Canus africanus: the basenji - barkless hunting dog: forerunners of breeds such as the pharaoh hounds

American Visions, April-May, 1997 by Terri S. Smith

Pygmy hunters race after their prey, led by the sound of wooden bells attached to the collars of their swift hunting dogs. There its no baying or barking, only the steady rush of men and animals as the dogs close in and corner an antelope, a monkey or even a leopard. Hunting today as they have for thousands of years, the pygmies rely on the "barkless" basenji, an intelligent hound just one step removed from its wild cousins, to help them locate and capture game.

Most other hounds are rawboned, flop-eared hunters that gallop along the trail in full cry. The basenji, like the wolf, does not bark, and its sharp ears stand tall and alert. The characteristic wrinkles on its forehead give it an expressive, questioning look as it directs its gaze on you, as if it were asking, Will you be able to keep up? That is a fair question, for a basenji is athletic and energetic. Built like a deer, on long straight legs, its tail curled tightly over its back, this compact dog moves with the speed of a greyhound. Dodge for dodge, the basenji matches the rabbit or squirrel or any hapless prey that crosses its path.

Most sources agree that the pygmies domesticated the basenji some 7,000 years ago, making the breed one of the oldest in the world. Foxlike in appearance, basenjis today differ little from their feral ancestors. Susan Coe, the author of the well-regarded handbook The Basenji: Out of Africa to You (Doral, 1994) notes on the first page the similarities between wild dogs and basenjis: "These dogs have evolved to a very efficient size (15 to 30 pounds) without any `breed' extravagances. Their coats are short to provide comfort in the hot climate. Their conformation is not extreme and their intelligence is very high as they must be clever and resourceful to find enough to eat." The feral features that enable "pariah" dogs, which lurk on the fringes of human society, to survive remain in evidence in the sleek appearance and independent nature of the basenji.

The appeal and utility of the basenji did not escape the notice of travelers who ventured into pygmy territory. The Cairo Museum houses numerous artifacts that depict basenjilike dogs hunting or lying beneath the throne of the ruling Pharaoh, dating from as early as the First Dynasty. A glance at any good volume on Egyptian art or culture provides the reader with dozens of glimpses of the little basenji. The hieroglyphic for "dog," in fact, as evidenced on a stele from the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, derives from the basenji. In just a few strokes, the engraver captures the key characteristics: pricked ears, curled tail and graceful carriage.

Other breeds developed from the basic basenji strain. The pharaoh hound and Ibizan hound, both cited in Jack Shafer's Basenjis (T.F.H. Publications, 1990) as originating in Egypt, are elongated versions of the basenji, whose proportions resemble those of Afghans or borzois. They are probably the result of crossbreeding with taller dogs from Europe and Asia. The basenji, however, remains virtually unchanged over its 7,000-year history, and its personality, as may be expected, has nothing to do with the "fetch" and "roll over" antics of most pet dogs.

As I wrestled with my first basenji pup in an obedience class--where I might have had better luck getting an alligator to "sit" and "down"--the instructor walked by and gave me a pitying glance. "Those basenjis are hard to train," she commented. Her golden retriever walked beside her, matching its pace with hers, apparently devoted to her slightest whim. At first I despaired, wondering if I had purchased something that might actually pursue and capture small children, but I quickly realized that the appeal of the basenji lies beyond the Pavlovian responses that pass for personality with most dogs. Though my basenji now responds to--or should I say, tolerates--the basic commands, she required a different kind of training than the typical Labrador retriever or border collie.

The basenji is an independent thinker--it gives its heart to you because it chooses to do so. Physical coercion and shouting will get you nowhere with a basenji; the dog will make you feel ridiculous. But if you respect its dignity, use quiet and patient training methods, and ensure that it has appropriate outlets for its dynamic wilderness instincts, it will take you with it into its world, where no movement goes unnoticed and no sound goes unheard.

Because the basenji is barkless, some question its utility as a watchdog. While it is true that it will not bark incessantly at any provocation the basenji will growl in deep, menacing tones. It is naturally aloof with strangers, taking its cue from its own assessment and from a quick glance at its owner to see if a newcomer is welcome. Occasionally, if startled or irritated at being ignored, the basenji will utter a single, short bark. In the four years I have owned basenjis, I have heard this peremptory sound only half a dozen times.

Basenjis move with lightning speed and are capable of jumping several feet off the ground. They will attack a leopard if it threatens their master, and they aim for only one result: disabling the prey. An ordinary household burglar may think himself quite safe because he hears no bark. In the next moment he may be knocked off his feet by the focused impact of a 25-pound missile. My two basenjis demonstrate a lethal tactic when they decide to attack: One goes high; one goes low. Like a flashing ballet, they perform pursuit and flanking maneuvers that adapt instantaneously to the movements of the quarry. Though basenjis seldom bark, they will defend their home.