Basenjis are quite rare, athletic small to medium size dogs which can run up to 48 kilometres per hour and are deceptively powerful for their size.
They are a breed of sighthound hunting dog that also has exceptional scent and hearing, originating from central Africa.
Depictions in ancient Egyptian art and artifacts have been found in tombs dating as far back as 4,500 years.
“Basenji” is from the Swahili language of the east African coast meaning “dog of the bush.”
They are related to the Australian Dingo and New Guinea singing dog, and like their distant relatives they do not bark and only breed once a year.
The sound they make is like a yodel, growl and air raid siren.
This is because the larynx is shaped differently to domestic dogs and other canines.
They are square in statue with a tail that curls back toward the head.
Tribes in the Congo also used these dogs in groups for hunting; trained to find and drive game animals towards hunter’s nets.
Being bark-less allowed them to silently stalk.
Some tribes would attach bells to the dog’s collar so they could locate them in dense jungle.
At the villagers’ camps the Basenji dogs became companions and rodent hunters.
In character this breed can be aloof and not so friendly with strangers, however attached and affectionate with family.
Some can be fiercely protective, so it is advisable to socialize a basenji puppy with other dogs and people.
They have a very strong prey/hunt drive and may not make good house mates with smaller animals.
Although they are intelligent (able to work out various games and puzzles) they are not easy to train, often wilful and stubborn.
Some have described them as like training a cat.
Interestingly these dogs lick themselves clean and like to climb and observe from high places.
Care-wise, basenjis are low maintenance with a short smooth coat that requires weekly brushing, they rarely need a bath unless particularly dirty.
Basenjis dislike wet and cold weather and may refuse to go out if raining, yet they are tolerant of hot weather.
Their high energy requires 60-90 minutes daily exercise and mental stimulation through games training and puzzle toys.
Due to their climbing skills a secure tall fence is recommended.
