Regarding having a dog that does not mind being touched - that is one of the reasons why you may want a dog from a reputable breeder. They spend time handling the puppies, grooming nails, dropping pots and pans in the house, having them meet babies, children, older people, wheelchairs, etc. etc., so that when you get your dog, you can feel comfortable knowing that they have experienced a number of different events/situations BEFORE you get them.
I can do ANYTHING with Kipawa. Touch him anywhere, clean his ears, bathe him if he rolls in slough water or gets muddy all over, carry him on his back like a baby, kiss him on the face with complete trust he won't do anything to me…. I have yet to find something he doesn't like or is apprehensive about. This kind of training and socialization is so important when they are young, and it makes for a wonderful dog. Everyone who comes into our house is an immediate friend, and of course potential for a snack, though we control his food intake very carefully. But after all, he is a basenji - very food driven, and he needs to make sure anyone entering the house isn't there just to give him a snack! 
Don't get me wrong - I DO support rescue, but as Kipawa was our first basenji (and because we wanted a puppy) I wanted to go through a breeder. Yes, puppies take work, but as my husband and I have retired early (we're in our youthful early 50's and still listen to CFOX!) we knew that we had the time.
Toe nails - we used a dremel (grinder) from day 1. Kipawa's breeders had him used to the dremel when we got him.
Bathing - only if extremely dirty. Basenjis will self clean themselves, much like a cat. If Kipawa gets a little dirty, I use a low sudsing puppy/sensitive skin shampoo. I pour a little on a towel, suds up the towel, rinse most of the suds out, and then wipe him.
Coat condition - good kibble, additional veggies, light brushing with a soft curry comb and Omega oil on his food keep his coat in great condition. I find the omega oil (human grade) prevents any flaking of his coat.
Teeth - we brush once a week and use a product called PlaqueOff (a kelp powder added to his food) in each of his two feedings a day. His teeth are in awesome condition and his breath smells good.
Training - Kipawa has had puppy socialization and puppy obedience classes. In these classes, he was used to make apprehensive dogs feel more at ease. His father, named Sober, has this quality. Sober is said to have a 'soberizing effect over new litters'. Kipawa is following in his dad's footsteps.
And finally.... I apologize to everyone on this forum for bragging about my Kipawa so much! But he is truly as good as I say, and he has enriched our lives so much. I get to do my 'mothering role' with him, as I have never had children. Freud would find me a very interesting case study!
