THE KUSA CONUNDRUM

By Jenni Davies

From scruffy scrappy-doos to glossy champions, dogs come in all shapes and sizes – and we adore them all. But, behind the wagging tails is an ever-growing debate: how should breeding and regulation be managed – and who gets to decide what’s best for the dogs.

At the centre of this complex conversation is the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA), our only internationally recognised national canine organisation. “KUSA is the custodian of recognised breeds, dealing with all matters relevant to their health and wellbeing [by recording and maintaining breed standards],” explains KUSA Secretary Gérard Robinson. Alan Perrins, spokesman for the Animal Welfare Society of South Africa, agrees that KUSA provides an important regulatory role for these breeds.

But what if the current regulation just isn’t enough?

Who is KUSA

KUSA is the official registry for purebred dogs in South Africa, and is registered with the Department of Agriculture and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale – the biggest international federation of kennel clubs. Robinson emphasises that the 134-year-old association registers dogs, not breeders. Members, of which some are breeders, add their purebred dogs to the internationally recognised Primary Breed Register. Robinson notes that reputable breeders invest a great deal of knowledge and financial resources in their dogs – KUSA is a place to record their valued lineage and genealogy. It’s also involved in licensing dog shows and sports like dog dancing, agility, and working trials.

With around 4,000 members, nearly 200 affiliated dog clubs, and 218 accepted breeds (with more expected soon), KUSA is a key presence in the South African canine community. Membership involves election, annual fees, and a Code of Ethics. Robinson stresses that KUSA has no powers over the welfare of members’ animals, adding that only the NSPCA is enabled to intervene in cases of animal abuse. Members are expected to follow the Code of Ethics in good faith.
And that’s where, for many animal lovers, the concerns begin…

The great debate

Numerous breeders do adhere to exemplary welfare and ethical standards. But without facility inspections or follow-ups, critics argue that the unscrupulous breeders slip through the cracks all too often. Scandals like the 2015 Roodewal Kennels case (in which a KUSA member ran a puppy mill) and countless reports of registered puppies with health and behavioural issues fuel criticism that self-regulation isn’t enough.

Annie*, who bought a Rottweiler puppy from a member, feels that more is needed. While Bear looked like the perfect example of his breed, he soon developed severe hip dysplasia and aggression.

High standards or poor prospects?

What about the breed standards themselves – and how they’re rewarded in shows? These standards aren’t arbitrary or specific to KUSA. They’re drawn up internationally and maintained for consistency worldwide by groups like KUSA. Robinson explains that this aligns with the objectives of the South African Animal Improvement Act, which promotes the production of “genetically superior animals”.

Breed standards should provide benefits like temperament, health, size, and predictability. (Think about a steady Labrador guiding the blind, or a powerful Belgian Malinois combating rhino poaching.) They’re meant to preserve the unique qualities of each breed. But critics argue that, too often, appearance is emphasised over health. For example, German Shepherds with excessively sloped backs win championships, but face life-long hip and joint problems. Brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs and Pugs, favoured for their flat faces, struggling with serious breathing difficulties. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels struck with syringomyelia because of the very apple-shaped heads that make them popular.

Thanks to increased public pressure, the UK’s Royal Kennel Club is reviewing breed standards, and in 2025, Crufts (the world’s largest dog event) introduced mandatory breathing tests for Bulldogs and Pugs. But it’s not enough.

Ultimately, says Perrins, a complete reprioritisation of evaluation criteria is needed for the betterment of the welfare of all animals.

Adopt or shop – it’s complicated

But the main Boerboel-in-the-room question is: should we be breeding dogs at all? Every animal shelter in SA is overflowing. The 2022-2023 State of Pet Homelessness Project estimated that over 2 million dogs are homeless, with around 325,000 in shelters – including purebred dogs. The Cape of Good Hope SPCA alone admitted 23,621 pets in 2024. People understandably feel that adoption should be the only option. And, indeed, the Adopt Don’t Shop movement saves countless lives and deserves strong support.

However, life is nuanced. Some people dream of specific breeds – the sunny Golden Retriever, the cheeky Toy Pom puffball, the elegant Greyhound. Should they really be blamed for the dire situation of South Africa’s companion animals? Perrins points out that it’s generally not the responsible breeders or informed buyers driving shelter numbers, but rather opportunistic breeders and careless ownership. The Pet Homelessness Project noted that our many unsterilised stray animals compound the situation. That’s where education comes in.

Instead of shaming, we need to shift public perception and knowledge in a way that promotes ethical breeding, conscious purchasing, and support of those making a difference. Guilt trips and shame don’t create lasting positive change. So, what will?

Where to from here

At its heart, this debate is about finding the balance between tradition and wellbeing, choice and responsibility.

KUSA maintains that their role is recording and protecting pedigrees – accountability lies with the breeder and the buyer. For Robinson, the focus remains on personal choice, whether you buy/adopt a cross-breed dog, or get a purebred dog from a breeder. KUSA includes educational resources on its website and social media, encourages reporting of transgressions to the NSPCA, and runs programmes like the Canine Good Citizen Award.

Animal welfare organisations contend that, while this demonstrates a positive effort, it’s not enough. As an influential organisation and representative of dogs, KUSA has a greater responsibility to reflect the dogs’ best interests – and the potential power to effect real change.

Instead of the current “immovable object meets unstoppable force” situation, the answer may lie in cooperation. For groups like KUSA, this could mean collaborating with animal welfare organisations and rethinking how breed standards are applied. Perrins feels that this would both enhance KUSA’s credibility and provide greater understanding of the challenges faced by welfare workers – and the dogs that need them. For welfare groups, it may mean engaging constructively with registered breeders and kennel clubs rather than standing in uncompromising opposition.

And for us? It means being informed. Asking questions. Demanding transparency. Supporting ethical sources. Lobbying for change. Ultimately, the ones who benefit most are the dogs – and we can all agree that every dog deserves a happy, healthy life.

Purebred vs Pedigreed A purebred dog has both parents of the same breed. Only if its family tree (lineage) is formally recorded and registered with an official association like KUSA can it be called pedigreed. All pedigreed dogs are purebred, but not all purebred dogs are pedigreed. (Thoroughbred refers only to horses.)

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