West Africa’s Barkless Dog, the Basenji is a skilled hunter. The small, graceful hound runs with the smooth strides of a miniature racehorse. The speed, courage and intelligence of the Basenji are crucial traits as the sighthound is used to lure lions out of their caves in countries like Kenya. Basenji translates to “jumping up and down dog”, the ability of the small dog to leap vertically is an important skill used for hunting in the tall African grasslands. Basenjis are believed to be among the first domesticated dogs. The dogs were brought up the Nile as gifts to the pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Basenjis can be seen depicted in ancient artifacts from Egypt, and in ancient Babylonian and Mesopotamian art.