Basenji

The name is pronounced Buh-SEN-jee, and they are best known for their bark: They haven't got one. They don't bark, but they do make sounds. When they are happy they chortle or yodel softly, and they have a sad wail when they're unhappy. Usually, however, they're quiet.
 

Basenji breed facts

The Basenji was developed in Africa for hunting.

The Basenji does not bark but does make yodelling noises. The Basenji is known as the "barkless dog."

So you want to own a Basenji?

The Basenji hunts by both sight and scent.

The Basenji is an alert, intelligent, and independent dog who is known to be aloof with strangers.

To own a Basenji successfully requires commitment in time, effort, and understanding.

The Basenji, popularly known as the "Barkless Dog", is one of the oldest breeds, with documentation of the first specimens found in ancient Egypt. When the civilization of Egypt declined and fell, the breed lapsed into obscurity but was preserved in Central Africa. It was highly prized for its intelligence, speed, hunting power & silence.

The first exportations were taken to England in 1895, but unfortunately these dogs perished due to contracting distemper. It wasn't until 1937 that another attempt was made to introduce Basenjis to England, and at the same time, a pair was also exported to America. The American dogs produced a litter of puppies, but all of them with the exception of the older male, "Boris", perished from distemper. In 1941 a young female was imported to the Boston, MA, area, and this female and Boris produced the first American litter of Basenjis. Later, additional imports from Canada and England helped to develop the breed in the United States.

The Basenji was developed first and foremost as a hunting dog, with great emphasis being placed on intelligence, courage and adaptability. These traits aided the dog in the field, as frequently the dogs would work out of the sight of the hunters. The natives used the Basenji for pointing, retrieving, for driving game into nets and for hunting wounded quarry, and the breed's ability to be silent was a great asset in a successful hunt.

Is this a vulnerable breed? Yes, No	No
What size is this dog? Small, Medium, Large	Medium
How much excercise is required? 30 mins a day, 1 hour a day, Over 2 hours a day	1 hour a day
How long is this dog's coat? Short, Medium, Long	Short
How much grooming is required? Once a week, More than once a week, Every day	Once a week
Does this dog shed? Does shed, Does not shed	Does shed
What area is this dog best suited to? Town, Country, Either	Either
What size house is required for this breed? Flat/Apartment, Small House, Large House	Small House
What size of garden is required? Small Garden, Large Garden, No Garden	Small garden

	General Appearance Lightly built, finely boned aristocratic-looking animal, high on leg compared with its length, always poised, alert and intelligent. Wrinkled head, with pricked ears, proudly carried on a well arched neck. Deep brisket runs up into a definite waist, tail tightly curled presenting a picture of a well balanced dog of gazelle-like grace.
	Characteristics Barkless but not mute, its own special noise a mixture of a chortle and a yodel. Remarkable for its cleanliness in every way.
	Temperament An intelligent, independent, but affectionate and alert breed. Can be aloof with strangers.
	Eyes Dark, almond-shaped, obliquely set, far-seeing and rather inscrutable in expression.
	Mouth Jaws strong, with a perfect, regular and complete scissor bite, i.e. upper teeth closely overlapping lower teeth and set square to the jaws.
	Neck Strong and of good length, without thickness, well crested and slightly full at base of throat with a graceful curve accentuating crest. Well set into shoulders giving head a ‘lofty’ carriage.
	Forequarters Shoulders well laid back, muscular, not loaded. Elbows tucked in against brisket. When viewed from front, elbows in line with ribs and legs should continue in a straight line to ground giving a medium front. Forelegs straight with fine bone and very long forearms. Pasterns good length, straight and flexible.
	Body Balanced with short, level back. Ribs well sprung, deep and oval. Loin short-coupled, deep brisket running up into definite waist.
	Hindquarters Strong and muscular, hocks well let down, turned neither in nor out, with long second thighs and moderately bent stifles.
	Feet Small, narrow and compact, with deep pads, well arched toes and short nails.
	Tail High set, with posterior curve of buttock extending beyond root of tail giving a reachy appearance to hindquarters. Curls tightly over spine and lies closely to thigh with a single or double curl.
	Gait / Movement Lightly built, finely boned aristocratic-looking animal, high on leg compared with its length, always poised, alert and intelligent. Wrinkled head, with pricked ears, proudly carried on a well arched neck. Deep brisket runs up into a definite waist, tail tightly curled presenting a picture of a well balanced dog of gazelle-like grace.
	Coat Short, sleek and close, very fine. Skin very pliant.
	Colour Pure black and white; red and white; black, tan and white with tan melon pips and mask; black; tan and white. Brindle, red background with black stripes, the more clearly defined the stripes the better. The white should be on feet, chest and tail tips. White legs, blaze and white collar optional.
	Size Ideal height: dogs: 43 cms (17 ins) at withers; bitches: 40 cms (16 ins) at withers. Ideal weight: dogs: 11 kgs (24 lbs); bitches: 91/2 kgs (21 lbs).