The Basenji
Africa's Barkless Breed
By Sean Houghton
The Basenji is one of the few recongnized breeds of dog to have originated in Africa and, unlike any other domestic breed of dog in the world, does not bark.
That is not to say that Basenjis are mute. Far from it. They have an extensive vocabulary of yowls, howls, yips, yipes and growls that leave owners in little doubt as to what their dogs are 'saying'.
Without doubt, the Basenji is one of the world's most expressive and communicative breeds of dog. They use their feet to punctuate their 'conversation' as many people use their hands. They will cover their eyes when they fell coy, wave their forefeet in the air when excited or touch you gently when they would like some attention.
In Zaire and the souther Sudan where they originated, Basenjis were used in packs as hunting dogs, flushing game into nets. Traditionally their owners tied wooded bells around their necks, which would startle the game and cause it to flee. They also helped to locate the dogs in the thick brush.
Although Basenjis are still to be found in the area of their origin, very few are believed to be as pure as colonialisation brought many dogs, both pure and crossbred, which have mixed with the original breed.
Basenjis are small square dogs of 16 or 17 inches high. They have a smooth, very clean and odourless coat, which sheds mud naturally as it dries. The most common colour of Basenjis is red and white, but tri colour and to a lesser extent black and white are also recognized colours. All Basenjis have white feet, white chests, and white tail tips, they may also have white collars and blazes on their muzzles.
Inquisitive by nature, Basenjis make loving companions while retaining an air of independence. They are not very easy to train for obedience work but are excellent coursing dogs, reveling in the joy of chasing after the 'rabbit'.
One of the most distinctive features of the Basenji is the wrinkled forehead, which gives them a quizzical, concerned look which is most endearing. The fine and profuse wrinkle, however, is only seen when the animal is alert, unlike Bassets or Bloodhounds whose heavy wrinkles are always evident. The wrinkle is more easily seen on red and whites then on the tri colour and black and white varieties because of lack of shadow on the black foreheads of the latter colours.
Another distinctive feature of Basenjis is the tightly curled tail. Originally there was only a single curl, but this has been encouraged by breeders abroad to become a double curl. Many people seem fascinated by the tail and attempt to uncurl it. This should be discouraged as a very tightly curled tail may be damaged by the unraveling. However, when the dogs are relaxed or asleep the tail loosens and straightens out. While moving at speed the tail will be unfurled and used as a rudder in the normal way of most fast moving mammals.
On the move, Basenjis are a delight of speed, agility and sure footedness. Af full speed they move at the double suspension gallop, reaching speeds that are quite startling for such a small dog. When trotting, they move rather like a trotting horse moving at a full pace.
When hunting in long grass, Basenjis will stand on their hind feet for a better view and will jump high over thier prey, landing on all four feet, rather like a pronking Springbok. They also have an amzing ability to follow their unsighted quarry in thick vegetation simply by listening to the sounds the animal makes as it moves.
No matter what they are doing and at whatever pace they do it, Basenjis exhibit an exuberance that is quite charming to see.
A curious Phenomenon is Basenjis is that they are winter breeders, only coming into season once a year as do the wild ancestors of modern canines. Generally, bitches will come into season during March and April in the southern hemisphere and October and November in the northern hemisphere. Litters are usually between three and five puppies. In their natural sweltering, humid, tropical habitat this would ensure the newborn pups are not subjected to the worst of the heat.
There are several theories as to why Basenjis do not bark. They fact is that their vocal chords are perfectly formed and they are able to make sounds. The general consensus among Basenji experts is the because the breed is perhaps the oldest breed of domesticated dog in the world, they were domesticated before man taught or encouraged dogs to bark.
Another train of though is that a barking dog is very easy to locate at night, and the leopards, being fond of dogs, would move quickly to kill their next meal. The 'yowling' and 'howling' of Basenjis which vary in both pitch and volume are far more difficult to localize as far as direction and distance are concerned.
New Basenji owners have often been surprised to hear a puppy 'bark'. What they have heard is in fact not a bark comparable to other breeds but is a warning call, a startle reaction which can also be heard in wolves, foxes, jackals and Cape Hunting Dogs.
The claim to be the most ancient breed of dog is supported by the annual photoperiodic breeding season for both dogs and bitches. In addition, they display other primitive behavioral traits such as lactation and maternal care by unbred bitches and the regurgitation of foods for the pups by males, as with other ancient predecessors of dogs.
Basenjis have been described as 'big dogs in little bodies' because while they are not aggressive they seem to be frightened of nothing and will stand nose to nose growling at dogs as big as German Shepherds or even Great Danes. Little they may be, but these fearless canines have hearts the size of the great continent they know as home -- Africa.