We are pleased to announce that, after 4 years of dealing with all matters related to Club Affairs, Claire Patterson-Abrolat has accepted a new position within the Organisation, that of Communications & Public Relations Lead.  

Claire’s appointment is aligned with the Federal Council’s recognition of the membership’s continuing appeal for more frequent and regular communication pertaining to the broad spectrum of activities regulated by the Organisation and the operational functions it routinely performs.

Claire will be working closely with the Fedco-appointed Branding and Marketing Task Team, comprising Lori Thornhill, Nikki Redtenbacher and Louis Kruger, with the aim of building and launching a new public-orientated website and social media campaigns to enhance the KUSA brand and image and to provide information on various Breeds and promote the Dogsport activities offered under KUSA-licence.

Claire’s duties and responsibilities will mainly relate to internal and external Communication, Public Relations, Marketing and Social Media campaigns, details of which will be announced in due course. Several new and exciting projects to raise and enhance KUSA’s public profile are in development.

In keeping with Claire’s new role, her designated email address has changed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Whilst taking on new responsibilities, Claire will continue to retain responsibility for the following KUSA-structures, tasks and functions:

• Liaison with the Provincial Councils, National Sub-Committees, Breed & Liaison Councils, Ad-Hoc
  Committees and Fedco Portfolio holders.
• Preparing of agenda items and proposals for Exco and Fedco meetings and attending Exco & Fedco meetings. Scrutinising and checking proposed amendments to Dogsport Schedules.
• Updating of KUSA Regulations (Schedules) as per amendments approved at Federal Council Meetings and ensuring that the latest iterations are published and available for download from the KUSA website.
• Maintaining the list of National Sub-Committee Conveners and Provincial Representatives, and encouraging adherence to the National Sub-Committee Bylaws.
• The administration and management of Temporary and Permanent Exclusion Orders (TEOs & PEOs).
• Compiling and publishing of annual KUSA Registry Statistics.
• Chief Administrator of KUSA Social Media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.).
• Providing guidance and assistance to the new incumbent responsible for Club Affairs

Jacqueline (Djaki) Kern, was appointed to fill the position of Club Affairs, Breed Standards & JEC Administrator, in November 2025, adding much-needed skills and knowledge to the KUSA Office Team, particularly with regard to Breed Standards and Judges’ Education.

Over the past two months Claire and Djaki have worked together on matters pertaining to Club Affairs, with Claire handing over the responsibility for this key function to Djaki at the beginning of February 2026.

Club Officers and Officials are urged to take note of the change and to direct all Club-related emails, i.e. pertaining to Club affiliation, Club Constitutions, AGMs, SGMs & AFS documentation to Djaki Kern at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The administration and maintenance of KUSA Breed Standards have been entrusted to the meticulous care of Djaki Kern, who will be working under the guidance and supervision of the Breed Standards Committee, comprising Michael Vorster and Jenny Hubbard.

Djaki will also provide secretarial assistance to the Judges Education Council (JEC), setting up of meetings, compiling agendas and producing minutes.

Please join me in congratulating Claire and Djaki on their new roles. We wish them every success and fortitude in achieving the objectives their new positions demand.

Kind regards

Pascale Midgley
General Manager     

In late 2025, KUSA awarded the first Sire of Merit (SOM) title to Staffordshire Bull Terrier Champion Raminartus Saltan of Swat, owned and bred by Santie van Niekerk.

Ch Raminartus Saltan of Swat, or Goliath as he is affectionately known, is currently sire to eleven Champions, six of which have achieved their Junior Merit and two Grand Champions.  In addition, two of the pups has earned their International Champion Status.

The new Sire of Merit (SOM) Title is awarded to any dog which has produced no fewer than ten (10) Breed Champion offspring registered with KUSA or with any National Canine Organisation recognised by KUSA. At least three (3) of the Breed Champion titles, gained by the offspring (CH, GR.CH, SP.CH, INT.CH (C.I.B.), FCI A2O CH), must have been awarded after 1 March 2025.

Click here for the Full Article.......

Presented at Fedco 12-2025 on Saturday, 6 December 2025

Mrs Jenny Hubbard 

It is both an honour and privilege to present my Chairman’s Report for the year 2025. This past year presented us with daunting challenges, but also surprised us with heartening progress, driven by resilience and innovation within our organisation, culminating in a renewed sense of purpose. To avoid a lengthy and repetitive narrative, I shall focus on some general highlights, while expressing my appreciation to all who had served KUSA so selflessly.

For a comprehensive overview of the Federal Council's activities and achievements, I urge members to consult the detailed minutes which follow each Fedco meeting, Fedco 12-2025 being no exception. These minutes offer valuable insights complementing any Annual Report and give a better understanding of the laudable initiatives undertaken by KUSA, sanctioned and supported by its Federal Council.

Despite a dynamic and sometimes uncertain economic climate, KUSA achieved small but steady growth in its core activities by the end of the current financial year. We continue to operate well within our budget, ensuring financial sustainability.  KUSA remains in a stable financial position, with provident reserves in hand. 

Congratulations to the South African Agility qualifier for Crufts 2026!

Helena Immelman, with her Border Collie, Giftnell's Gift of Hope, qualified at the KUSA Championship Show in Cape Town on 31 October 2025.

CONGRATULATIONS - National Flyball Team 2025
Judge: Vanessa de Villiers

1st Place: Cape Furr Fly - Best time of 17.44s

Captain: Simonne Sables and Lizbè Henze

Boxloader: Warren Sables

Boss with Jenna Harris

Gadget with Lizbè Henze

Image with Jenna Harris

Luna with Lizbè Henze (handled by Gerhard van Wyk)

Maddy with Lindsay Kaiser

Prinz with Debbie Matlby (handled by Simonne Sables)

2nd Place: Furrytail Flying Foxes - Best time of 17.20s

Captain: Sonelle van Wyk

Boxloader: Karin Roos

Ace with Sonelle van Wyk

Amaze with Jacques van Vuuren

Dream with Brigitte Rheeder

Emi with Sonelle van Wyk

Lyra with Anelize van Wyk

Rapid with Shannen Jacoby

3rd Place: Furrytail Flying Fires - Best time of 17.76

Captain: Sonelle van Wyk

Boxloader: Karin Roos

Coal with Yolande Johnson

Keen with Shannen Jacoby

Luna with Shandé Steenkamp

Mythic with Shannen Jacoby

Pace with Brigitte Rheeder

Xena with Sonelle van Wyk

CONGRATULATIONS - Carting (Standard) National Champion 2025
1st - Noreena Sattlegger and Rosie
2nd - Bridget Jansen and Shari
3rd - Noreena Sattlegger and Lilly
Judge: Eleanor Gow

CONGRATULATIONS - Carting (Mini) National Champion 2025
1st - Louise Thompson and Troy
Judge: Eleanor Gow

CONGRATULATIONS - Obedience National Champion 2025
1st - Dawn Crawshaw and Parker
2nd - Sylvia Stringer and Danny
3rd - Howard Armour & Chhloe
Judge: Claire Patterson-Abrolat
Steward: Olive Knipe

CONGRATULATIONS - Rally Dog National Champion 2025
1st - Shannon Hall & Lucy
2nd - Sylvia Stringer and Danny
3rd - Dorea Fischer and NiNa
Judge: Helen Ramsay
Steward: Michelle Pietersma

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO KUSA MEMBERS WHO USE THE KUSA ONLINE MEMBERS’ PORTAL TO SUBMIT ONLINE APPLICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS, AFFIX RENEWALS AND DOG/LITTER REGISTRATIONS. 

As a result of an unforeseen development, the processing of Credit Card payments for online applications via the Members’ Portal will be terminated at the end of October 2025. Following a buy-out of the business, the payment gateway Service Provider for KUSA’s online transactions has given its customers 30-day notice of termination of service.

The sudden loss of the payment gateway service, currently integrated into both the existing Members’ Portal and the new portal under development, is not only a significant setback, but also presents technological challenges which are impossible to resolve in the short term.  After careful consideration, the Federal Council ultimately endorsed the KUSA Office’s recommendation that the new payment gateway technology only be integrated into the new portal. Retrofitting it to the old Members’ Portal, that has reached the end of its shelf-life, would be an unnecessary costly expense and would hamper and constrain the progress being made with the development of the future  platform.

