hi Rae. I'm Fran from the Vancouver area. Welcome to the best forum on the internet. Like you, I'm doing all of the research BEFORE getting my first basenji. And you hit the nail on the head - this group is a wealth of information, along with being some great people to just chat with.
I'm faced with extremely limited breeders in my area, so last weekend I drove down to the Seattle Kennel Club show to meet Sharron Hurlbut, who is on this forum, and who works with Basenji and purebred dog rescue. Sharron introduced me to a few breeders, and it was great to talk to them, and of course see their dogs. Oh was that ever a joy! There is nothing as great as seeing a bunch of basenjis together. I even stuck my nose into one, breathed in deep, and came up with only a clean smell - really delightful (oh boy, now everyone on here will know I am nuts). I was able to exchange phone numbers, etc., give the breeders an idea of my timeline, and spend a little time with their dogs.
There is an outdoor show on August 6 and 7 that I am going to that is in Auburn, Washington (near Seattle). It's put on by the Evergreen Basenji Club, so there will be lots of basenjis there - so more time to meet breeders and their dogs. It should be a fun time. Maybe you could make it there?
Importing a dog from the U.S. is thankfully not that complicated if they are under 3 months without any documentation. Of course, you would probably have a signed contract from the breeder that you bought your dog from. Here is the link with the info http://cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5114-eng.pdf
Again, welcome, and feel free to post even though you don't have a basenji. Everyone on here is very helpful, and they don't mind questions and comments from us 'rookies'.