IMPORTANT NOTICE

TO LICENSED JUDGES AND LEARNER JUDGES

CURRENTLY WORKING THEIR WAY THROUGH VARIOUS STUDY PATHS OF THE

KUSA BREED JUDGES’ LEARNING PROGRAMME (KBJLP)

At the Special Meeting of the Federal Council held on Thursday, 4 April 2024, the following amendments to Schedule 10 Appendix 1 (Group Course) and Schedule 10 Appendix 3 (Breed Specialisation Course) pertaining to the application of the pass mark across the various sections of the following examination papers:

• Paper 1 Group Course or Breed Specialisation Course
• Paper 2 Group Course
• Paper 2 Breed Specialisation Course

Exam candidates intending to sit any of these papers must note that, effective from the upcoming June 2024 exams, it will no longer be possible to pass an exam on the strength of a pass mark obtained in only one section of a two-sections paper (Paper 1) or a pass mark obtained in only two sections of a three-sections paper (Paper 2 – Group Course & Paper 2 – Breed Specialisation Course.)

PAPER 1 (GROUP COURSE)

In the past, the pass mark of 80% was calculated on the candidates’ total mark over the 2 Sections of Paper 1, i.e.

• Canine Physiology (150 marks)
• KUSA Regulations & Procedures (50 marks)
  – 200 marks in total,

requiring the candidate to obtain 160 marks across the 2 Sections.

In future (i.e. effective from the June 2024 exams onwards), a Paper 1 candidate will have to obtain at least 120 marks in Canine Physiology and at least 40 marks in KUSA Regulations & Procedures to pass Paper 1. Failure to achieve the required pass mark in both of the 2 Sections will result in outright and automatic failure of Paper 1, irrespective of whether the marks achieved in one or the other Section are sufficient to yield an average of 160 marks across the 2 Sections.

PAPER 2 (GROUP COURSE)

In the past, the pass mark of 75% was calculated on the candidates’ total mark for the 3 Sections of Paper 2, i.e.

· KUSA Breed Standards (for the particular Group) (200 marks)

• Canine Physiology (60 marks)
• KUSA Regulations & Procedures (40 marks)
  – 300 marks in total,

requiring the candidate to obtain 225 marks across the 3 Sections .

In future (i.e. effective from the June 2024 exams onwards), a Paper 2 (Group Course) candidate will have to obtain at least 150 marks inKUSA Breed Standards and at least 45 marks inCanine Physiologyand at least 30 marks in KUSA Regulations & Procedures to pass Paper 2 (Group Course). Failure to achieve the required pass mark in any of the 3 Sections will result in outright and automatic failure of Paper 2, irrespective of whether the marks achieved in either or both of the other two Sections are sufficient to yield an average of 225 marks across the 3 Sections.

PAPER 2 (BREED SPECIALISATION COURSE)

In the past, the pass mark of 75% was calculated on the candidates’ total mark for the 3 Sections of Paper 2, i.e.

• KUSA Breed Standard and Assignment (for the particular Specialisation Breed) (160 marks)
• Canine Physiology (50 marks)
• KUSA Regulations & Procedures (40 marks)
  – 250 marks in total,

requiring the candidate to obtain 187.5 marks across the 3 Sections.

In future (i.e. effective from the June 2024 exams onwards), a Paper 2 (Breed Specialisation) candidate will have to obtain at least 120 marks in KUSA Breed Standard and Assignment and at least 37.5 marks in Canine Physiology and at least 30 marks in KUSA Regulations & Procedures to pass Paper 2. Failure to achieve the required pass mark in any of the 3 Sections will result in outright and automatic failure of Paper 2 (Breed Specialisation Course), irrespective of whether the marks achieved in either or both of the other two Sections are sufficient to yield an average of 187.5 marks across the 3 Sections.

To enact the changes, the Federal Council has authorised the following amendments to be made to the KBJLP Regulations:

Schedule 10 Appendix 1 Regulation 1.5 (from 1.5.6 onwards) (Group Course):

Insertions in bolded red underlining and deletions in [ struck out square brackets ]

1.5.6. Paper 1 will carry 200 marks with a minimum pass requirement of 80%[ . ] for each of the two (2) sections of KUSA Regulations & Procedures and Canine Physiology .

1.5.7. Failure to achieve the required pass mark of 80% in any one of the two (2) sections as confirmed in Regulation 1.5.6, will result in automatic failure of Paper 1.

1.5.[ 7 ]8. The duration of the examination shall be no longer than 2 hours.

1.5.[ 8 ]9. Examination papers will be marked by the JEC Examination Officer and moderated by at least one qualified Moderator before results are made known.

1.5.[ 9 ]10. Examination Candidates will be notified by the KUSA Office of their success or failure in the examination and a percentage mark shall be given.

1.5.1[ 0 ]1. No correspondence will be entered into following the examination.

1.5.1[ 1 ]2. If the Candidate is successful, he/she may register with the KUSA Judges’ Department to begin studies for one of the following:

1.5.1[ 1 ]2.1. a Group Course (See Reg. 2. below)

1.5.1[ 1 ]2.2. the Junior Showmanship Course (See Schedule 10, Appendix 2) or

1.5.1[ 1 ]2.3. a Breed Specialisation Course (See Schedule 10, Appendix 3)

1.5.1[ 2 ]3. If the Candidate is unsuccessful, he/she may register to rewrite the examination at any future examination opportunity.

1.5.1[ 3 ]4. A re-marking facility will be available on payment of a fee, as determined by the KUSA Office.

Schedule 10 Appendix 1 Regulation 2.5 (from 2.5.5 onwards) (Group Course):

Insertions in bolded red underlining and deletions in [ struck out square brackets ]

2.5.5. Paper 2 will carry 300 marks with a minimum pass requirement of 75% [ across all papers. ] for allthree (3) sections individually, i.e. 75% for each section of KUSA Breed Standards, KUSA Regulations & Procedures and Canine Physiology.

2.5.6. Failure to achieve the required pass mark of 75% in any one of the three (3) sections as confirmed in Regulation 2.5.5, will result in automatic failure of the Paper 2 for the Group Course in question.

2.5.[ 6 ]7. The duration of the examination shall be no longer than 3 hours.

2.5.[ 7 ]8. Examination scripts will be marked by the JEC Examination Officer and moderated by at least one qualified JEC Moderator before results are made known.

2.5.[ 8 ]9. Examination Candidates will be notified by the KUSA Office of their success or failure in the examination and a percentage mark shall be given.

2.5.[ 9 ]10. No correspondence will be entered into following the examination.

2.5.[ 10 ]11. If the Examination Candidate is successful, he/she may register with the KUSA Judges’ Department to begin studies for a new course of study, if desired.

