ancient breed of hound dog native to central Africa, where it is used to point and retrieve and to drive quarry into a net. It is also known as the barkless dog, but it does produce a variety of sounds other than barks. A graceful animal, it is characterized by an alert expression typified by the finely wrinkled forehead, erect ears, and tightly curled tail. The short, silky coat is reddish brown, black, or black-and-tan; feet, chest, and tail tip are white. The basenji stands 16 to 17 inches (41 to 43 cm) tall and weighs 22 to 24 pounds (10 to 11 kg). It is the only breed with one yearly reproductive cycle (most breeds are capable of several per year).