ETHICAL BREEDING and PET OWNERSHIP CODE

Owners of Bullmastiffs are the beneficiaries of a legacy handed on and created by the concern and cares of past owners and breeders. To preserve this legacy it is necessary to state this Ethical Breeding and Pet Ownership Code to which we, as BMCSA members, shall subscribe. There exists a constant danger that disreputable or uninformed breeders may, by improper practices produce physically, mentally or temperamentally poor specimens to the detriment of the breed as a whole. We are also obligated to work within the guidelines as stipulated by Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA) and the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) to ensure the well being of our breed. 

Our mission is to promote, encourage and foster a better understanding and wider knowledge of Bullmastiffs and to conform to the breed standard. The preservation, betterment and well being of the Bullmastiff shall be the primary consideration of every member of the BMCSA. 
Breeders are requested to either pay for the membership registration for the puppy purchasers with the BMCSA for one year on completion of sale or supply the BMCSA with all relevant contact details of said purchasers to enable communication with new owners of Bullmastiffs.
Accordingly the purpose of the Code is not to discipline or affront but to rather set guidelines, which will ensure continuance of the legacy.

Every person who is a member of the BMCSA pledges adherence to the code, as set out below.

Members will ensure, at all times, that all dogs under their control are properly housed, fed, watered, exercised and will receive prompt proper Veterinary attention from a qualified person, if and when required. Members will ensure regular human interaction, environmental enrichment and visual stimulation for the dog's mental well-being

2

Members will ensure that the exercise area for their dogs is of sufficient size for the movement of such dog/s and to have the exercise area/s fenced or walled so as to restrict the movement of such dog/s to their property and that the exercise area is kept clean

3

Members will ensure effective control and not allow any of their dogs to roam at large or to unreasonably cause a nuisance to neighbours or those carrying out official duties whilst recognising at the same time that the dogs are there to protect the owners and their property

4

Members will ensure that their dogs be kept on a lead or under strict control at all times in public places. It is advisable that no child under 16 years of age be in charge of a Bullmastiff in a public place at any time unless under close supervision and such child and dog are properly trained

5

Members will ensure that no dog under their control will engage in dog fighting nor will they sell to any person they suspect engages in such activities

6

De-barking of dogs is strictly prohibited

7

No member shall permit any pure bred dog to mate with a dog of a different breed, to a cross bred dog or to an unregistered dog of the same breed.

8

All breeding stock must be hip and elbow dysplasia scored according to KUSA guidelines by a KUSA approved authority before mating takes place

9

When planning Bullmastiff matings, responsible consideration must be given to control , or if possible, eliminate faults or defects, especially if such faults or defects are hereditary. In all cases the temperament of both dog and bitch should be carefully considered

10

It is recommended that all dogs be micro-chipped for identification purposes

11

Dogs showing unprovoked aggression towards human beings must not be bred from or shown under any circumstances. Professional advice should be sought in order to rectify the aggressive behaviour of a dog towards humans.

12

Members shall not knowingly misrepresent the characteristics of the breed, nor falsely advertise or mislead any person regarding the potential, performance, quality or health of any dog

13

Members shall not knowingly sell any dog directly to commercial dog wholesalers, retail pet dealers, laboratories or to any person known to sell puppies to any of the aforementioned or directly or indirectly allow any dog to be given as a prize or donation in a contest of any kind.

14

Members selling stock shall supply the client at the time of sale with the necessary signed documents. If such documentation is not available the breeder shall forward to the client immediately after receipt from the Kennel Union.

15

Should the breeder wish to impose breeding restrictions on official papers, he/she will discuss the matter with the potential buyer and give written notification to the BMCSA and purchaser prior to the sale.

16

No breeder shall a puppy release to its new owner before it has reached the age of eight (8) weeks. Potential owners should preferably buy from the home in which the puppy was born and/or should be allowed the opportunity to view either both or one of the parents of the litter.

