KUSA statement on developments in the Netherlands affecting brachycephalic breeds

20th of June 2020

The Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) stands in solidarity with the National Canine Organisations (NCOs) around the world in advocating for the health and preservation of purebred dogs. The circumstances that have led to the recent decision by the Raad van Beheer op Kynologisch Gebied in Nederland (Dutch Kennel Club), to limit the registration of twelve purebred brachycephalic breeds, and further allow cross-breeding to increase muzzle length, is most disappointing. The impact of this decision will affect many responsible breeders in that country, making it impossible for them to continue improving the health and conformation of these breeds, within the framework of their breed standards.

These restrictions will have the greatest impact on the responsible breeders who focus on breeding healthy dogs, which best represent the breed standard, with no impact on those who breed indiscriminately. 

The prevalence of health problems in brachycephalic breeds is of concern to KUSA, particularly those pertaining to respiratory function and temperature regulation. These conditions related to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can have a serious and lasting effect on the welfare of affected dogs.

Allocation of New Show Dates

8 May 2020

Shortly after the declaration of a State of Disaster in South Africa, the Federal Council of KUSA established a Task Team to consider the allocation of “new” dates for shows and events that had been postponed due to the stringent measures pertaining to social gatherings and sporting events put in place by the Government in mid-March.

The Task Team comprised the two Fedco members jointly holding the Fedco Portfolio for Shows, Carol Immelman and Gael Morison, the Chairman of Exco, Bruce Jenkins, and Adele Bastick from the KUSA Shows Department.

At the time it was established, the Task Team agreed to adopt a wait-and-see attitude, given the rapidly changing circumstances. The Task Team also concluded that, should any dates be allocated, they would only be provisional at such an early stage.

As time progressed, with the extension of the initial lockdown and, more recently, the introduction of the five lockdown levels, it became increasingly apparent that we were a long way from being able to resume holding dog shows in South Africa.