BASENJI

Basenji. also called Congo Bush Dog, or Belgian Congo Dog, ancient breed of hound dog native to central Africa, where it is used to point and retrieve and to drive quarry into a net. It is also known as the barkless dog, but it does produce a variety of sounds other than barks. A graceful animal, it is characterized by an alert expression typified by the finely wrinkled forehead, erect ears, and tightly curled tail. The short, silky coat is reddish brown, black, or black-and-tan; feet, chest, and tail tip are white. The basenji stands 41 to 43 cm (16 to 17 inches) tall and weighs 10 to 11 kg (22 to 24 pounds). It is characterized as a clean and gentle dog. See the Table of Selected Breeds of Hounds for further information.