History tells us that this fascinating dog was a palace dog of the Pharaohs, and for proof offers paintings of the dogs in ancient tombs, to which the modern version certainly bears a striking resemblance. In the seventeenth century, they were sighted in the Congo, and it is from there that they have been imported to Britain. A first pair arrived in Britain in 1936 and these produced the first English litter. The next year, when the puppies were exhibited at Crufts, police were required to keep the crowds on the move, so great was the interest in the breed.

The Basenji is clean in both outline and habits – cat-like in the way in which he cleans his feet, and odourless – thus making him a perfect household companion.

He is known as the ‘barkless dog’ – a unique characteristic of the breed – and expresses his pleasure with a crowing-yodelling noise. The wrinkles on his head give him a quizzical expression. He is curious, self-confident and friendly, and becomes very attached to his human family.