Users of the current Members’ Portal are hereby advised, that as from 31 October 2025 members will no longer have access to the links to submit online applications for services like Membership Renewal, Affix Applications, Litter Registration Applications and Single Dog Registration Applications.

Until further notice, Members are requested to submit their duly completed and signed application forms to the KUSA Office, via email, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. This should be done in one email with all supporting documentation attached, including proof of payment for all fees due.

For the Urgent Attention of:
Licensed & Learner Judges of Breed and Dogsport 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO JUDGES LICENSED BY KUSA PERTAINING TO THEIR ACCEPTANCE OF JUDGING APPOINTMENTS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

It is necessary to bring to your urgent attention three amendments to KUSA Schedules which affect Judges who intend accepting invitations to judge in foreign countries. The amendments to the KUSA Regulations were fully motivated and approved at a Special Meeting of the Federal Council held on Monday, 25 August, of which Minutes are available on the KUSA website on the following link:

[Minutes & Agendas]

The following three amendments have relevance:

Amendment One:

SCHEDULE 10 – REGULATIONS – KUSA BREED JUDGES’ LEARNING PROGRAMME

Effective 01.01.2026

Regulation 5

Insert new Regulations 5.1 & 5.2, elimination of former Regulations 5.3, 5.4 & 5.6, and renumbering former Regulation 5.6 as Regulation 5.3, slightly amended.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS FOR REGISTRATION OF IMPORTED DOGS

EFFECTIVE 01.10.2025 

We bring to your attention amendments to the Regulations for the registration of imported dogs that come into effect on 1 October 2025.

Additional supporting documentation* will be required to be attached to the application form. Application for Registration of a Single Dog – BREED Register – version Oct 2025, will be the only application form accepted.

DNA PROFILES  and 

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATIONS USING FROZEN SEMEN

Some concern has been expressed recently that DNA Profiles are required for foreign sires whose frozen semen is used in artificial inseminations.

Please be advised that KUSA does NOT require DNA Profiles of sires used in frozen semen Artificial Inseminations, irrespective of the date the semen was collected, provided it is a single sire breeding.

Dual sire breedings whether natural matings or frozen semen always require parentage testing of all puppies using DNA profiles of both possible sires.

DNA PROFILES  and

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATIONS using IMPORTED FROZEN SEMEN 

Some concern has been expressed recently that DNA Profiles are required from foreign donor sires for artificial inseminations.

Agenda Item 17.5 Cropped and docked dogs: 11 breeds for which the Breed Standard has been changed.

Simply put, the FCI Circular 57/2021, which came into effect on 01.01.2025, has been put on hold with immediate effect. This Circular provided as follows:

“FCI Circular 57/2021 - CROPPED/DOCKED DOGS OF BREEDS CUSTOMARILY CROPPED/DOCKED REMINDER

On the occasion of its online meeting on November 24, 2021, the FCI General Committee decided to remind the FCI Members and Contract Partners about the circular 8/2016 (dated 7/3/2016) referring to cropped/docked dogs of breeds customarily cropped/docked.

The FCI General Committee insists that, effective from 1st January 2025, the dogs with cropped ears/docked tail, belonging to breeds for which no reference is made to the cropped ears/docked tail in the FCI breed standards, will not be allowed anymore to be shown in any conformation event where the FCI breed standards are used.

 Congratulations - KUSA SA Dog Jumping Championships (Large)

KUSA SA Dog Jumping Champion - Melanie de Klerk and Sinna

Reserve Champions - Sonelle van Wyk and Ace

Third - Quinton Nortje and Rango (with owner Lindsay Dunsmore)

Judge: Heidi Coetzee and Noelene Pretorius

2024/2025 KUSA Showdog of the Year Working Group Winner and Overall Winner:

Siberian Husky (WC Sim)                              

SP.CH GR.CH CH HIGHTOWER'S KNOXVILLE COWBOY WITH SPIRITKEEPER JM ZAW'24’25 CGC(BR)