2.5.[ 11 ]12. If the Examination Candidate is unsuccessful, he/she may register to rewrite the examination at any future examination opportunity.

2.5.[ 12 ]13. A re-marking facility will be available on payment of a fee, as determined by the KUSA Office.

Schedule 10 Appendix 3 Regulations 7.4.3 & Regulation 7 (from 7.5 onwards) (Breed Specialisation Course):

Insertions in bolded red underlining and deletions in [ struck out square brackets ]

7.4.3. KUSA Breed Standard & Assignment (See 6.5. above) (160 marks)

7.5. Paper 2 will carry 250 marks with a minimum pass requirement of 75% [.] for all three (3) sections individually, i.e. 75% for each section of KUSA Breed Standard & Assignment, KUSA Regulations & Procedures and Canine Physiology.

7.6. Failure to achieve the required pass mark of 75% in any one of the three sections as confirmed in Regulation 2.5.5, will result in automatic failure of the Paper 2 for the Breed Specialisation Course in question.

7.[ 6 ]7. The duration of the examination shall be no longer than 3 hours.

7.[ 7 ]8. The examination script will be marked by the JEC Examination Officer and moderated by at least one qualified JEC Moderator before results are made known.

7.[ 8 ]9.The Examination Candidate will be notified by the KUSA Office of his/her success or failure in the examination and a percentage mark shall be given.

7.[ 9 ]10. No correspondence will be entered into following the examination.

Prior to enrolment for any of the exams in question, Licensed Judges and Learner Judges are requested to thoroughly acquaint themselves with the changes to the KBJLP Regulations set out above. Needless to say, the changes impact on certain ancillary Judges’ Forms & Guides which will also be amended to clarify the revised application of the pass mark to the respective exam papers.

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THE LEARNING PROGRAMME: FIRST SEMESTER
Registration closes on 19 January 2024

BREED JUDGES FIRST SEMESTER EXAMINATION TO BE HELD ON 29 JUNE 2024

Portfolio submission closing date is: 15 April 2024

Exam Registration closing date is: 15 May 2024

Please note that all requirements need to have been met prior to registration.
Application forms can be downloaded from your KUSA Member Portal or you may ask one to be emailed to you from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Exam Registration & Application Forms  (Open link here)

Proof of payment must be attached to Examination Registration Application forms.
Please use your Surname and KUSA Membership number as reference on bank deposit.

NEW APPLICATIONS FOR THE LEARNING PROGRAMME: SECOND SEMESTER

Registration closes on 01 July 2024

BREED JUDGES SECOND SEMESTER EXAMINATION TO BE HELD ON 16 NOVEMBER 2024

Portfolio submission closing date is: 01 September 2024

Exam Registration closing date is: 01 October 2024

Please note that all requirements need to have been met prior to registration.
Application forms can be downloaded from your KUSA Member Portal or can be requested by email from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Exam Registration & Application Forms  (Open link here)

Proof of payment must be attached to Examination Registration Application forms.
Please use your Surname and KUSA Membership number as reference on bank deposit.

28.11.2023

KUSA BREED JUDGES’ LEARNING PROGRAMME – EXAMINATION RESULTS

SATURDAY, 11^th November 2023

The following Learner Judges were successful in passing PAPER 2 of the above Examination for the Groups indicated and may now judge at Championship Show Level:

GAUTENG

Prof M Nicolau – Working Group

Mrs J Bednarek – Herding Group

Mr G Schultz – Gundog Group

Ms V Nicolau – Hound Group

Ms M Tregoning – Hound Group

WESTERN CAPE

Ms M Halmi – Utility Group *

Mrs L Olivier – Utility Group

Mr O Damon – Breed Specialisation - Rottweiler

The following Learner Judges were successful in passing the Schedule 03 & 09(B) DOGSPORT examination:

EASTERN CAPE

Mrs S le Roux

KWA-ZULU NATAL

Mrs P Dold

GAUTENG

Mr M Berry*

MPUMALANGA

Mr F van der Walt

NAMIBIA

Ms S Blum

WESTERN CAPE

Mr V Barends*

Ms J Bonthuys

*We would like to congratulate Ms M Halmi, Mr V Barends & Mr M Berry on their distinctions.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ABOVE CANDIDATES!

CODE OF ETHICS FOR MEMBERS OF THE KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)

SCHEDULE 9
(Effective Date 01.03.2023) 

Persons become Members of KUSA and maintain their membership of KUSA for a variety of reasons, ranging from the establishment of a non-commercial kennel for the breeding of purebred dogs, to the participation in dog-showing and other forms of dogsport, to the judging or evaluating of conformation Shows and competitions for various Working Disciplines, to the desire to serve in an administrative capacity on the various structures which underpin cynology as a leisure activity.

This Code seeks to define the norms for ethical behaviour and conduct, incumbent on those elected to membership of KUSA. Every person, upon signing an Application for Membership or a Membership Renewal Form, or renewing their membership by paying the required Membership Fee on receipt of a Renewal Notice, shall be bound by this Code insofar as it applies to a Member’s involvement in any of the activities sanctioned or licensed by the KUSA, or in its administrative framework, as set out below.

Failure to comply with, or adhere to, this Code of Conduct for Members of KUSA may result in disciplinary action under Schedule 1 of the KUSA Constitution and the loss, or suspension, of membership, the imposition of persona non grata status by the Federal Council, or other penalty.

1. GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR FOR KUSA MEMBERS
   
   
   • Members shall, through their diligent adherence to, and observance of, this Code of Ethics, give effect to the Object of the Kennel Union which encapsulates its laudable ethos of functioning as a world-class Registering Authority and Breeder’s Society for canines under the Animal Improvement Act,62 of 1998 and, as a full member of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), and as an administrator and regulator par excellence of all forms of Dogsport in South Africa.

• Members shall not knowingly, or recklessly, misrepresent KUSA to any third party.
• Members shall neither engage in any behaviour which is contrary to the general norms of acceptable decorum, nor fall short of the standards expected from them by the community at large.
• When participating in any KUSA activity, or representing KUSA, Members shall conduct themselves politely and ensure that their ability to exercise sound judgment remains unimpaired during the full period of participation or representation.
• Members shall always remain fully responsible for the dogs owned by them and left in the care of others.
• Members shall, by any lawful means, always assist to comfort, or save, any dog in distress.
• Members shall respect the reputations and sensitivities of other Members, Judges or Evaluators and elected or appointed KUSA Officials at all events and in all fora, including on social media platforms, such as Facebook, and on various Internet chat groups. In this regard Members are advised to take due cognisance of KUSA’s Best Practice Guidelines for Members in the Use of Social Media, published on the KUSA website.
• It is incumbent on Members to familiarise themselves with the KUSA Constitution and the Regulations issued

pursuant thereto, as well as with the Statutes ( http://www.fci.be/en/FCI-Statutes-39.html ) and Standing Orders (http://www.fci.be/en/Standing-Orders-of-the-FCI-40.html) of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and, for relevant purposes, with the Rules and Regulations of other National Canine Organisation with which KUSA has reciprocal arrangements.