17

Puppies should only be exported to countries where they are protected by an Animal Bill of Rights and anti-cruelty laws. Export of dogs to countries where dog fighting is tolerated or where dogs are eaten is prohibited unless the exporter has personal knowledge of the purchaser and it prepared to provide the Committee with information to satisfy it that the dog will be properly cared for and protected.

18

Advertising with and referrals to potential buyers by the BMCSA will be in accordance with the Code.

19

Where there is substantive evidence members will ensure that they bring to the attention of the appropriate authority cases of alleged malpractice, mistreatment, fraud, dishonesty, cruelty or neglect and not commit such offences themselves. The Committee, after investigation of the complaint, may consider such matters and act accordingly.

20

Puppy farming

20.1

No member shall partake in puppy farming as described by KUSA and the NSPCA

20.2

If a member owns multiple bitches it is recommended that not more than one (1) litter per bitch be bred within a twelve (12) month period unless otherwise advised and certified by a Veterinarian

21

Breeders shall

21.1

not breed a litter unless they have the time and facilities to devote proper care and attention to the rearing of the puppies and the well being of the dam, and no member should provide stud service unless they are satisfied that the owner of the bitch has such time and facilities

21.2

keep an accurate pedigree of at least five (5) generations for each litter bred and retained by the breeder and owner of the stud dog for reference

21.3

ensure that any person wishing to acquire a dog from them is properly screened to establish suitability for ownership of any dog in general and a Bullmastiff specifically, and are clearly made to understand their responsibilities for the welfare and care of the dog/s and that they (the new owners) have the time and facilities to undertake their obligations effectively in terms of this Code

21.4

retain the names and contact details of all puppy purchasers for future reference

21.5

notify the BMCSA of all litters and provide BMCSA with full details, i.e. number of pups, colours, health, dates born, owner details

21.6

be prepared to assist in re-homing or take back any puppy should the need arise

21.7

ensure that no bullmastiff bred or kept by them will have its tail docked unless recommended by a veterinarian for medical reason

21.8

remove hind dewclaws, if any, from puppy within 72 hours of birth under veterinary supervision

21.9

provide to all persons acquiring dogs from them, written details of all dietary and immunization requirements, information about training and grooming and/or an appropriate publication relating to such requirements and responsible dog owners

21.10

provide details of any medication or inoculations the animal has received

21.11

give comprehensive back-up service with every puppy sold.

21.12

In the event of an owner being unable to continue to keep the Bullmastiff the breeder will make every effort to re-home the dog themselves or through the BMCSA Rescue Scheme.

22

It is recommended that no member shall allow a bitch to conceive, unless otherwise advised and certified by a Veterinarian,

22.1

before certified HD and ED scoring at or after eighteen (18) months and having reached her third oestrus

22.2

nor subsequently be bred from more than three (3) times in a twenty four (24) month period or allowing one (1) season to pass between breedings

22.3

a first litter over the age of five (5) years

22.4

having had a previous litter, after the age of six (6) years

22.5

more than four (4) litters in a lifetime

22.6

unless free from notifiable disease before mating

22.7

which is in poor condition or likely to suffer health problems as a result of producing the litter.

23

It is recommended that Members shall not have routine caesareans 
performed on bitches. This procedure should only be performed on a
Veterinarians recommendation at or near the time of birth. When
recommended by the Veterinarian, a bitch unable to undergo a further
caesarian, should be spayed immediately.

24

Owners of stud dogs will

24.1

not allow a mating before certified HD and ED scoring at or after eighteen
(18) months

24.2

not allow a mating to bitches that are over or under age

24.3

refuse a mating to any bitch that is not in good mental and physical condition

24.4

ensure the dog is free from notifiable disease before mating

24.5

not allow a stud dog to be used without consideration of the possible or probable results of the particular mating regarding both the Breed Standard and temperamental characteristics of both sire and dam.

25

Dog Shows

25.1

Members will abide by KUSA rules & regulations

25.2

Members shall always observe good sportsmanship and disparaging remarks about fellow members or their dogs should be strongly discouraged.  

Copyright Bullmastiff Club of Southern Africa 2006