Hi in effort to help you make your decision…I will provide some answers to your questions in my personal experience with my two B's
First, are basenjis really as high strung as they are made out to be?
Yes they are VERY active (like greyhounds or whippets) little animals...but they are NOT hyper (min pins). They need LOTS & LOTS of exercise (1 hour or more of brisk walks) & every day.
Do basenjis ever just cuddle up with you on the sofa?
They do have down time & if they have been exercised well enough they WILL sleep A LOT & they will cuddle on the couch because they love & desperately need to be with their humans. Be careful what you wish for
I've been told they shed very little, if at all. Is this true?
They do shed little (depends how you define little)...but they DO shed. Their hair is shorter & finer so it's less noticeable. But if you're very sensitive like ME then you will notice their hair. I bought a vacuum for pet hair & I have to vacuum at least 1x a week.
How are they with cats? Children?
I know many how learn to live with cats but many that DO NOT like cats as they are prey for basenjis. The same goes with children. I know many who tolerate children but other will not. They are very sensitive animals that don't like to be rough housed like a Labrador would.
Are they relatively easy to train? How about house training?
I would really answer that they are very SMART & can figure things out on their own but training requires WORK & DEDICATION. There's no such thing as easy anything with basenjis. Training will really depend on you & how much time you have to put into your B and make him as obedient as possible.
Do they really clean themselves like a cat? I've also read that they have no "dog odor".
They do groom themselves extensively. They may even groom YOU too I would say that they don't have a strong odor like other dogs but (in my opinion) they DO have an odor. I'm SUPER sensitive with smells & allergies so it's been my experience that I can smell my dogs. However the maintenance is minimal..I bathe about every 2 wks & wash their bedding weekly.
What is the price range for a basenji? (I know this will vary greatly). I live in southeast PA (Berks County) and work outside of Washington DC. Does anyone know of any breeders in either of those areas?
Check out the Basenji Club of America website to find reputable good breeders. The cost varies but I got mine as adults & I was not looking for a puppy & the price ranged from $600-$800.
I understand that basenjis do not bark. In what ways do they communicate their needs and feelings?
This is NOT true...some do bark you'd be surprised how many. They also scream like crazy babies, they whine like maniacs, some will yodel & make howling sounds. If something is wrong you WILL know it.
Are they very up close and personal dogs or do they like to keep to themselves? Do they follow you everywhere and give licks all the time?
For the most part my dogs NEED to be where I am at all times. They don't need to be on my lap but they do need to be in the same room otherwise they will get into mischief. Sometimes they will lick compulsively with no end in sight. Sometimes they sleep
Good luck