A dog that can’t bark? That certainly sounds dreamy for noise-sensitive dog lovers or neighbors of a dog owner who simply find the constant barking in the next apartment annoying.

But it’s not that simple.

Indeed, there is a dog breed that can’t bark properly, but that by no means implies that they are completely silent – quite the opposite.

We’re talking about Basenjis.

This dog breed originates from Africa, where these animals lived as hunters of pests such as rats, accompanying village communities. Researchers brought them to Great Britain in the 19th century, where Basenjis were bred.

It was only in the 1937s that this dog breed was imported to the United States.

The dog guide explains the phenomenon of the non-barking dog.

Why Can’t Basenji Dogs Bark?

The reason these dogs can’t bark properly lies in their extremely flat larynx compared to other dog breeds. They cannot produce proper dog barking with strong sounds like other dogs.

However, Basenjis are not the solution for dog owners seeking a silent companion. While they don’t bark properly, they use other sounds to communicate.

Typical are chuckling sounds, loud howling, and slight cough-like sounds that, in terms of sound, can resemble normal dog barking.

If you’re annoyed by your dog’s constant barking, it’s better to focus on meaningful training measures rather than seeking a new dog breed. Tips can be found in the article “How to Teach My Dog to Stop Barking.” Of course, this only pertains to excessive barking when the dog is stressed or poorly trained. After all, barking is a crucial means of communication for dogs and should never be entirely suppressed.

Basenjis Can’t Bark, But They Can Still Communicate Loudly

Translated, the name Basenji roughly means “little wild bush animal,” as reported by zooplus.com about the Basenji. This description quite accurately captures the nature of these dogs, as they can sometimes be quite stubborn and independent. Moreover, they have a very strong hunting instinct and a lot of energy.

However, Basenjis can also be very loyal family dogs if they are properly socialized and trained from the beginning, as they inherently possess a calm, vigilant, and remarkably clean nature. One can effectively promote the playful nature of intelligent Basenjis.

However, this dog is not recommended for beginners. If not adequately stimulated and allowed to indulge in their stubbornness, Basenjis can be quite challenging.

This is not an optimal living situation, not only for dog owners but, most importantly, for the animals themselves.