2024/2025 KUSA Showdog of the Year Working Group Winner and Overall Winner:

Siberian Husky (WC Sim)                              

SP.CH GR.CH CH HIGHTOWER'S KNOXVILLE COWBOY WITH SPIRITKEEPER JM ZAW'24’25 CGC(BR)

2024/2025 KUSA Showdog of the Year Toy Group Winner and Best Opposite Sex:

Papillon (LH Atcheler & J Rhodes)

CH WEIEFORS NATURAL GRACE OF FLEETWOOD ZAW’22’24

Congratulations to the winners of the German Shepherd Dog Grand Victor, judged by Mr. Albert Spreu and hosted by K9 Sport Specialist GSD Club of Gauteng on 21-22 June 2025.

KUSA takes pleasure in sharing the FCI publication “The Importance & Benefits of Dog Breeds” (Mr Attila Márton) that highlights the various aspects of the importance and benefits of dog breeds throughout the world. 

PALEOPET PURE KUSA SA AGILITY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025
BROUGHT TO YOU BY ONEPLAN INSURANCE
Congratulations to the winners in the Small height category

L to R: Sheldene Fourie and Tanzy (SA Agility Reserve Champion – Small), Mike Taylor (Judge), Carolyn Chelchinskey and Katy (SA Agility Champion – Small), Bev Hourquebie (Judge) and Gail Killian and Emily (Third Place - Small)

KUSA National Working Trials (Classic) 2025

Congratulations to the winner Gillian Ross and Jazz of Membury

Judge: Mrs Rita Cook

The KUSA Office Team had the pleasure of attending the 2025 KUSA Classic event held in Cape Town. Congratulations to the Western Cape Team for putting on a splendid event!

The Department of Agriculture (formerly DALRRD) has published updated 

GUIDELINES ON REGISTRATION OF IMPORT/EXPORT AGENTS AND IMPORTATION AND EXPORTATION OF DOGS 

We draw you attention to Part 3: (4) which has been revised to read as follows:

1)  All dogs imported to South Africa are mandated to be sterilized if they are going to be used for other purposes other than breeding or they must be pre-approved by AIA registered registering authorities if they are imported to be used as breeding

Declared companion dogs (not meant for breeding) imported to South Africa permanently must be sterilized and are prohibited to be imported if they are less than 8 months old.

a) Dogs imported to South Africa temporarily for certain purposes (e.g. vacation) should be sterilized temporarily using chemical castration and proof (preferably from a State Veterinarian) of such must be provided.

KUSA National Dog Dancing 2025

Congratulations to Gaby Grohovaz and Carnelian Famous Flame of Wesavi (Flumi) for winning Heelwork to Music: Singles

Judge: Sue Woodiwiss

Thank you to Royal Canin for your generous sponsorship of prizes

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT
KUSA AFFIX (KENNEL NAME) REGISTRATION
MANDATORY SIMULTANEOUS REGISTRATION ON FCI INTERNATIONAL KENNEL NAME REGISTER 

We are pleased to inform KUSA members with registered KUSA Affixes (Kennel Names) of a new and exciting development that will enhance the status of KUSA Affixes internationally and protect KUSA Affixes from possible duplication, exploitation and expropriation in FCI member countries. 

CLARITY ON ANIMAL IMPROVEMENT ACT PERMITS FOR DOGS LEAVING SOUTH AFRICA AND RETURNING

Following an enquiry from the KUSA Office, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform & Rural Development (DALRRD) has clarified the uncertainty surrounding AIA Export/Import Permits for South African dogs travelling to attend Shows held in neighbouring countries, or abroad, and thereafter returning to the RSA.

Dogs travelling on either INTER-TERRITORIAL MOVEMENT PERMITS or PERMITS TO TRAVEL FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, are also required to apply to DALRRD for an Import/Export Permit, as required under the Animal Improvement Act, using the Application to Import/Export Animals for Certain Purposes form.

· The AIA Import/Export Permit will cover both the exit from and re-entry to South Africa.

· The AIA Permit must be applied for first and then submitted, in conjunction with and attached to, the application for the Veterinary Permits.

