Basenji are small, elegant-looking, short-haired dogs with erect ears, a tightly curled tail, and a graceful neck. Some people consider their appearance similar to that of a miniature deer. A basenji's forehead is wrinkled, especially when the animal is young. Basenji eyes are typically almond shaped, which gives the dog the appearance of squinting seriously. Dogs typically weigh 24 pounds (11 kg) and stand 16 inches (40.6 cm) at the withers. They are typically a square breed, which means that they are as long as they are tall. The basenji is an athletic dog and is deceptively powerful for its size. They have a graceful, confident gait like a trotting horse, and skim the ground in a "double-suspension gallop", with their characteristic curled tail straightened out for greater balance, when running flat-out at their top speed. The basenji is recognized in the following standard colorations: red, black, tricolor (black with tan in the traditional pattern), and brindle (black stripes on a background of red), all with white, by the FCI, KC, AKC, and UKC. There are additional variations, such as the "trindle", which is a tricolor with brindle points, and several other colorations exist in the Congosuch as liver, shaded reds(sables), "capped" tricolors (creeping tan), and piebald marked dogs. This Basenji does not slobber or drool, and very rarely pants (as dogs do). The Basenji often appears on lists of dogs that do not shed but this is misleading. Every hair in the dog coat grows from a hair follicle, which has a cycle of growing, then dying and being replaced by another follicle. When the follicle dies, the hair is shed. The length of time of the growing and shedding cycle varies by breed, age, and by whether the dog is an inside or outside dog. "There is no such thing as a nonshedding breed." The Basenji is alert, affectionate, energetic, and curious. It loves to play and makes a great pet, as long as it is handled regularly from an early age and the owners are very patient. It can be reserved with strangers. The Basenji is somewhat aloof, but can also form strong bonds with people. It should not be trusted with noncanine pets. It is usually patient, but does best with older considerate children. The Basenji dislikes wet weather. The breed likes to climb and can easily get over chain wire fences. (NOTE: Not all Basenjis climb--it depends on the individual.) Basenjis are very clever at getting their own way. The Basenji has the unique properties of not barking (it makes a low, liquid ululation instead) and cleaning itself like a cat. It can be described as speedy, frisky, tireless at play, and teasing the owner into play. Most Basenji problems usually involve a mismatch between owner and pet. The owners mistake the adjective "quiet" to mean inactive instead of noiseless; thus, they become harassed by an active, though relatively silent, dog. Basenjis often stand on their hind legs, somewhat like a meerkat, by themselves or leaning on something. This behavior is observed when the dog is curious about something. While housebreaking a Basenji is easy, Basenjis have the reputation of being very difficult to obedience-train. The prospective Basenji owner should be sure to attend obedience classes taught by a good instructor who understands how to work with ALL breeds, not just the usual obedience breeds. Meeting the challenges presented by the Basenji will make a better trainer and strengthen the bond between dog and owner. Basenjis respond well to consistency and kind but firm treatment. The trainer must be as stubborn as the dog to achieve results! In general, Basenjis respond well to positive reinforcement, including the careful use of food treats, such as small pieces of cooked chicken gizzards. Some, but not all, Basenjis can be motivated by toys.