Agree to promote a high standard among Boerboel owners and breeders in the pursuit for the preservation, progress and improvement of the breed.

Accept that on failure to abide by this Code they shall be investigated and dealt with by the Board, as provided for in the Constitution (Clause 7: Resignations and misconduct). In the event of an investigation into possible misconduct, the Board may decide to temporarily withhold all services to the member concerned.

Inform the office of the Society of all changes concerning contact information, transfer of ownership of dogs, and the demise of dogs registered in their name within 30 (thirty) days of occurrence.

Provide the best possible health care to all dogs in their possession and on their premises at all times. This includes:

Obtaining immediate veterinary care for sick or injured dogs; taking dogs for regular veterinary check-ups; and ensuring that dogs' inoculations - as prescribed from region to region in South Africa and other countries - are always up to date.

Providing dogs with proper and sanitary housing, and in accordance with local authority regulations in a specific region/country. This includes:

enclosures that are large enough for dogs to move around freely and get sufficient exercise;

strong fencing to retain and keep dogs safe;

shelter to protect dogs against the elements of nature;

enclosures that are easy to clean and that are cleaned and disinfected regularly for protection against parasites and vermin;

placing food and water containers where it is out of direct sun, rain and snow.

Not allowing cruelty to or the neglect of any Boerboel or take part in any dog fighting, and to bring incidences of such involvement by a member to the Society’s attention immediately.

Not selling any dog directly or indirectly to any third party, commercial dog wholesaler, pet shop or pet dealer.

SABBS places a high premium on members’ commitment and responsibility to place dogs with committed and ethical owners. Members are advised to not sell their Boerboels to countries where dog fighting and the slaughtering of dogs for human consumption are practised, and to make confirmed incidences of abuse publicly known.

Taking care that their dogs are not a nuisance or threat to neighbours, visitors and members of the public by making a noise, soiling and not being on a leash and under control in public areas.

Being extremely cautious when children are around animals, and to keep both dogs and children safe by teaching them to respect each other. It cannot be expected of a dog to tolerate a child’s bad behaviour.

Deal with fellow members, breeders and buyers honestly, truthfully and respectfully.

Inclusive of Section 1 above (Members and owners) accept, agree and understand that the Boerboel is still a developing breed, and that in order to breed:

unappraised dogs should not be used for breeding;

the dog must not be younger than 12 (twelve) months of age before mating takes place;

a dog should not be bred with an unregistered Boerboel, or a dog of another breed;

SABBS must have appraised the dog at a minimum of 75%;

breeding stock should be tested for hereditary genetic diseases, i.e. hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, vaginal hyperplasia, entropion, ectropion, disticiasis and Wobbler’s disease prior to breeding; and

dogs presented for birth registration, appraisal and transfer of ownership must have microchips; and DNA profiles of both parents must be submitted to the Society.

Set as their aim to improve public recognition of the Boerboel breed and its image by:

acting truthfully and without financial gain as prime motive in providing prospective buyers with information on the Society’s breed standard; registration requirements and procedures; the pedigree and registration status of dogs to be sold and the characteristics of the breed (including temperament and health traits);

consulting with prospective buyers to ascertain whether the Boerboel is a breed suitable to their requirements and circumstances, and to explain to them their responsibilities towards the breed at large, the dogs' feeding and health requirements, as well as the intentions of this Code of Conduct;

providing buyers with references to further information on the Society’s website in respect of standards, the Constitution and Bylaws;

ensuring/undertaking that buyers receive all documentation (Birth Notifications/Registration Certificates, transfer of ownership confirmation, inoculation, health and microchip certificates, Code of Conduct and a Sales Agreement, guarantees and transport or export permits - where applicable) when dogs leave their premises;

registering the births of litters within 120 days of birth, and not handing puppies to the new owners before they are at least 8 (eight) weeks old;

taking note of the concept Sales Agreement (available at www.sabbs.org and from This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and if not used, ensure that written contractual agreements are entered into with buyers for the protection of both parties in case the Society is called on to investigate disputes.

Selecting breeding males and females with the objective of improving the standard of the specific bloodline, the overall improvement of the breed, its conformation, temperament and overall health, while conforming to the Society’s Breed Standard and the genetic principles of breeding at all times (refer to “Breed Standard” as defined in Clause 3. of the Main Constitution, and to Bylaw E2 1(f)).

It is recommended that where possible, prospective breeders attend a Boerboel Workshop to obtain an understanding and knowledge of the Breed Standard, breeding principles and the appraisal system.

Registering all breeding dogs in accordance with the Society’s requirements and procedures, as set out in the relevant Bylaws to the Constitution, and keeping complete records of all breeding dogs, their pedigrees, Service (Mating) Certificates, breeding history, transfer of ownership and contractual agreements with other parties.

Following the Society’s health requirements and recommendations, as stipulated in the Constitution and relevant Bylaws, and keeping full health records, health test results and inoculation certificates of all breeding dogs.