• Persons who have successfully applied for membership of KUSA, or have successfully renewed such membership, who fail to observe any of the provisions of this Code of Ethics for Members of KUSA or any of its Appendices, resulting in a judgment against such persons in a Court of Law, may be dealt with in terms of KUSA’s Disciplinary Rules – Schedule 1.

2. ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS TOWARD KUSA EMPLOYEES AND APPOINTED AND/OR ELECTED OFFICIALS OF KUSA
   

In all its dealings with KUSA members of staff, or with appointed or elected KUSA Officials, Members shall,

• in all personal or telephonic dealings, conduct themselves politely, considerately and courteously;
• when resolution of a problem is not immediately possible, undertake to submit the query in writing, clearly setting out and problem and attaching all supporting documentation, so that the necessary research may be done and external enquiries made, with a view to finding a solution;
• if resolution is not achieved within a reasonable time, escalate the problem to senior members of staff of KUSA, the Provincial Council Chairmen, or the Executive Committee;
• refrain from ranting on social media, or in public, and desist from rancorous actions to malign and defame KUSA or any of its staff members, or any elected or appointed KUSA Official acting in the execution of designated duties.
• mindful that elected or appointed KUSA Officials serve in a voluntary capacity, refrain from verbal or physical abuse of KUSA Officials acting in the execution of their designated duties.
• when feeling disaffected by the actions of any KUSA Official acting in the execution of designated duties, raise their grievances through the appropriate official channels.

3. ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS AS DOG OWNERS OR KEEPERS
   
   

KUSA Members shall, at all times, ensure that dogs owned by them, or entrusted to their care,

• are properly housed, fed, watered and exercised;
• if, having to be confined to a crate for any reason, be placed in a crate large enough to allow the dog to stand up to its full height and to turn around with ease;
• shall receive the necessary veterinary attention from a veterinary practitioner when ill or injured and regularly be assessed for any biosecurity risk and, if an infection is detected, immediate steps be taken to contain and eliminate the risk;
• have adequate shelter when not kept indoors and not left confined in a vehicle unattended and/or in areas exposed to the elements;

• are provided with a fenced, or walled, exercise area of sufficient size to restrict the movement of the dogs to the area provided;
• are kept in full compliance with applicable Municipal By-laws;
• positively enhance the reputation of dog owners and dog breeders by ensuring that the dogs are kept in an area which is clean and hygienic and never left unattended in an environment where they can cause harm to people, other dogs, other animals or property, or cause a public nuisance or pose any danger to the community. To this end, dogs must be kept on lead and under effective control in public places, except in spaces designated for the training of dogs to return on command;
• receive the best affordable nutrition, grooming and healthcare to keep them in peak physical condition and, when it is no longer possible to provide this level of care, to take immediate pre-emptive steps to rehome the dogs, thereby to ensure their future care and comfort;
• shall not be disposed of to a pound or to an animal rescue centre;
• are properly identifiable by microchip and, if practicable, by registration;
• are not being left to foul public spaces or exhibition areas, without excrement being cleaned up;
• will be transported in vehicles that are properly ventilated and/or air-conditioned, preferably in properly secured travel crates;
• are not trained or worked beyond their willingness or capabilities and strictly confine training to methods that are humane and which do not cause undue fear, distress, or pain;
• if used in a film, advertisement, promotion or any medium of public display, are depicted in a manner consistent with the characteristics and temperament of the breed in question and not portrayed in a manner which reflects negatively on dogs in general;
• will only be kept for companionship and not used for any outlawed activities such as dog-racing or dog-fighting;
• shall not have their ears cropped;
• shall not be involved in any activity or practice which infringes the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, the Veterinary or Para-veterinary Professions Act. No. 19 of 1982, or the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998.

4. ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS AS BREEDERS
   

Members who breed dogs shall

• pursue the fundamental goal of dog-breeding, i.e. strive to breed functionally and clinically healthy dogs with a construction that conforms to the Breed Standard adopted by KUSA for the breed in question, free of exaggeration, and with a temperament typical for the specific breed, which will have the expectancy of a long and happy life for the benefit and pleasure of their owners and the dogs themselves;
• only breed with a view to promote the health and wellbeing of the progeny and the bitch and base their selections for breeding on knowledge, research, honesty and international cooperation;
• take all reasonable steps to reduce the incidence of hereditary diseases, including researching the bloodlines for the occurrence rate of hereditary diseases and commissioning the available health tests for the hereditary diseases for which the breed shows a predisposition;
• cooperate with scientists, veterinarians and other breeders on genetic health issues and make every effort in the selection of breeding lines to prevent the result of unhealthy offspring;
• take all possible steps to ensure that dogs bred by them do not suffer from any disorder that impedes the dogs’ sight, breathing or ability to move freely, or which might otherwise be detrimental to the dogs’ comfort and wellbeing;
• not sell or dispose of dogs unless they are in a peak state of health or, if this is done, then with full disclosure of the condition to the new owner and upon receipt of a signed acknowledgement from the new owner that the dog has been accepted in full knowledge that it was suffering from a specific pre-existing health condition;
• ensure that the Registration Certificates of all dogs afflicted with health of disability conditions contain the endorsement “N/P Progeny not Eligible for Registration”;
• not breed specifically or predominantly for a pet-supply or commercial market and only for the non-commercial purpose of improving the quality, or working ability, of the breed and, to this end, through constantly striving to improve their knowledge of their chosen breed;
• save in extenuating circumstances, to be adjudicated by the Executive Committee, strictly adhere to Schedule 2 Regulation 12.2 by not breeding from a bitch that has not reached twelve (12) months of age;
• save in extenuating circumstances, to be adjudicated by the Executive Committee, strictly adhere to Schedule 2 Regulation 12.3 and not breed from a bitch to the extent that she is caused to whelp more than twice in a period of eighteen months;
• preserve, or preferably extend, the genetic diversity of the breed by refraining from matador breeding (using the same stud dog for most matings on account of it being considered the best specimen of the breed at any given time) and heavy inbreeding;
• in the interest of genetic diversity, generally avoid “first generation” matings, i.e. father-daughter, brother-sister or mother-son matings;
• in the interest of improving breed health, avoid further breeding from bitches that failed to give natural birth due to anatomical deficiencies, or inherited inertia, or bitches that showed mental instability in the acceptance of her puppies, or had been diagnosed with hereditary agalactia (failure to lactate sufficient milk);
• not permit purebred dogs registered on KUSA’s breed registers, to mate with dogs of a different breed (save for permissible inter-variety matings between KUSA-registered dogs as provided in Schedule 2 Regulation 4.1), or with unregistered dogs of the same breed, or with cross-bred dogs, or with dogs registered with organisations, societies or associations not recognised by KUSA;
• save in extenuating circumstances, to be adjudicated by the Executive Committee, strictly adhere to Schedule 2 Regulation 12.4 by not permitting a bitch to whelp more than five times during her lifetime;
• as provided in Schedule 2 Regulation 12.5, not mate a bitch of eight years or older, unless a veterinary certificate has been obtained testifying to the bitch being in peak breeding health;
• as required by Schedule 2 Regulation 4.3, read with Regulation 4.6, register all puppies in a litter with KUSA that are alive on the date of registration, which must take place within twelve (12) months of whelping. Ensure that Breeders’ Restrictions (Endorsements on the Registration Certificates) are placed on any puppies that, for various reasons, are not considered suitable for breeding;
• unless necessitated by special circumstances, not transfer from their care, by sale or otherwise, any puppy under eight (8) weeks of age;
• not knowingly transfer from their care, by sale or otherwise, a puppy to a person residing in a foreign country known to be involved in the use of dogs for the meat trade, dog-fighting, or dog-racing;
• ensure that new owners of puppies/dogs acquired from them shall be informed in writing, preferable by private contract, signed by both parties, that the Registration Certificate of the puppy/dog has been/would be endorsed, which the new owner needs to acknowledge.
• make every effort to ensure that any person acquiring a dog from them understands the requirements for proper care, welfare and responsible ownership of dogs and take all reasonable steps to establish that the new owner has the time and facilities to fulfil their responsibilities towards the dog;
• provide the person acquiring a dog with such documentation as agreed in advance by contract, or in correspondence, which will conceivably include the following:
  
