The Best Basenji Yodels! (2024)

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Basenjis are independent and intelligent dogs who can make a great addition to a home. However, there are plenty of factors to consider.

Basenjis are famous for their quiet nature, and these dogs will only bark when they feel there is a threat or need to alert their family to something in the area.

However, Basenjis are not silent dogs, even though they are known as African Barkless Dogs. Instead of barking, a Basenji might yodel and make plenty of other noises.

Although this dog doesn’t bark much, it is very vocal and has a wide range of noises it will make to get its need met or grab attention.

A Basenji mimics other sounds it may hear outside, on the television, or from people in the area.

Basenjis can howl, yodel, bark at times, cry, whine, and make other noises. This dog breed is mostly quiet, but when they get vocal, they draw attention.

Other articles you would like: Is A Basenji A Good First Dog? and Do Basenjis Bark?

What is a Basenji Dog Yodel?

Check out the following videos to hear a Basenji yodel:

Here is another Basenji with a more unique yodel:

Basenjis aren’t completely silent and will make some rather strange noises. One of these strange noises is a yodel. This vocalization includes high and low notes that alternate to create a wavy sound.

Basenjis are famous for their yodeling ability and can draw their yodels out for nearly a minute. The Basenji is capable of barking but prefers the yodeling sound it can produce because it is easier on its larynx to do so.

Due to breeding, the Basenji has shallower laryngeal recesses, which directly correlates to how well the dog can bark.

Basenji also prefers to howl instead of bark, and these dogs may create a lot of vocal sounds to grab attention that doesn’t sound like barking.

What Does a Basenji Sound Like?

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Basenjis offer many sounds, but they usually yodel and howl. These sounds use alternating high-pitched and low-pitched sounds that certainly grab attention.

Yodels and howls from a Basenji can be painful for those nearby and those who aren’t expecting the sound.

A Basenji can be heard clearly from down the street since their noises are usually quite loud. A yodel will sound almost wavy and seem as if the Basenji is trying to sing to a far-off friend.

A howl, however, is a consistent, high-pitched noise. Basenjis can hold their vocalizations for almost a full minute.

Because Basenjis have unique larynxes, they sound different than other dogs, making them unique.

Types of Basenji Dog Sounds

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Basenjis may not bark often, but they make plenty of other sounds. Basenjis are masterful at mimicking noises and are comfortable using their voice to blend vocalizations.

These sounds can be fun for your Basenji, and they may consider this act more like play than running around with toys or other objects.

Basenjis are independent dogs who prefer to observe and prowl the area for threats instead of running around with other dogs or small children.

Always listen out for a Basenji bark because it could mean they have discovered a threat or need assistance with something.

The types of noises a Basenji makes are often called a Basenji baroo.

Howls

Basenjis will howl plenty when they feel they need to grab someone’s attention or they want to exercise their voice. A Basenji howl is unique and remains steady and stable until the dog runs out of air to keep it going.

Howling can be fun for your Basenji and differs from a yodel since a yodel will include alternating notes. A Basenji howl will have one note they use to either capture attention, play with others, or exercise their voice.

A howl can sometimes be referred to as a Basenji scream since the two sound similar. Like a Basenji yodel sound, a Basenji howl can sound like a distant scream and may cause alarm.

Talking

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A Basenji talking can be a funny and calming sound. This mewling sound is similar to a human murmuring. Basenjis often use their voice to make loud, high-pitched sounds.

However, there are times when a Basenji talking can be enough to capture your attention.

A Basenji will talk when it wants to exercise its voice or capture attention from someone directly next to them. This can sound like murmuring, groaning, or grunting.

This dog may make several small noises to try and mimic the tone of the conversation and engage in dialogue with you.

Entertain your Basenji by talking back to them and waiting for them to respond.

Yodel Howls

Basenji yodel howl can be hard to identify because it uses characteristics of both a yodel and a howl. However, you can figure out a yodel howl by paying close attention to how the notes in your Basenjis voice change.

If your Basenji yodeling changes notes only once or twice and remains consistent throughout, they are engaging in a yodel howl.

This sound can be alarming since it can come on rather abruptly and leave you feeling spooked when your dog gets bored enough to use its voice.

Cries

A Basenji cry is an uncommon Basenji noise. Basenjis will usually only cry when they are feeling physical or emotional pain. One of the contributing factors to consider when your Basenji cries to their age.

If your dog is showing symptoms of old age, it may have hidden aches and pains. Always see your veterinarian for a plan of action to help your Basenji feel better.

Your Basenji may use a cry to gather your attention and ask for food, water, or time outside. Basenjis, like other dog breeds, can get depressed and need extra care to help them navigate their emotional and mental well-being. 

Singing

Some Basenji sounds can be scary, but your singing is not one of them. Your Basenji may try to copy what they hear on television or the radio when they’re exposed to it enough.

This highly intelligent dog breed can sometimes remember songs and tunes and may use those tunes to sing along.

You can play your Basenji’s favorite songs to make them happy and allow them to sing along with their favorite music.

Your Basenji’s singing voice may sound similar to a yodel or howl, but they will try their best to keep in tune and follow along with the way the song sounds.

Sometimes, multiple Basenjis will sing together and create a choir with each other, singing similar tunes to create a brand new song.

Sirens

A famous Basenji sound copies passing ambulance or firetruck sirens. If your Basenji hears a siren on the television or outside, they may howl and yodel alongside the siren sound.

A Basenji’s vocalizations sound eerily similar to sirens and can often be mistaken for a siren upon first hearing it.

Your Basenji may concern your neighbors or family members with its mimicking because its voice can sound similar.

Mimicking Sounds

There are plenty of other sounds your Basenji may try to mimic. These include loud noises usually. For example, anything that falls and creates a loud noise may cause your Basenji to attempt to mimic the noise.

Your Basenji may also try to mimic car alarms and other high-pitched and loud sounds.

Other Sounds of a Basenji

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Basenjis enjoy using their voice and will vocalize all kinds of sounds. Barking may not happen often, but Basenjis are no strangers to other typical dog sounds.

Whining, crying, and whimpering is common for Basenjis when they have a need that must be met or they are trying to alert their owners of something.

If your Basenji is in pain, they may cry, whimper, or whine. Common health problems in Basenjis include symptoms of old age and hip dysplasia.

Monitor your Basenji when it makes noises similar to whines, cries, and whimpers. Take careful note of other pain symptoms like limping, trouble walking, difficulty breathing, and lethargy.

Take your Basenji seriously when it makes any sort of noise. This dog breed typically keeps quiet as long as it’s happy and healthy, so be sure to listen out for abnormal noises and other symptoms of a large issue.

Conclusion For “The Best Basenji Yodels

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Basenjis are a vocal dog breed, although they are notorious for keeping barks to a minimum. However, this dog breed can still make plenty of noise, wake people up, and make their needs known.

Basenji are capable of yodels, howls, and cries when they need to tell their owners about their needs.

Basenjis will also mimic the noises they hear outside, on television, or from people in the room. If a person in the room starts to howl or yodel, your Basenji may join in and create a chorus of noise.

Basenjis are very independent dogs who enjoy taking life at their own pace. Training your Basenji to only bark and make noise when needed may be a challenge, but can be possible with plenty of patience and persistence.

Your Basenji may find mimicking other noises fun and exciting. This can be a method of playtime for them. Consider playing certain noises and encouraging them to join in when it’s time for play.

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For more examples of Basenji Yodels, check out the video below: