Basenji

[buh-sen-jee]

noun

1. one of an African breed of dogs having a chestnut coat with white points and a curled tail, characterized chiefly by their inability to bark.

basenji

/ bəˈsɛndʒɪ /

noun

1. a small smooth-haired breed of dog of African origin having a tightly curled tail and an inability to bark

Word History and Origins

Origin of basenji¹

1930–35; said to be < Lingala basenji, plural of mosenji native, inhabitant of the hinterland (or < a cognate Bantu word)

Word History and Origins

Origin of basenji¹

C20: from a Bantu language

Example Sentences

In a 2015 ruling on the custody of “Stevie” — a female, mixed-breed, part Basenji — Engoron offered a philosophical discussion of the rights of animals — or lack thereof — while reversing his previous ruling that sought to do what was in the pet’s best interest.

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Modern village dogs in Africa and the Middle East — as well as breeds that originated in those regions, such as the Basenji — still have considerable amounts of ancestry from this second wolf population, the researchers found.

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Mr. Bennett, who had a cat named Lemon, also took interest in Charlie, the Basenji Ms. Van Groll had adopted while in Zambia.

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“It’s functional, period,” said Sabrina Schollmeyer, who frequently visits with Rubin, a Basenji, which is a rare, catlike breed that can climb trees.

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Police say Bandit’s owner let the dog off his leash at Fort Greene Park, and Bandit bounded toward Rex, Horn’s Basenji, a much smaller dog.

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