  
  • If the sale, transfer or other form of acquisition is governed by contract, a copy of the agreement, signed by both parties and duly witnessed;
  • The dog’s vaccination and deworming record;
  • The dog’s microchip certificate;
  • Details of the dog’s dietary and immunisation requirements.
  • Breed-specific information;
  • Information about responsible dog ownership;
  • Depending on the agreement, the dog’s Registration Certificate, or copy thereof. Should the Registration Certificate not be available yet, a signed declaration by the Member that the Registration Certificate (or copy thereof) was owing to the person acquiring the dog and that, depending on the agreement, the documentation would be delivered/sent as soon as it became available.
  • Any other information considered relevant, such as nutritional guidance, puppy training advice, socialisation suggestions, etc.
• keep detailed records of all litters bred, copies of Registration Certificates and Microchip Certificates, as well as the contractual information and contact details of every new owner and maintain reasonable contact with persons who have acquired their dogs, offering continued advice and reasonable assistance;
• not purposefully misrepresent the characteristics of a breed in order to encourage the sale/acquisition of a dog;
• not sell a dog to a commercial pet trader or pet shop;
• not knowingly transfer from their care, by sale or otherwise, a puppy to a person on whom persona non grata status has been imposed by the Federal Council.
• keep detailed records of all stud services and the resulting litters;
• keep detailed records of all co-owned dogs not residing with the Member and the contractual arrangements governing co-ownership;
• not indulge in any activity or practice which infringes the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, the Veterinary or Para-veterinary Professions Act. No. 19 of 1982, or the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998.
• familiarise themselves with content of document entitled FCI International Breeding Strategies, published by the FCI and available on ( http://www.fci.be/en/Breeding-42.html).

5. ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS AS EXHIBITORS OR COMPETITORS AT EVENTS LICENSED BY KUSA
   

Members shall, at all times,

• act with decorum and courtesy towards fellow competitors and elected or appointed KUSA Officials and display good sportsmanship and conduct at all times so as to reflect credit upon themselves, while adhering to the Rules and Regulations pertaining to KUSA-licensed Shows and events;
• refrain from misrepresenting or maligning the conformation, characteristics or performance of a competitor’s dog either before, during, or after, a Show, or event;
• exercise restraint in the use of profane, or obscene, language when within earshot of people who do not form part of the Members’ immediate circle;
• refrain from using narcotics or illegal recreational drugs at any Show, or event, and sharing such substances with competitors or other attendants.
• consume alcohol at any KUSA-licensed Show, or event, moderately and never permit their reasoning or judgment to become impaired by alcohol consumption, thereby becoming a nuisance to others, possibly resulting in acts of disorderliness, or aggression.
• ensure that a dog used in competition is properly sheltered against the elements - heat or cold - and that it has access to clean water throughout the day;
• refrain from verbally or physically abusing any dog for not having performed to the expected standard or for having failed to achieve an expected award, or for any other reason whatsoever;
• strive to compete fairly and not seek, through actions, or interactions, to gain an unfair advantage at any level of competition;
• abide by Schedule 3 Regulations 38.5 & 38.6 regarding the preparation of dogs for exhibition and desist from treating dogs’ coats, noses, or skin with any substance intended to change the colour on any part of a dog, or enhance the profusion or texture of the coat;
• under no circumstances permit any part of a dog’s anatomy to be altered, whether surgically, or by other means, in order to enhance the dog’s conformity to the Breed Standard, thereby to increase its chances for awards in the show ring.
• forego exhibiting dogs that are injured or ill and have received treatment to “mask” the condition, which therefore illegally affects their appearance, performance, or reactions;
• be acquainted with content of the document entitled International Guidelines about Dog Doping, published

by the FCI and available at( http://www.fci.be/en/Doping-84.html) and ensure that they desist from any practice to artificially manipulate a dog’s appearance, performance, or health, identified therein and, should random testing of breeds be directed by the Show Manager, be prepared to voluntarily subject a dog entered at a Show to veterinary scrutiny and blood tests;

