Basenji - Top 10 Interesting Facts

Out of Africa, the Basenji dog breed was originally found in the Congo.
There are TOP 10 interesting facts about Basenji.

1) African History

Basenjis have been around so long, they hung out with the ancient Egyptians. In fact, there is evidence of the dogs existing as far back as 4000 BCE. These dogs most likely originated in Central Africa, between the Congo Basin and South Sudan, and were probably kept as hunting companions. Experts believe they may have been gifted to the Pharaohs of Egypt, who were said to love the animals for their cat-like personalities and clean coats.

2) Barkless

There is a misconception that these are dogs that do not have the ability to bark, but this is not true. They can bark, but they will not bark. It is not a mute dog, according to the American Kennel Club, though the rumor is that this is a mute dog. If you’re looking for one that doesn’t make much noise, this is the breed for you

3) No Odor

One of the bonuses of the Basenji breed is both its keen sense of smell and lack of it. That is to say, a Basenji loves to sniff and smell his or her owner upon coming home to see where their owner has been all day. At the same time, the owner comes home to an environment that is free of pet smells. This is because, unlike other dog breeds, the Basenji has no body odor.

4) Amazing Hunters

Basenjis were bred for hunting. The canines were used for flushing animals out of hiding places and into hunter’s nets, and were also helpful in finding caches of eggs, pointing, and keeping villages rodent-free. Most dog breeds will hunt using either sight (like greyhounds) or smell (like beagles), but basenjis use both sight and smell to find their prey. 

5) Basenji versus Lions

In Kenya, the dogs are used to lure lions out of their caves. Masai hunters use about four of these dogs at a time to find lions and get them out in the open. Once a lion leaves the safety of its cave, hunters form a circle around the big cat. 

6) Nervous at Night

They were a breed developed to spend their time outside during the day, and for some reason this dog still feels the same way. These are dogs that are nervous when going out at night. They might show reluctance or even refuse to do it, as it’s something that is ingrained into the breed not to want to do. They were developed to fear the dark and what might lie in wait, and this is an inherited trait that’s difficult to break.
7) Affectionate Dogs

This breed is so particular and so uptight when it comes to cleanliness and its efforts, but it’s not a dog that doesn’t love attention and affection. In fact, this breed loves its family, loves to cuddle and loves when it is shown attention and affection. And it’s willing to give it right back to you, as well. And that’s something you won’t mind considering how clean this breed likes to stay on a regular basis.

8) Hard Training

Basenjis are aloof and independent dogs. The cat-like canines generally only bond with one or two humans, and like to do things on their own. As a result of their willful personalities, training can be tricky and requires a lot of patience. 
9) Animal Agression

Many Basenjis are dominant and pushy toward other dogs of the same sex. Many have strong instincts to chase and seize smaller creatures such as pet rabbits and rodents, or chickens.
10) Incredible Speed

Like greyhounds and whippets, basenjis use a double suspension gallop when running. When most dogs run, there's generally at least one foot touching the ground at all times. But with galloping breeds like the basenji, there are two separate times when all four paws are off the ground. This gait helps the dog reach impressive speeds.



Source:
http://puppytoob.com/dog-breeds/10-things-didnt-know-basenji/
http://mentalfloss.com/article/71941/10-super-smart-facts-about-basenjis