof and independent personality affects their interactions with strangers and other pets. Though loyal to their families, Basenjis can be reserved toward visitors. They may also exhibit prey drive behaviors around smaller pets, given their heritage chasing and hunting game. However, with socialization from a young age, Basenjis can learn to coexist fine with children and other pets.
In summary, the Basenji’s energetic nature, strong-willed personality, and instinctive behaviors require committed owners able to provide daily exercise, training, attention, and interaction. With an experienced dog owner, the good-natured Basenji makes an affectionate and entertaining pet.
Health Issues
Basenjis are unfortunately prone to certain genetic disorders due to their limited gene pool. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), the most common health issues seen in Basenjis include:
- Fanconi syndrome, a kidney disorder that prevents proper nutrient reabsorption
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), an eye disease leading to vision loss
- Hypothyroidism, an endocrine disorder where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones
- Hip dysplasia, a hip socket malformation causing arthritis and lameness
Reputable breeders will screen breeding dogs for these genetic conditions to reduce their prevalence. As pets, Basenjis should receive annual veterinary exams to catch any emerging health problems early. With diligent care and genetic screening, Basenjis can live a full lifespan of 10-14 years.
Basenji Popularity
The Basenji is considered a rare breed in the United States. According to registration statistics from the American Kennel Club, the Basenji ranked 71st in popularity out of 195 breeds in 2021. The breed’s popularity has been declining over the past decade. In 2013, the Basenji ranked 58th most popular breed.
While not common, the Basenji has a very dedicated following. The breed is appreciated for its unique traits and skills as a hunting dog. However, the Basenji may not be the right fit for all families, especially those with young children or other pets. The breed’s tendency to be aloof and independent can make training challenging. Still, for the right owner, the Basenji makes a delightful pet.
Other Barkless Dogs
While the basenji is the most well-known “barkless” breed, some other breeds like the chow chow also do not bark much (Source). Chow chows make a kind of growling noise or a howl rather than a conventional bark. They are known for being independent and aloof, so they do not bark to seek attention from their owners. Other relatively quiet breeds include the bulldog, beagle, and Great Dane. Most of these dogs will make some vocalizations, but do not frequently bark like many other breeds. Certain individual dogs of normally vocal breeds can also sometimes be barkless. Training and breeding plays a role, but each dog’s personality is also a factor. So while the basenji stands out for being nearly mute, they are not the only dogs that refrain from barking much of the time.