The Basenji is often said to be the "barkless" dog. They are also described as being "talking dogs", This is because they don't "bark" like other dogs. They make a unique sound which is like a yodel. They are clean dogs. Basenji are more cat-like than other dogs because of this. They spend a large amount of time cleaning themselves when they have any dirt on their coats. Like cats, Basenjis use their paws to clean themselves. This causes them to rarely have any smell about them.