Dog that doesn't bark: how does Basenji communicate without barking?

 Dog that doesn't bark: how does Basenji communicate without barking?

Tracy Wilkins

The Basenji is a breed with several attributes and one particular characteristic that always catches people's attention: this is a dog that doesn't bark. Not because he is a silent animal who prefers to be quiet, but because the Basenji dog simply doesn't know how to bark. One would think that, because he can't vocalize like most dogs, the breed's communication is compromised, right?Wrong: even without being able to bark, the Basenji breed knows very well how to express what it wants in other ways. To better understand how this dog communicates and other curiosities about its behavior, see below what we discovered!

Basenji is a dog that doesn't bark, but howls

When people learn that the Basenji does not bark, one of the main questions that arise is: how does this puppy manage to express itself? Well, the truth is that, even without barking, the Basenji breed is capable of emitting other sounds, and it is very common to find the dog howling, with howls always long and sharp. In addition, he can also make other noises with his throat, as if they wereThese turn out to be the breed's main forms of communication.

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But do you know why the Basenji is a breed of dog that doesn't bark? We explain: these dogs have a different shape of larynx and vocal cords, which is more similar to wolves and dingoes (a type of wild dog). This way, when the air passes through the larynx, the Basenji ends up emitting a very specific howl that sounds almost like a song.

Body language is part of Basenji dog communication

It is important to keep in mind that dogs do not only communicate with barks and noises: canine body language is also part of this communicative process. Therefore, another tip to understand what the Basenji wants to express is to learn to interpret the different movements and body postures of a dog. Did you know that both the movement of the ears and the position of the dog's tail canreveal a lot about your four-legged friend? It's true! In addition, observing the way Basenji reacts to different everyday situations is also a way to understand what each canine behavior means.

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Personality of the Basenji breed is marked by independence, keen instincts and affection

Now that you know a little bit more about the Basenji's communication, it's time to understand how the breed behaves on a daily basis. As you've already seen, body language and different dog sounds play an important role and show that, despite the lack of barking, the Basenji is far from being a shy animal. In fact, this is a very independent dog,uninhibited and obstinate.

But you have to be careful, because without proper training he can become a stubborn dog, mainly because of his instincts. The Basenji is protective by nature and has a very strong hunting instinct. So it is necessary to train and train the breed from puppyhood. Despite these characteristics, the Basenji dog is a very faithful and affectionate companion with the family,showing puppy love in their own little way.

Basenji: price of breed not one of the most expensive

If you're interested in the breed of dog that doesn't bark and want to take the puppy home, know that the price of a Basenji puppy is not that expensive. In general, the species costs between R$ 2 thousand and R$ 3 thousand, but depending on the genetic lineage of the animal, the value can reach R$ 5 thousand. It is important to look for a reliable kennel at these times.

Despite not being among the most expensive dog breeds, it is good to have a financial planning before opening the doors to a Basenji puppy. Just like any other pet, the Basenji demands a series of care with its routine, involving feeding, veterinary consultations, hygiene and environmental enrichment.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.