· The AIA Permit is required in addition to the usual Veterinary Permits/Inter-Territorial Permits.

· The current cost of the AIA Import/Export Permit is R460.00 payable to DALRRD.

· An AIA Import/Export Permit can cover multiple dogs (it is not necessary to obtain one permit per dog).

KUSA STATEMENT on the DALRRD’S DIRECTIVE WITH REGARD TO THE IMPORTATION OF DOGS INTO SOUTH AFRICA

On 13 March 2024, the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) issued a directive that, with effect from 1 April 2024, all applications for Veterinary Import Permits must be accompanied by a confirmation of compliance with the Animal Improvement Act No. 62 of 1998 (AIA) issued by the Registrar of Animal Improvement in the DALRRD. This directive seeks to enforce the provisions of section 16 of the AIA and does not only apply to production animals, but also to dogs.

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

 INTRODUCTION OF ASIA, AFRICA & OCEANIA (A2O) SECTION SHOW TO SOUTH AFRICA 

Following interest expressed by local Clubs to host an A2O Section Show in South Africa, KUSA has come to an agreement with the A2O on the terms on which KUSA, or any of its All-breeds member Clubs may, for the foreseeable future, acquire licences to host an A2O Section Championship Show at which the A2O’s Certificats d'Aptitude au Championnat (CACs) will be on offer in addition to KUSA’s CCs.

FCI CONCESSION FOR AWARDING THE TITLE OF FCI A2O INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY CHAMPION (FCI-C.I.B.) FOR BREEDS NOT SUBJECT TO WORKING TESTS FOR THE DURATION OF SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL STATE OF DISASTER

With the termination of the National State of Disaster announced by the President, effective from the 5 April 2022, notice is hereby given of the withdrawal of the FCI concession for the awarding of the title FCI International Beauty Champion (FCI-C.I.B).

With immediate effect, the following criteria will need to be met to earn the title of International Beauty Champion (FCI-C.I.B.) as per the Regulations for FCI Asia, Africa & Oceania (A2O) Section International Championship :

• Four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s,
  • awarded by four (4) different Judges,
  • from three (3) different Countries.

The period for accumulating FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s under the FCI concession , would thus be limited to the period 1 January 2020 to 4 April 2022.

FCI CONCESSION FOR AWARDING THE TITLE OF FCI A2O INTERNATIONAL BEAUTY CHAMPION (FCI-C.I.B.) FOR BREEDS NOT SUBJECT TO WORKING TESTS FOR THE DURATION OF SOUTH AFRICA’S NATIONAL STATE OF DISASTER

1. According to the Regulations for FCI Asia, Africa & Oceania (A2O) Section International Championship, the following criteria need to be met to earn the title of International Beauty Champion (FCI-C.I.B.):

• Four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s,
• awarded by four (4) different Judges,
• from three (3) different Countries.

2. Following an appeal to the FCI for the relaxation of these requirements for South Africa for a finite period, i.e. until the National State of Disaster Regulations are repealed, we are pleased to advise that the FCI’s General Committee has agreed to KUSA’s request on behalf of exhibitors.

3. In consequence, for as long as the National State of Disaster prevails, South African dogs would be permitted to gain their FCI-C.I.B. titles by meeting the following criteria:

• Four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s,
• awarded by four (4) different South African Judges,
• or by a combination of four (4) different South African and foreign Judges,
• subject to the following:

4. The period for accumulating FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s under South African Judges in order to apply for the FCI-C.I.B., will be from 1 January 2020 up to the date of the repeal of the National State of Disaster.

5. FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s awarded by foreign Judges prior to 1 January 2020 will be considered for supplementation of those earned under South African Judges post 1 January 2020 to fill the required quota of four (4) FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s in order to apply for the FCI-C.I.B., provided that such FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s have been earned within the period of three years before 1 January 2020, i.e. between 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019, and provided further that the combined submission is acceptable to the FCI.

6. The FCI has not, as yet, committed to any dispensation on the issue of FCI-C.A.C.I.B.®s earned subsequent to the repeal of the National State of Disaster supplementing those earned under South African Judges as from 1 January 2020.