Ancient Egyptian carvings of Basenjis have been found on the pyramids. It is thought that African tribal chiefs gave their treasured Basenjis to the Pharaohs as gifts. The Basenji averages 16 to 17 inches in height at the shoulder, and weighs 22 to 24 pounds.
Females are slightly smaller than the males.
Its proportions should look truly square, and it should appear to be high on the leg. It is a member of the sighthound group, meaning it can hunt both by sight and scent, and is still used in Africa today by hunters to drive small game into their nets. A Basenji's swift, effortless and graceful gait resembles that of a racehorse trotting full out, and allows the dog to travel for many miles without tiring. The Basenji will not bark continuously as other breeds do, but some can emit short, sharp barks. The Basenji can make a wide range of sounds from loud cries, growls, howls and screams, to what many have described as a happy yodel, chortle or crowing sound.