I am a first time basenji owner, and we got our lovely boy Kipawa as a pup. I love the people that put out their homes and hearts to rescues, but for us, I wanted to be able to have close contact with my basenji's breeder to be able to raise a happy and healthy dog. For us, this was the best decision.
I do not believe that raising a basenji pup was any more difficult than raising another puppy breed. We knew our breeder concentrated on show dogs that had excellent temperament. With puppy classes and consistent at home training, Kipawa has become, at 1.5 years, a dog we are incredibly proud of.
I do understand though, that some people would prefer not to go through all of the puppy stages. Some situations can get on your nerves a little, but if you remain calm and consistent through them, I don't see a puppy as being an overwhelming challenge. You do, however, have to look at all the situations in your life to determine if a puppy will work with your home. It sounds as if you are doing that, in addition to doing a lot of research on the breed. Good for you, because whatever you decide, you are setting yourself up for many years with a wonderful dog. :)
