The Bateke are a Central African ethnic group that speak the Teke languages. Its population is situated mainly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of the Congo and with a minority in Gabon. Omar Bongo, who was President of Gabon in the late 20th century, was a member of the Bateke.[1]
Unusually for central-African people, the Bateke historically breed dogs and cats for domestic purposes. The chien bateke is a small lean hunting dog with a short, medium gray coat. The chat bateke is large house cat with nearly the same coloring as the dog of the same name. A majority of domesticated cats and dogs in areas bordering the Congo River are of these breeds, though ownership of domesticated animals in general is rare in the region.