Basenji

Basenji - athletic, intelligent, energetic and playful dogs. Quick learners with reward-based training, which helps them to enjoy dog sports such as lure coursing, agility, tracking and rally obedience. May be aloof or reserved around strangers. May chase wildlife and climb fences. Although Basenjis don't bark they are capable of making other vocalisations like yodelling and howling in addition to other traditional dog sounds.

Basenji History:

The Basenji is a descendant of the wild dogs of ancient India. It is believed that the breed was developed in Egypt as companion dogs during the time of the Pharaohs. Drawings found in Egyptian tombs indicate that the Basenji dates back at least five thousand years.

The Basenji is a small, lightly-built, short-backed dog, which was appreciated for its ability to hunt vermin. The Basenji have a reputation as excellent guarding and hunting dogs. Another unique trait of the Basenji is that they do not bark; although they do make other dog sounds, such as whining, whimpering and growling.

In the late nineteenth century the breed was discovered by western explorers who took them back to England. In 1936 the Basenji produced descendants that were called the Congo Terriers and by 1937 they had been introduced into the United States by English breeders. Since then the breed's numbers have continued to increase. In 1943, the American Kennel Club officially recognised the Basenji.