Basenji

Just because Basenjis don't bark, don't assume that they're at a loss for expressing themselves. Basenjis do howl, whine and make cat-like sounds to communicate with other dogs and people. They are also extremely alert, intelligent dogs who tend to act on their impulses as sight hounds. They are sensitive dogs who need to be trained with a gentle approach and a thoughtful reward system that praises them for good behavior, because they love to invent their own games. They are agile and quick-moving, so they can suddenly end up on top of the counter or on the other side of the fence if they aren't supervised. These mischievous little dogs are not particularly willing to please. They're constantly looking for a way out of their current surroundings and poking their noses into everything. Basenjis are playful and even goofy, but they do their own thing. They probably won't respond too well to games of fetch. They prefer to explore on their own - leaping, jumping and prancing around outdoors. Although they are independent and not overly forthcoming with affection, they still rely on their owners and will resort to destructive habits if they feel neglected or mistreated.

Basenjis have a tightly coiled tail that curls up over their back. They have large, bat-like ears and wrinkled brows that make them look concurrently alert and lost in thought. Basenjis have short coats with such fine hair that it is almost impossible to detect when they shed. Their coats come in chestnut, brown, black and brindle. Some have tricolor coats and all have white feet, chests and tips of their tails.