What do basenjis sound like

Some believe the ability to bark was purposely bred out to avoid attracting predators to villages. The ventricle of the larynx is more shallow in Basenjis and is believed to limit the ability of the vocal folds to vibrate sufficiently enough to make a classic bark sound possible.

This theory was reached after several autopsies were performed on Basenjis who had been transported from Africa to the U. The inability to bark is believed by some to have been intentionally bred into the breed long ago in their native land of Africa. Others think that it is a naturally evolved trait that developed over time. Either way, not barking at every little noise may have helped the breed survive its semi-wild existence and proved them useful to African hunters as stealthy, cunning sighthounds and to villages as dependable watchdogs as they were not constantly making noises which would attract large predators.

While a true, classic-sounding bark is indeed quite rare, Basenjis are far from being totally silent and are capable of and fond of producing a wide variety of other sounds, some comical, some ear-piercing and some common to breeds of all types.

Not quite a howl, not quite a yodel, but somewhere in between. Hair-raising shrieks and human-like screams are commonly reported by Basenji owners and have led to more than one incidence of police knocking at the door ready to rescue the abused woman or children that the neighbors reported. Some owners swear that their dogs actively try to mimic the sounds of other animals, which as you can imagine, often leads to confusion and head-scratching as the owner spends hours searching the house for the wayward animal that they assume found its way inside.

Like other dogs, Basenjis can also make the usual assortment of growls, whimpers, and whines. Still other owners claim that once in while their Basenji does make a normal-sounding bark.

Basenjis, like all dogs, do not rely solely on vocalizations to communicate. Basenjis especially are masters at making their feelings evident through facial expressions. They can live in an apartment with an owner that is prepared to provide significant amounts of exercise for the dog.

Ideally a home with a securely fenced yard where the dog can run and play during the day when people are at work and school is the best living arrangement. This is a condition where the kidneys do not function properly. Over time the lack of kidney function leads to build up of harmful substances in the blood. Early symptoms include increased water consumption and urination.

It can be managed with supplements and live a normal and very happy life. Please call the clinic at to discuss your spay or neuter. Please call the clinic at immediately if you have an urgent problem and we will work you in. Please call the clinic at to discuss your Dental Cleaning appointment for your Dog or Cat. Posted on November 8, by Brent Bilhartz.

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