The Basenji Club of Victoria founded in 1966 by Mrs Lillian Barker is the oldest Basenji Club in Australia. The BCOV is dedicated to the promotion and preservation of this unique & ancient breed. The Basenji is one of the oldest pure bred dogs in existence today and were the much beloved pets of the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt and are still used by African tribesmen for hunting small game today. Because of the Basenjis inability to bark, wooden bells made from the Borassus nut are tied around their necks to allow the hunter to keep track of his dog. The natives hold their Basenjis in such high esteem that they seem to have equal rights with their masters and they enjoy being carried around their master´s necks to the hunt.