• be familiar with the Regulations applicable to conformation Shows or Working Disciplines events, thereby to ensure punctuality and preparedness;
• desist from purposefully delaying judging or evaluating in order to accommodate another competitor or manipulate the judging or evaluating schedule;
• desist from trying to get the order of judging or evaluating changed to accommodate their or others’ late arrival, or their presence in other rings;
• keep the necessary paperwork to hand in order to assist the Club Officials doing duty in the Show Office to resolve any query expeditiously and without fuss;
• treat the officiating Judge or Evaluator with the utmost respect and accept his/her decisions graciously, refraining from engaging the Judge or Evaluator in quarrelsome exchanges and subjecting him/her to disparaging remarks;
• refrain from berating or insulting the officiating Judge or Evaluator at the Show, especially in the presence of other competitors, or KUSA/Club Officials, or later on social media platforms and in various Internet chat groups;
• desist from socialising with an officiating Judge or Evaluator prior to judging or evaluating, which includes being accommodated by the Judge or Evaluator, accommodating the Judge or Evaluator, or travelling with the Judge or Evaluator;
• avoid placing an officiating Judge or Evaluator in a compromising situation when Members’ close relationship with the Judge or Evaluator is generally known and be mindful of the recommended procedure in circumstances of potential conflict, i.e. withdrawal from competition by way of a “lap of honour”;
• heed the requests of the Show Manager, Ring Stewards or Marshalling Stewards, or other KUSA/Club Officials deployed on the day to assist with the organisation of a Show or event;
• heed any requests of the Show Manager to adhere to Rules and Regulations imposed by the owners of the grounds, or the Club, or the show-holding entity;
• be mindful of the fact that the various forms of dog competition involve running, for which appropriate and sensible attire is required, and refrain from detracting from the dogs, or their performance, by being inappropriately dressed;
• refrain from getting involved in disputes between competitors, unless bearing witness to incidents for the purpose of providing affidavits;
• be humble in victory and gracious in defeat;
• decline to indulge in any activity or practice which infringes the Animals Protection Act No. 71 of 1962, the Veterinary or Para-veterinary Professions Act. No. 19 of 1982, or the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998.

6. ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS ACTING AS ELECTED OR APPOINTED KUSA OFFICIALS
   

Members acting as elected or appointed KUSA Officials shall

• fully abide by this Code insofar as it also applies to them in their interaction with KUSA employees or other KUSA Officials, as dog owners, as dog breeders, as exhibitors or competitors at KUSA Shows or events, or as Judges or Evaluators officiating for KUSA locally, or for the Clubs of National Canine Organisations in foreign countries with which KUSA has a relationship through its membership with the FCI, or through direct reciprocal arrangements;
• in addition, be bound by and in all respects be subject to adherence to, the Code for Elected or Appointed KUSA Officials forming Appendix A

7. ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR OF KUSA MEMBERS ACTING AS JUDGES OR EVALUATORS FOR CONFORMATION SHOWS OR WORKING DISCIPLINES EVENTS LOCALLY OR OVERSEAS
   

Members acting as Judges or Evaluators for conformation Shows or Working Disciplines events locally or overseas shall

• fully abide by this Code insofar as it also applies to them in their interaction with KUSA employees or KUSA Officials, as dog owners, as dog breeders, as exhibitors or competitors at KUSA Shows or events, or as elected or appointed KUSA Officials;
• in addition, be bound by and in all respects be subject to adherence to, the Code of Conduct and Practice for KUSA Judges forming Appendix B

8. INTERPRETATION

• The Federal Council shall be the only authority for the interpretation of this Code of Ethics for Members of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa and its decision thereon shall be final.

In the compilation of this comprehensive Code of Ethics for Members of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa, the Codes published by DOGS NSW, DOGS Victoria and DOGS Tasmania were consulted and the use of some provisions in those Codes is gratefully acknowledged.

APPENDIX “A” 

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ELECTED OR APPOINTED OFFICIALS OF THE KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)

(Effective 01.04.2020)

1. PREAMBLE

• This Code applies to KUSA Officials (“Officials”) serving in their delegated capacities as

• Members of the Federal Council
• Members of the Executive Committee
• Members of a Disciplinary Sub-Committee appointed in terms of Schedule 1
• Members of a Fedco Appeals Committee appointed in terms of Schedule 1
• Members of a Review and Investigatory Committees appointed in terms of Article 19
• Members of Breed Councils
• Members of Liaison Councils
• Members of the Judges Education Council
• Members of National Sub-Committees
• Members of Provincial Councils
• Members of Provincial Sub-Committees

• This Code seeks to guide Officials serving in their various delegated offices to ensure that the functions, duties and responsibilities entrusted to them by KUSA are discharged diligently and in accordance with the provisions of the KUSA Constitution and in adherence to the Governing Rules of the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and obligations incurred by KUSA in terms of reciprocal agreements with foreign National Canine Organisations (NCOs).

• It is expected of Officials guided by this Code to abide by it and to embrace the culture of honesty and trustworthiness which it seeks to inculcate and the values of fairness, objectivity, integrity and excellence it endeavours to advance.

• This Code presumes that persons offering themselves for election or appointment to various delegated offices as Officials do so in the full knowledge that their resulting relationship with KUSA shall be one of trust and confidence.
• This Code posits that it is binding on Officials for the duration of their terms of office.

2. INTEGRITY AND OBJECTIVITY
   

Officials shall, at all times, when executing their official duties,

• act with honesty, integrity and in good faith in any matter submitted for their consideration or subjected to their adjudication;

• be independent and objective and take all reasonable steps to apprise themselves of such facts and information by way of deposition or testimony to ensure that their judgments are based on fact and evidential proof;

• avoid placing themselves under obligation to any individual or entity (including Clubs or Provincial Councils of KUSA), which might affect their ability to act impartially and objectively;

• avoid prejudice or bias on the grounds of sex, race, disability, lifestyle, culture, ethnicity, beliefs, colour, gender, sexuality, or age;

• recognise and acknowledge that their primary responsibility is to KUSA and its organisational integrity and have due regard for the interest of all stakeholders of KUSA;

• fully acquaint themselves with the KUSA Constitution and abide by the Rules and Regulations governing KUSA;

• respect and endorse KUSA’s Full Membership status of the FCI and acquaint themselves with the Statutes, Standing Orders and Regulations of the FCI, which are binding on KUSA and its members, and fully abide by the Governing Rules of the FCI to the extent that these Rules are not in conflict with the KUSA Constitution;

• respect and defend KUSA’s status as a Breeders’ Society and Registering Authority under the Animal Improvement Act 62 of 1998 (AIA) and refrain from engaging with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry & Fisheries (DAFF) on KUSA’s registered status, such function being strictly reserved for those members of the Federal Council specifically delegated thereto;

• comply with the spirit and letter of National laws and with the principles enshrined in this Code, cognisant of the fact that the law takes precedence over the KUSA Constitution, as does the KUSA Constitution over customs, practices and policies in conflict with it;
• take immediate action to remedy any complication, or rectify any problem, after which such matter and action taken must be reported to the appropriate authority;
• if found to be in breach of any of the above, or placed in a position of conflict of interests, whether by discovery or conscience, vacate any office held voluntarily.

3. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
   

Officials shall not

• use the powers of their offices for any purpose other than to achieve the objectives of the tasks or responsibilities delegated to them;

• take improper advantage of their delegated offices;

• permit personal interests, or the interests of any persons or bodies, to conflict with the interests of KUSA;

• make improper use of information acquired in the course of performing their duties to achieve personal gain or secure preferment;

• allow any conflict of interests to arise as a result of knowledge or information gained in the discharge of duties and, should such conflict arise, declare it forthwith;

• permit personal views, or beliefs, to influence or compromise the official positions of their offices when addressing any matter in person, or in writing.

4. CONDUCT AND PRACTICE
   

Officials shall

• have a duty (fiduciary and otherwise) to act diligently and conscientiously in fulfilling their delegated functions, duties and responsibilities and exercising any powers entrusted to them;

• use their best efforts to discharge their delegated duties and responsibilities in a competent and timely manner and not undertake any task or work they are not confident to complete in that manner;

• conduct themselves in a manner that promotes cooperation and cordial relations with KUSA and all constituted structures within KUSA;

• encourage fellow Officials to comply with this Code;

• refrain from criticising or deriding fellow Officials;

• desist from engaging in any conduct likely to bring KUSA or any of its constituted structures into disrepute.

5. CONFIDENTIALITY
   

Officials shall

• recognise that some information or documents to which they are likely to have access in the discharge of their duties might be deemed privileged or confidential and shall exercise sound judgment in the disclosure of information or documents to which they have access to third parties;

• have regard for sensitive information entrusted to their confidence by another Official or by a committee on which they serve and hold such information in confidence pending authorisation for disclosure;

• observe and strictly abide by the Confidentiality provisions set out in section 19 of the AIA, which stipulates as follows: “No person shall disclose to any other person information acquired by him or her in the performance of his or her functions in terms of this Act, or the constitution of an animal breeder's society, or the constitution of a registering authority and which relates to the business or affairs of another person, without the express written approval of such other person, except when required by any court of law or under any legislation.”; and

• report any breach of confidentiality brought to their notice to the Chairmen of Councils or Committees on which they serve, or otherwise to the General Manager of KUSA.

6. INTERPRETATION

• The Federal Council shall be the only authority for the interpretation of this Code for Elected or Appointed Officials of KUSA and their decision thereon shall be final.

APPENDIX “B”

 CODE OF CONDUCT AND PRACTICE FOR JUDGES LICENSED BY THE KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (KUSA)

(Effective as of 01.04.2020 for Judges)

(Effective as of 01.04.2022 for Evaluators) 

The conduct and practice of Judges or Evaluators officiating for the Kennel Union of Southern Africa in all forms of dogsport, whether as a Learner Judges or Evaluators, or Licensed Judges or Evaluators, must stand up to the highest level of scrutiny and the comportment of Judges or Evaluators should manifest their status within dogsport. Judging or Evaluating at Kennel Union-licensed events, or at events in foreign countries, requires the Judge or Evaluator to be a member of the Kennel Union and, apart from adherence to the normal Conditions of Membership, the Code of Ethics (Schedule 9) and the Terms and Conditions of Contract as per the Judging Contract (J1), Judges or Evaluators at any level shall be bound by this Code of Conduct and Practice for Judges Licensed by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa:

1. In General:
   
   
   • Judges or Evaluators shall maintain continuous and unbroken membership of the Kennel Union of Southern Africa throughout their judging or evaluating career as contemplated in Article 25.2 of the Kennel Union Constitution.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall be mindful of their elevated and esteemed status in dogsport and in all their actions and dealings set an example for all participants in the sport.
   • In their communications with Club or Show Officials, Exhibitors and Competitors, Judges or Evaluators shall act with dignity, authority and decorum and their conduct in all interactions shall be above reproach.
   • In accepting assignments, whether local or foreign, Judges or Evaluators act as ambassadors of the Kennel Union and in word and deed shall take the utmost care to neither embarrass themselves, nor the Kennel Union.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall not accept an invitation to judge or evaluate unless they are sure, or have ascertained, that they are entitled to do so.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall not accept an invitation to judge or evaluate unless they can declare with a reasonable degree of certainty that they would be able and fulfil the assignment and be fit to do so in accordance with the expectations of the show-holding Club, or entity.
   • Judges or Evaluators who need to withdraw from assignments, for whatever reason, need to give notice of their intentions to withdraw at the earliest possible opportunity and in a manner prescribed by their contract.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall ensure that their arrangements regarding reimbursement of expenses by show-holding Clubs or entities are clear and unambiguous, thereby to avoid causing embarrassment or discontentment for either party.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall not claim any expenses from a show-holding Club or entity to which they are not entitled and for which they cannot provide proof of entitlement.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall embrace continued education as an integral part of their judging or evaluating ethic and undertake self-motivated learning throughout their judging or evaluating careers.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall keep themselves apprised of changes to the Kennel Union’s regulatory framework applicable to Judges or Evaluators and judging or evaluating and in their duties and assignments as Judges and KUSA Members, diligently comply with all Kennel Union Regulations and be able to confidently apply them in any situation.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall keep themselves apprised of changes to the FCI’s regulatory framework applicable to Judges or Evaluators and judging or evaluating and diligently and consistently apply these regulations in an FCI judging or evaluating environment, unless they are in conflict with the Kennel Union’s Regulations.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall be meticulous in noting changes to Breed Standards of breeds they are licensed to judge or evaluate and diligently apply these changes once they become effective.
   • At shows held under the Regulations of the FCI, Judges shall meticulously and consistently apply FCI Breed Standards to all the breeds they are contracted to judge.
   • Judges shall not interpret any Breed Standard in a manner which conflicts with the functional health of the dog.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall not solicit judging or evaluating assignments, either locally or overseas, which includes, without limitation, pleading, asking, petitioning or canvassing for an assignment, either directly, or through an intermediary, in any manner or by any means whatsoever, except for Licensed Judgers or Evaluators, Senior Judges or Evaluators and All-breeds Judges volunteering to assist Club Committees in filling the roles at Non-Championship Shows pursuant to Schedule 10 Appendix 1 Regulations 4.1.3, 5.1.4 and 6.1.4.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall not solicit the entry of any Dog, Exhibitor and/or Competitor.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall not travel to a show or event with a person who will be exhibiting a dog under them or otherwise competing in an event judged or evaluated by him.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall not accept accommodation from a person who will be exhibiting a dog under them or competing in an event judged or evaluated by them.
   • Prior to the show or event to be judged or evaluated by them, Judges or Evaluators shall avoid socialising with persons likely to compete under them.
   • If placed in an unavoidable compromising position as a result of a close relationship with an Exhibitor/Competitor, if and when practicable, Judges or Evaluators shall encourage the option of a “lap of honour”, instead of subjecting dogs to assessment and placement for awards that may ultimately be deemed suspect.
   • It is suggested that, during a discernible period (at Judges’ or Evaluators’ discretion) preceding any judging or evaluating assignment, Judges or Evaluators shall avoid acting as a spectator to the judging or evaluating of dogs they are likely to judge or evaluate at such scheduled assignment.
   • In deference to the principles of neutrality and impartiality and in order not to show favour, Judges or Evaluators shall exercise the utmost discretion when discussing dogs likely to be judged or evaluated by them, or by other Judges or Evaluators, with any person.
   • Similarly, in upholding the principles of neutrality and impartiality, Judges or Evaluators shall exercise sound judgement when commenting on dogs likely to be judged or evaluated by them, or by other Judges or Evaluators, on Social Media, as not to reveal predilection or dislike.
   • When commenting on dog- or dogsport-related issues, Judges or Evaluators shall use Social Media advisedly and prudently and confine their opinions to reasoned discourse based on fact, resisting speculation, innuendo and aspersion.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall not criticise the work of other Judges or Evaluators, either verbally, in print or on Social Media.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall refrain from engaging in offensive conduct or defamatory statements aimed at discrediting the Kennel Union or the FCI.
   • Judges’ or Evaluators’ shall be mindful of the fact that they derive their judging or evaluating licence from the Kennel Union and thereby assume the responsibility not to act in a manner which is inconsistent with the grant of such licence. A licence entrusted in good faith can be revoked when no longer deemed to be in the best interests of the licensor and it should be understood that KUSA will not countenance being besmirched and its reputation tarnished, by those holding its licences.
2. In the Ring:
   
