All new applications need to apply to KUSA for membership as well. Follow these easy steps to get started!
Apply for NON-BREEDER membership
Non-Breeder/Regular members are dog owners. They do not intent to breed but want to be part of the SAM community and be eligible for all the discounts, perks, and courses offered to members.
To join you must:
- Submit the membership application form
- Submit a signed copy of the code of ethics
- Submit the paperwork for the South African Mastiff that you own
- Pay the joining and annual membership fee
Once all 4 are received, the notice of application will be published on the website and sent to the members for voting. Members have 7 days to comment and vote on your application. If the application is successful, you will be notified and will receive your membership number and password. If not successful, the fees paid will be refunded.
Apply for Breeder membership
Breeders are members who have the same vision as the organization and want to help the organization to achieve its mission and vision. They also form part of the SAM community and are eligible for all the discounts, perks, and courses offered to members. All breeders need to apply for KUSA membership as well. Our office will assist you with the KUSA application once your SAM membership is approved. KUSA will only accept membership applications that have been approved by our council.
To join you must:
- Submit the Breeder application form
- Submit a signed copy of the code of ethics (sign every page)
- Submit a motivation letter (300-500 words) with the reasons why you want to join.
- Pass the kennel/home check
- Pay the joining and annual membership fee for breeders
- Pay the Kennel affix/stud name reservation fee and submit the request form
- Pass the 3 courses: History of the breed, Breed Standard, Breeding Principles
Once the first 4 are received, the notice of application will be published on the website and sent to the members for voting. Members have 7 days to comment and vote on your application as a member. If the application is successful, you will be notified and will receive your membership number and password. If not successful, the fees paid will be refunded.
You will only be recognized as a breeder after completing all the above successfully. Refresher courses and tests must be completed every 5 years, and kennels evaluated annually, for you to be a BREEDER IN GOOD STANDING.
Controlled breeding
Malcom B Willis said: “We are the custodians of our chosen breeds. It behoves us to hand it over to the next generation in a better state than what we received it, or we would have achieved nothing and the breeds we profess to love, will be the sufferers.” With these words fresh in our minds, we implemented 2 sets of requirements for breeding.
Minimum requirements
The minimum requirement is that each dog, before it is allowed to be used for breeding, has to be identified by a microchip, it has to pass an official Hip Dysplasia test and it has to receive a grading of at least “G” (Good) from a qualified judge assessing the breed survey. In addition, bitches must be at least 14 months old and males at least 16 months old at the time of breeding. In order to receive the “G” grading a dog has to be free of disqualifying faults as laid down in the Breed standard, may not be afraid of a gun-shot and has to pass a basic temperament test. As of the year 2019 DNA profiling has become mandatory.
Strict requirements
Keeping in mind that the South African Mastiff is a working breed, it is necessary to up the ante when choosing breeding pairs. While the above is the minimum standard, a second level of breeding has been developed whereby additional standards of parents are required. This includes an endurance test and an advanced Breed Survey.
Who can join?
The South African Mastiff is not limited to only dogs of the Ysterberg Bloodline, but is inclusive of those dogs registered as Boerboels, whose owners agree to follow the strict breeding requirements of the South African Mastiff® Breed Council, which includes health and temperament evaluations prior to breeding. Currently all dogs are in the development register and they form part of the foundation stock of SAM. Once the development register closes, no other breeds, like the Boerboel, will be allowed.
