Hello All,

I've been reading all the threads from people in similar situations to mine, thinking about getting a Basenji in the near future. I just have a couple questions that I have not come across answers to, although I'm sure they've been asked at some point in time. A bit about my situation first, then on to the questions!

My longtime bf and I live in a suburb of Orlando, FL in a townhouse with a small, non-fenced backyard. We are, however, 1/4 mile from a county-wide trail (paved, mostly joggers and bicyclists) that we can use for long walks. I'm in the process of obtaining my MLS degree and as such will be gone for a max of 6 hours a day for the next year. My boyfriend works at a company that is dog-friendly, as long as the dog shows restaint in chewing. Both of us had dogs as family pets growing up (his a minature poodle who lives with his parents, and mine a lab/shepard mix who is in doggie-heaven as of almost 3 years ago). This will be our first pet together.

1- I know Bs have a fairly long life span, and we do plan on having children in the next five years, wondering how Bs usually react to a new little person in the home?
2- How long on average does it take them to grow out of the chewing? I'm interested because when I find a full time job in a year (hopefully) I'd like our pup to be able to go to work with my bf.
3-How are they with other dogs? I know they have "big dog" mentality, but my dad visits a lot with his 65lb Doberman and 110lb Labradoodle….Any guesses as to how that meeting might go?
4- So many people say Bs are independent... I'm not concerned about ignoring my command to "sit" or "come" as much as I am the possible lack of cuddling. I am concerned it will not be "the best thing in the world" for them when I come home in the evenings, and that might be a deal breaker for me.
5- If anyone knows of any Basenji groups and/or owners in the Orlando area please let me know. I have read all about them and think its a good choice for us, but I know I won't be sure until I meet at least one in person.

I know there are no 100% "right" answers, but any personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading this horribly long post, and thanks in advance for your insight!

Sarah