The Basenji is the only breed of dog that cannot bark.

The Basenji is a breed of hunting dog. It was bred from stock that originated in central Africa. The Fédération Cynologique International places the breed in the Spitz and primitive types. The Basenji produces an unusual yodel-like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. This trait also gives the Basenji the nickname the bark less dog.

Basenjis share many distinctive traits with pariah dog types. Basenjis come into estrus only once annually similar to dingoes, New Guinea singing dogs, and Tibetan Mastiffs, compared with other dog breeds which may have two or more breeding seasons each year. Basenjis lack a distinctive odor and are prone to howls, yodels, and other vocalizations over the characteristic bark of modern dog breeds. The breed's original foundation stock came from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.