The bark is considered an instinct of dogs, but there is one breed that never barks. This breed is the Basenji, one of the oldest and hardest hunting dog breeds to train.
The Basenji is an ancient dog breed originating from Egypt, often referred to as the “Barkless Dog.” Images of these dogs appeared on Egyptian tombs over 5,000 years ago.
From Egypt, Basenjis migrated to Africa. In 1870, Dr. Georg Schweinforth described them upon finding them: This breed resembles the Spitz but has short, smooth fur, large erect ears, and a tail that curls tightly like a pig’s tail. Here, Basenjis were used by locals to navigate through forests, as well as to warn against dangerous animals approaching. Many families used them for hunting across a vast region from Congo to Sudan.
In the Bahr-el-Ghazal region (South Sudan), among the Niam-Niam and Azande tribes, these dogs live in independent packs in villages, sustaining themselves and following hunters to detect game, herding it into nets they had previously set up.
In the early 1900s, Basenjis were brought to Europe, where they were kept for the purpose of protecting their owners from wild animals in the forests.
According to scientists, the Basenji does not bark because, through evolution, it has selected traits suited to its living environment. Specifically, in Africa, barking could attract wild animals, endangering both humans and domestic dogs. Therefore, the Basenji has evolved in this direction. However, they are still quite “noisy.” Depending on their mood, they may grumble, howl, or whimper…
As hunting dogs, Basenjis are incredibly agile, alert, independent, have great endurance, and enjoy climbing.
Basenjis are similar in size to a hunting dog. Males stand 41–43 cm tall and weigh between 10–12 kg; females stand 38–41 cm tall and weigh between 9–11 kg. They have a solid muscle build, a flat skull, and strong, well-defined muscles. Their straight backs and long legs give them a graceful appearance when running, yet they also look dignified when standing still.
Famous for their muscular appearance, Basenjis have short, smooth fur that comes in a variety of colors. Their fur can be black, reddish-brown, tawny, or even brindle. Notably, Basenjis often have white coloring on their feet, chest, and the tip of their tail.
Their long legs enable them to run faster and perform strong sprinting steps when hunting, resembling the gallop of a horse.
This breed is highly intelligent, but training can be challenging due to their independent nature, and they can become dangerous if overly restrained. This requires owners to be patient and creative in their training methods.
This breed is also known for being very clean, with almost no odor.
Basenjis have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Unlike most other house dog breeds, which typically have two heat cycles per year, they only go into heat once a year and usually give birth to 4 to 6 puppies.
Today, the Basenji breed has been domesticated. Many families choose to keep them for their beautiful colors, cleanliness, and intelligence.
However, it is essential to note that while this breed is intelligent and agile, they can also be stubborn and particularly dangerous when restrained. Therefore, it is crucial to be patient and loving, and to avoid letting young children play with them.
An important thing to remember is to brush their teeth regularly to prevent gum disease. Living in a family environment, Basenjis need to be trained from a young age to adapt and avoid becoming stubborn or dangerous. According to scientists, Basenjis are considered the second hardest hunting breed to train among all dog breeds.
Basenjis enjoy being with two or three other Basenjis; they will not harm each other. They thrive in living spaces with gardens where they can run freely. However, due to their curious nature and high jumping ability, they can escape from enclosed areas. Regular exercise is essential to maintain their health.
Basenjis are affectionate dogs and very loyal if treated well. They are willing to do anything to meet their owner’s requests. However, Basenjis are not friendly with other pets. If you keep a Basenji in your family, you need to introduce them to other animals from a young age; otherwise, they may see them as prey.
The Basenji is an intriguing choice for those who appreciate an independent personality and prefer a dog that doesn’t bark, while also being prepared to invest the time to understand and train a challenging yet loyal breed that loves its owner.
