Anyone have a Basenji?

I've been thinking about getting one for a long time (off and on) but I'm put off by all the sites saying they are aloof and "extremely destructive" dogs that need crating everytime you are not in the house with them... they talk about them gutting houses in the briefest of absences.

I have a hard time believing that any dog can be so untrainable/untrustable. I've had pitbulls and they have incredibly powerful jaws and love to chew but I've never had to crate one or worry it would gut a house! As a puppy they all destroyed things, but all puppies destroy things, then as you train them they learn what to chew and what not to and the harmful chewing stops.

Anyone have experience with Basenji? Are they really never able to be trusted in the house, even as adults, without being crated? Do they bond with a child? I've heard mixed answers whether they even "like" children.

I'm thinking I'm going to have to talk my son out of it. I had to tell him he couldn't have a Jack Russell after hearing from almost every one that they hate children and are notorious biters. I guess I should just try to get him to want a pitbull since they are loving devoted and trustworthy animals, perfect family dogs. My husband just wanted a slightly smaller dog, since this would be our 2nd dog.

As for me, when my sweet baby Shadow dies (hopefully a LONG time from now) I will only get another pitbull for me. She is a soulmate, just like the ones before her. I swear she can read my mind.