: any of a breed of small curly-tailed dogs of African origin that do not bark
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One of an ancient breed of hound native to central Africa, the basenji is used to point and retrieve and to drive quarry into a net. Known as the barkless dog, it produces a variety of sounds other than barks. Its finely wrinkled forehead, erect ears, and tightly curled tail give it a characteristic alert expression. It has a short, silky reddish brown, black, or black-and-tan coat, and white feet, chest, and tail tip. It stands 16–17 in (41–43 cm) high and weighs 22–24 lbs. (10–11 kg). It is clean and gentle.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebOr maybe there were two domestications of dogs, and the dingo would be related to the Chinese wolf while the basenji was related to the Croatian wolf. Ariel Bleicher, Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2017 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. Michael Dumas, AL.com, 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. Michael Dumas, AL.com, 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. Michael Dumas, AL.com, 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. Michael Dumas, AL.com, 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. Michael Dumas, AL.com, 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. Michael Dumas, AL.com, 11 Feb. 2018 But contestants like Zuri the basenji and Valur the Saluki came from breeds seldom seen at agility trials. Michael Dumas, AL.com, 11 Feb. 2018 See More
Word History
Etymology
probably modification of Lingala mbwa na basenji, literally, dogs of the bushland people