The Basenji! Also known as the barkless dog. This medium sized dog breed is one of the oldest domesticated dog breeds in the world. Their origin is West Africa, specifically the Congo. Basenjis were bred to hunt game and to protect the village from dangerous animals.
Their look
Because of their excellent eyesight and amazing sense of smell, the Basenji were soon placed into the Hound group. The colors they have are either tan, red, brindle, black, or tricolor. And they all have white along their neck & chest. Most dogs that are classified in the Hound group typically have short or long floppy ears, as well as a long tail. The Basenji, on the other hand, has pointed ears along with a short curly tail.
Personality
Like the other Hound dogs, Basenjis are very smart and have an independent nature. This breed is quite a stubborn one, so when training them patience is necessary. Basenjis are known to listen to their owners on their own terms, so the stubbornness level is high in this cute breed. They need a lot of attention and activities to do throughout the day. Basenjis are not recommended for first time dog owners.
Health
Standing at 15-17 in. and weighing 20-26 lbs, Basenjis are generally a healthy breed. Although they may suffer from some of the common health conditions just like any other dog breed. If you’re thinking about adopting this breed, it’s best to find a reputable breeder and ask about the parent history.
Why they don’t bark
Why are they known as the barkless dog? Well it’s because their larynx, their voice box, has a unique shape. So instead of barking, the Basenji produces more of a yodeling sound, as well as howling. Some produce no sounds at all other than whining. It’s also believed they were trained not to bark in order to avoid luring predatory animals into the village.