You couldn't tell by the clean-cut, cropped appearance, but the Basenji is a sighthound. Sighthounds are a type of hunting dog that has intense, fervid vision, super speed, and an overpowering takedown move. If these traits sound too ethereal, you're not alone. The Basenji originated in the jungles of Africa, and it's still used today as a hunting dog. The dog has no inherent bark. Rather, it makes a sound like a yodel. The small, stately dog is funnily similar to a cat because it cleans itself and loves to climb. Pet owners should know that their activity levels don't correspond to their relative silence. In fact, they're very active, and they need chew toys and master-pet interaction on a regular basis. A Basenji revels in human attention. Petting, hugging, stroking, and caressing are good for it. They can require most of your attention, and they take to following their masters around the house. Basenjis tag along with children. In other words, the Basenjis tag along everywhere with some children in the household. Basenjis are intrigued by the world around them, and they question it, poke fun at it, and enjoy it. They fully embrace their surroundings and imbue a room with joyful spirits. The Basenjis seem to be surprised by each day, and they always engage their environs for new adventures, activities, and things to see and do. It will zestfully greet and embrace its masters once they arrive home. It will smell, guess, and judge where you've been and what you've been doing. They're curious and sweet; they're quite doting as well. It is generally prone to silence, but their litany of squeaks, whines, squeals, and oddball noises like yawns and short howls more than compensate for it. These ancient friends were found in Egypt and the Congo as hunters. Some archaeologists believe they're depicted in wall paintings as hieroglyphs. Basenjis are prized in poor countries because of their hunting and chasing abilities. They hunt with scent, sound, and raw speed. They're more prized than a good wife because they get food for the master. They hunt small game and monkeys, as well as traditional animals of America. Their bodies are similar to jackals, coyotes, wolves, and wild dogs as far as their metabolism is concerned. The Basenji has a graceful stride that mimics a wild game animal like a gazelle. They are known to hunt gazelle, funnily. They withstand the presence of other pets and don't need to be out in the countryside to feel fine. They look to be indoors with their masters or running through the fields. They need attention though; don't leave Basenjis to themselves.

Also called Congo Dog.

Common misspellings are basengi, basengis, basenij, basenijs, dog basendi, dog basendis, basendi, basendis, basenji dog, basenji dogs, basenja, basenjas, basenjii, basenjiis, basengie, basengies, basenje, basenjes, basenjee, basenjees, basengee, basengees, bossenji, bossenjis, bossengi, bossengis, bosenji, bosenjis, bosengi, bosengis.