   
   • Judges or Evaluators shall be courteous, polite and respectful towards Exhibitors/Competitors, Ring Steward or Club Officials.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall be punctual for assignments and avoid inconveniencing show-holding Clubs, Exhibitors/ Competitors or Show Officials through lateness.
   • Judges or Evaluators shall not leave the showgrounds before they have completed all their assigned/contracted duties.
   • Judges or Evaluators officiating at a particular Show or KUSA-licensed event shall not have access to a Show Catalogue and shall neither view, nor consult, such catalogue published or distributed in any format whatsoever, including but not limited to, on social media platforms, private chat groups, or forms of personal communication, whether inside or outside the judging or evaluation ring, or before or during a judging or evaluating assignment.

• Judges or Evaluators shall assess dogs in conformation shows, or their performance in other forms of dogsport, in a thorough, competent, systematic and kind manner.
• When judging or evaluating, Judges or Evaluators shall exercise the highest degree of objectivity and discard any knowledge of a dog’s background, previous accomplishments or ownership.
• Having regard for the weather, Judges or Evaluators shall dress in a manner which creates a neat, professional, yet comfortable, appearance in the ring, avoiding billowy attire, ostentatious headgear and bulky or noisy accessories.
• Judges or Evaluators shall not smoke or drink alcohol in the ring and refrain from judging or evaluating while clutching a beverage.
• Although it’s permissible for Judges to have electronic devices in the ring for the review of breed standards, when necessary, such devices shall otherwise remain switched off and under no circumstances shall Judges take telephone calls, or consult and reply to text messages while in the ring.
• Judges or Evaluators shall desist from addressing handlers by their first or last name in the ring.
• Judges or Evaluators shall complete all the requirements of an assignment diligently and efficiently, with due regard for any time constraints imposed by the show-holding Club.

3. Interpretation
   
   
   • The Federal Council shall be the only authority for the interpretation of this Code of Conduct and Practice for Judges Licensed by KUSA and their decision thereon shall be final.

In devising this Code of Conduct and Practice for Judges Licensed by the Kennel Union of Southern Africa, we gratefully acknowledge the papers and guidelines of the American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, Australian National Kennel Council and Dogs New Zealand. 

© COPYRIGHT THE KENNEL UNION OF SOUTHERN AFRICA

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without written permission from the publisher.

Fedco 12-16/updated SAT/29.03.2017

Fedco 06-2017/updated SAT 30.08.2017

Fedco 06-2018/updated LS 17/01/2019

Fedco 06-2019/updated YW 01/07/2019

Fedco 12-2019/ updated PM 20.01.2020

Fedco 12-2021/ updated PM 10.03.2022 Reg 4.26 & App B Reg 2.4

Fedco 12-2022/updated CPA “Evaluating” Fedco 12-2021 Item 5.21.1

Fedco 12-2022/updated PM 09.01.2023

                              The most recent changes to this Schedule have an effective date of 01.03.2023

 APPLICATIONS FOR DOGSPORT  EXAMS

on

SCHEDULE 03 REGULATIONS FOR CHAMPIONSHIP SHOWS

&

 SCHEDULE 09 CODE OF ETHICS 

FIRST SEMESTER

EXAMINATION TO BE HELD ON 29 JUNE 2024

Exam Registration closing date is: 15 May 2024

SECOND SEMESTER 

EXAMINATION TO BE HELD ON 16 NOVEMBER 2024

Exam Registration closing date is:  01 October 2024

South African Mastiff - KUSA [08-2019]

1. Temporary Exclusion Order Manual

2. TEO Incident Report Annexure A

3. TEO Examination Form Annexure B

4. TEO Indemnity Form Annexure C

5. Exclusion of Dogs from Exhibition Due to Aggression 

6. Affidavit

7. TEO List

Please click on the links below for more information

Where can I find a puppy?

Getting a new puppy has never been easier. You can find puppies wherever you look: in newspapers, on Facebook and on Gumtree. And sometimes all you need to get a fluffy bundle of joy is to pay first. No questions asked. Buying cheap is expensive. It might end up costing more than you ever imagined to keep your new puppy in your life. While buying a KUSA registered puppy is no guarantee for success, you can tip the scale in your favour by doing your research. Click on the links below for more information:

• Members’ Adverts 
• Finding a puppy 
• Beware of puppy farming and scams

How do I join KUSA?

To become a member of KUSA, please download a Membership form and return it to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The various types and costs of membership can be found by clicking here

How do I register my dog?

KUSA offers a range of registries including:

• Single Dog (Breed Register) for dogs of recognised or provisionally recognised breeds which have complete pedigrees/ancestry records. Dogs registered in this register are eligible to enter Breed Championship and Non-Championship Shows.

• Single Dog (Dogsport Register) for dogs of any ancestry. Dogs on this record are not eligible to compete in any Breed (Conformation/Beauty) Show. However, they may compete in Obedience, Working Trials (Classic), Dog Jumping, Dog Carting, Agility, Flyball, Mondioring, Rally Dog, and Field Trial events held at Championship and Non-championship Shows.

A list of fees can be found here, Please also complete and submit the Courier Delivery Form together with payment.

