Native Stock Project

The Native Stock Project (formerly the African Stock Project) is the BCOA program through which newly imported African basenji bloodlines enter the AKC registry. Every dog admitted has come through an application, hands-on evaluation by breeders and judges, a board review, and a two-thirds membership vote.

Project History & Library

The Native Stock Project has been part of BCOA since the 1980s, with the most active periods of imports in 2009-2013 and the recent 2024-2026 ballots. The library holds petitions, procedures, position statements, and research papers from across that history.

Read the library → Imported dogs & pedigrees → Search the Zande pedigree database →

How the Process Works

An applicant dog submits an application with proof of African origin, photos from three angles, ownership records, and health testing results. Three hands-on evaluations follow: one from a long-time breeder, one from an AKC basenji-breeder judge, and one from an AKC breed judge qualified to judge basenjis. Scores run 0 (Unacceptable) through 5 (Excellent); an average of Fair (2) or better is required to advance.

The Board of Directors reviews the application and votes whether to send it to the membership. A majority approves a dog for membership ballot. The membership then votes by area of import; a two-thirds approval adds the dog to the AKC stud book.

Procedures, forms, and evaluators →