Basenji

The basenji can be an aloof dog very affectionate with his family, but not outgoing to strangers. They originally hunted in packs and are usually good with other dogs if socialized while young. However, some can be argumentative with other basenjis.

Basenjis tend to be clever dogs, but not easy to train. They need creative, patient handling to bring out their best qualities. As mentioned, they do not bark, but the yodeling certainly makes quite a bit of noise. If left to their own devices they can be chewers and diggers.

Basenji breeders and owners often refer to them as catlike, as they do a great deal of licking to groom and are quiet. They also seem to like climbing up onto high places perhaps to survey their kingdoms from there.

Basenjis are active dogs that need and enjoy a good romp or run every day. They like doing agility and running lure courses. Basenjis are not used for hunting much anymore, but make very nice family dogs and live to about 13 years of age or so.

Basenjis can be fiercely protective of their families. They need plenty of early socialization to other people to be ideal companions. An unusual trait in basenjis is that the females almost always only have one heat period per year and occurring between August and November. And of course, they make their famous yodeling sound.

Basenjis are extremely easy to groom and keep clean with  a quick swipe with a cloth or brush once or twice weekly. Basenjis will spend much of their time grooming and carefully licking their coats just like a cat.