Should you wish to register a dog for breeding, an entire litter or a dog for any other purposes, please contact the KUSA Office on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What can I do with my dog? 

List of Clubs that provide training or host shows/competitions 

Breed / Conformation showing

Dog showing or exhibiting is an exciting competitive activity where dogs compete at Breed (Conformation) shows for prizes or awards. It is a competition where a dog’s attributes and conformation are compared against a breed standard for its breed. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here

Handler classes

Handler classes are offered by age – Child (8-under 12 yrs), Junior (11-under 18 yrs) and Adult (over 18 yrs). Here handlers are judged on their ability to showcase their dog to its best. The dogs are not judged on their breed characteristics. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here 

Agility & Dog Jumping

Dogs are required to navigate a course of obstacles without making mistakes and within the time allowed. Obstacles include jumps, long jumps, tunnels, tyre-jumps and weave poles. Contact Agility includes an A-frame, See-saw and Dog Walk where the dog is required to touch the coloured portion of the obstacle. Jump heights vary depending on the size of the dog. The Regulations governing Agility can be found here and for Dog Jumping, click here - For training in Gauteng please click here

Carting 

Dogs pull a cart around a course laid out by the Judge. They are required to execute sharp turns, curves and work at fast, normal and slow pace. Dogs must also be able to backup and work past distractions. Dogs negotiate specific tasks like a narrow area, distractions and waiting at a gate. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here 

Dog Dancing 

Dog Dancing (Musical Freestyle and Heelwork to Music) – dogs perform a series of moves in time to music. They are judged on both technical merit and artistic impression. Musical Freestyle allows for creativity of movement and requires some distance moves whereas Heelwork to Music restricts the distance a dog can be from its handler. The Regulations governing Musical Freestyle can be found here here and for Heelwork to Music, can be found here

FCI-IGP 

FCI-IGP (Internationale Gebrauchshunde Prüfungsordnung) consists of three phases: Tracking, Obedience and Protection. The emphasis is on precision and the dog is assessed for instinctive behaviour, self-confidence, ability to cope with stress, and obedience. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here 

Flyball 

This is the only team sport offered by KUSA. A team of four dogs run a relay race, over four jumps to a box that releases a ball. Two teams run at a time, each in their own lane. Following a round robin format, the winner is declared based on a combination of fastest times and clean runs (i.e. dogs don't drop the balls or miss a jump). The Regulations governing this activity can be found here 

Obedience

This is the dog equivalent of horse dressage. Dogs must carry out exercises such as heelwork, retrieves, recalls, send aways, stays and scent with a high level of precision. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here 

Rally Dog 

Competitors navigate a course with designated stations (signs). At each station an exercise is performed and the dog and handler are marked on their ability to execute the moves correctly. The emphasis of Rally Dog is for the dog and handler to work as a team whilst having fun. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here

Tracking Trials 

Dogs are required to follow a human scent trail. The delay on a track (the time the dog is put onto the track after it is laid by a tracklayer) varies from 20 minutes to 3 hours. Tracks may consist of turns of any degree and, in the highest level, curves. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here 

Working Trials (Classic) 

This Dogsport requires a well-rounded dog as the exercises are divided into three groups: Control (obedience-type exercises), Agility (clear jump, long jump and A-frame) and Nosework (various searches and a track). Dogs must qualify in all sections at a show and achieve a minimum aggregate mark to qualify. A Police Dog (which also contains protection exercises) is part of this Dogsport. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here 

Working Utility Dog

Dogs must have achieved at least a basic qualification in Working Trials (Classic) to participate in this sport. It is a Champion stake which sees dogs perform exercises from three groups: Control (obedience-type exercises), Agility (clear jump, long jump and A-frame) and Nosework (various searches). The Regulations governing this activity can be found here 

Canine Good Citizen 

KUSA’s Canine Good Citizen promotes responsible dog ownership and allows owners to experience the benefits of having a well-mannered dog. This 3-level programme (with an optional 4^th level) rewards well-mannered dogs with certificates, rosettes and titles upon successful completion of required tests. The tests are not competitive. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here 

KUSA Trick Dog 

The Trick Dog Tests are designed to encourage people to develop a solid relationship with their dog through working with that dog. It is open to handlers and dogs of varying physical abilities and ages. It is a fun, non-competitive sport. Currently, all evaluations are done via video so you can take part from the comfort of your own home. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here  (https://kusa-trick-dog.weebly.com/)

Field Trials

Field Trials are designed to test the gundog in performing the functions it was bred for in the field. Dogs are taken into the field and tested on their usefulness to their owner in terms of flushing game, retrieving game, scenting/tracking game etc. The Regulations governing this activity can be found here:

• Retriever 
• Spaniel 
• Hunt, Point, Retrieve 
• Shooting Ratings 
• Gundog Hunting Tests 
• Versatile Tests  

How do I know what shows are on?

Events Calendar 2023 & 2024  (Updated weekly)

Show Schedule Finder 

KUSA Canine Good Citizen - How it works

CGC Test Puppy Booklet 

CGC Test Bronze Booklet

CGC Test Silver Booklet

CGC Test Gold Booklet

CGC Test Sheet - Puppy

CGC Test Sheet - Bronze

CGC Test Sheet - Silver

CGC Test Sheet - Gold

Schedule 9 - Code of Ethics

Schedule 11A - Regulations for Canine Good Citizen

Schedule 11A - Canine Good Citizen (CGC Care & Responsibility Questions)

J1 Judges Contract

CGC Test Order Form 

Courier Delivery Form

Contact us today! 

Telephone: +27 21 423 9027 (09:00 - 15:00)

Postal Address: P.O. Box 2659, Cape Town 8000, South Africa

E-Mail Address: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Web Address: www.kusa.co.za

The KUSA Office

11th Floor TouchStone House, 7 Bree Street Cape Town 8001

Staff work predominantly from home, only coming into the Office when necessary

Visits strictly by appointment only

Closed: Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays

Click here to enter the website

​WHAT IS TRICK DOG?​

The main provinces in South Africa have their own Provincial Council where KUSA affiliated clubs' representatives come together to discuss important policies and activities across various canine activities, from agility to breed shows and social awareness.

The Chairman of each Provincial Council serves on the Federal Council (Fedco) of KUSA, who meet twice a year to discuss matters brought forward by the Provincial Councils and the KUSA office. Fedco is empowered to make management and policy decisions for KUSA and its affiliates.

Current Points Table 2023/2024

Show 1 George Kennel Club (1) to Show 42 Vereeniging & Districts Kennel Club

List of All Breeds Clubs that count for Showdog of the Year points

Click here to view the rules 

Schedule 5E(24) - Regulations for KUSA Showdog of the Year Competition - Effective 01 March 2024