Basenji

The basenji is a canine breed originating from central Africa, and more specifically from the Congo. It takes its name from a Bantu pejorative word meaning "natives", "savages" or "primitives", such as mosɛ́nzi/basɛ́nzi in Lingala, this word being originally an insult given by white settlers to illiterate natives, "my monkey" gave mosɛ́nzi, which according to grammatical rules becomes basɛ́nzi in the plural. It is sometimes also called Nyam-Nyam terrier or Congo terrier. It is one of the only domestic dogs that is not descended from wolves. It is assumed that he is descended from the jackal

The basenji is a very old breed, having been around for thousands of years. Representations of a dog resembling him have been found in several tombs of pharaohs. It seems that this breed arrived in Europe only in the 20th century.

A hunting or companion dog, the basenji is a primitive dog. The International Cynological Federation also classifies it in group 5, spitz type and primitive type dogs. This dog does not bark but emits sounds resembling Tyrolean songs, which is its main characteristic. Another characteristic, the female basenji is only in heat once a year (compared to twice a year for most other breeds of dogs). It also has some points in common with the cat since it generally avoids contact with water and proceeds to groom itself by licking itself for a long time. In addition, he does not like drafts and wind. Independent but nevertheless affectionate, he can't stand being alone for too long. Rather restless, he can adapt to life in an apartment, but only if he is allowed to exercise very regularly.