Dog Breed Guide

Basenji

Profile

Size

Small - Medium

Country of origin

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Origin

Ancient

Bred for

Hunting

Height

male about 43cm (17in), female about 40cm (16in)

Weight

male about 11kg (24lb), female about 9.5kg (21lb)

Life span

13 - 14 years

The Basenji is known as "the barkless dog." Because its larynx is shaped differently from other dogs', it cannot make an ordinary bark, and instead it makes a unique sound that resembles yodeling. Wrinkles on the forehead, a tightly curled tail and a lean, athletic body are its hallmarks. Colors are red, black, brindle and tricolor, with white markings.

Like a cat, it grooms itself by licking, and it has almost no body odor. It is smart, curious and very independent. It is affectionate with its family but a little stubborn, so training takes patience.

Its hunting instinct is strong, and it will chase anything that moves, so keep it on the leash. It needs plenty of exercise and is good at mischief. Many dislike getting wet.

Good to know

For thousands of years it lived alongside hunting peoples in the rainforests of the Congo in central Africa. It helped drive game into nets and is said to have worn a wooden bell around its neck so the hunters could tell where it was. Its barkless nature is also said to have helped it approach prey without being noticed.

Attempts to bring it to Europe were made repeatedly from the 19th century, but many dogs died of disease, and it did not become established in Britain until 1937.

In 1956 a Basenji played the young hero's companion in the American film Goodbye, My Lady. The story of a boy who bonds with a mysterious dog that wanders out of the woods introduced many people to this unusual breed. And while most dogs come into season twice a year, the Basenji does so only once a year, a trait it shares with wild canids.