basenji

1 9.3

A small dog from Africa with short hair and a curled tail that rarely barks

noun
/bəˈsɛndʒi/

: basenji

(♪ Basenji: "Can't Get Enough")

Examples

If so, you should get a Basenji; they are literally a breed of dogs that do not bark.

Blog text (1)
By 1937, a Basenji fad was underway in England, and the English Kennel Club officially classified them as a sporting breed.

Fiction book (1999)
The only Basenji resident in the United States at present belongs to Byron H. and Olga H. Rogers of Poundridge, who have him kennelled on the outskirts of Boston.

Fiction book (1999)
's conversation at dinner (Pizza Jazz had volunteered to pick up, for which Lee was pathetically grateful, sensing the alternative might be tuna-basenji-hair casserole) was not much more stimulating.

Fiction book (1996)
The Basenji is known for its tightly curled tail and unique yodel-like sound instead of barking.
Many owners love their Basenji dogs for their playful nature and low grooming needs.
Because of their instinctual hunting skills, a Basenji requires plenty of exercise to stay happy.

Surface Forms

basenji singular

basenjis plural

Etymology

Basenji comes from a language of central Africa where people used that local name for the small, smooth-haired dog. That's why it is often called the 'barkless dog' — it rarely barks, and the name reminds us of the dog's African origin and its unusual behaviour.