SABBS places a high premium on breeders’ commitment and responsibility to sell Boerboels to committed and ethical owners. Members are advised to not sell their Boerboels to countries where dog fighting and the slaughtering of dogs for human consumption or use are practised, and to make confirmed incidences of abuse publicly known.

always strive to conduct himself in a worthy manner and to not hesitate to make his knowledge, experience and insight into the Boerboel available to interested parties;

always strive to promote the Boerboel breed and SABBS positively;

appraise dogs without preconceptions, with the greatest of care, diligence and compassion towards the breed, the breeders and the owners;

remain up to date and informed regarding the Breed Standard and any new developments regarding the breed, by regularly attending workshops and refresher courses, and in so doing broaden his knowledge and continue to strive for improvement regarding his training as an appraiser. It is expected from an appraiser to attend at least one refresher workshop per year. An appraiser risks losing his status if he fails to attend one of the refresher courses;

be only guided by the SABBS' Breed Standard throughout the appraisal process in order to formulate an honest assessment and appraisal;

exclusively direct his attention to the dogs presented for appraisal and not discriminate against particular types of dogs, owners or breeders, no matter what their appearance;

be professional and discreet in his commentary on the dog being appraised;

provide positive and constructive information, rather than being negative about the breed, owners or handlers in any way;

wholeheartedly co-operate with fellow officials, and wherever possible assist to make their task easier;

ensure that all necessary documentation is maintained with care so that he can certify the accuracy thereof;

conduct himself in a collegial manner outside the appraisal ring and behave with ethical correctness to demonstrate a sense of responsibility as an appraiser;

make no comments or conduct him in a manner that is an embarrassment to either himself or SABBS;

derive no commercial benefit as a result of his appraiser status;

not appraise a dog that he has bred or owns. The organiser must be informed accordingly and in advance, so that a replacement appraiser may be arranged.

An appraiser shall accept that the Board, if necessary, may take disciplinary action against him in the event that he does not conduct himself according to this Code. This may take the form of any or all of the following:

a request to appear before, and justify/explain his actions to the Board;

loss of rank or status as an appraiser;

suspension of appraiser status for a period of time; and/or

being declared completely incapable of appraising Boerboels.

It is expected of every appraiser to sign the Code of Conduct Agreement annually.

strive and act to further the Objectives and Constitution of the Society at all times;

attend all Board meetings as specified by the Constitution;

respect the Society’s structures and contribute to the Subcommittees;

make the Society the top priority in all dealings and conduct concerning members and the Boerboel;

strive for unity and a compassionate outlook at all times;

deal with enquiries and resolve complaints;

promote and publicise the Boerboel in the various areas and regions;

derive no commercial benefit as a result of his Board member status;

make no comments or conduct himself in a manner that is an embarrassment to either himself or SABBS;

accept direct responsibility to identify, advertise, coordinate and organise appraisals and shows in his region in collaboration with the Chairman of the Breed Standard and Appraisal Committee or Show Committee, as specified in the Constitution and relevant Bylaws;

provide the Web Editor and the Office in good time with information of the starting times and directions to appraisal and show venues for publicity purposes;

accept responsibility that appraisals and shows shall be self-funding, unless the Board has agreed that SABBS will pay additional costs;

accept responsibility to provide the office with appraisal results and moneys due within 1 (one) week after the appraisal event;

accept responsibility to:

identify apprentice appraisers;

appoint regional representatives to assist with the organising of appraisal days and shows;

identify and train administrative staff or volunteers to assist at appraisal days and shows;

arrange the attendance of a senior appraiser in collaboration with the Chairman of the Breed Standard and Appraisal Committee; and

arrange judges for shows;

commit to dealing with other Board members and staff members respectfully and honestly;

adhere to the principles of loyalty and confidentially in dealing with Board and Society matters, as may be required;

accept corporate responsibility by:

staying abreast of all resolutions and polices during his tenure;

following through and executing all delegated tasks; and

responding to requests for input concerning Board matters by indicating within 24 hours when his feedback may be expected;

accept that the Board/Executive Committee, if necessary, may take disciplinary action against him in the event that he does not conduct himself according to this Code. This may take the form of any or all of the following:

a request to appear before, and justify/explain his actions to the Board /Executive Committee;

loss of status as a Board member.

strive and act to further the Objectives and Constitution of the Society at all times;

respect the Society’s structures;

make the Society the top priority in all dealings and conduct concerning members and the Boerboel;

strive for unity and a compassionate outlook at all times;

deal with enquiries and refer it to the Board or designated committee, if indicated;

promote and publicise the Boerboel in his region;

derive no commercial benefit as a result of his involvement with SABBS;

make no comments or conduct himself in a manner that is an embarrassment to either himself or SABBS;

accept responsibility to identify, advertise, coordinate and organise appraisals and shows in his regions in collaboration with the relevant Board member and Chairman of the Breed Standard and Appraisal Committee or Show Committee, as specified in the Constitution and relevant Bylaws;

provide the Web Editor and the Office in good time with information of the starting times and directions to appraisal and show venues for publicity purposes;

accept responsibility that appraisals and shows shall be self-funding, unless the Board has agreed that SABBS will pay additional costs;

accept responsibility to:

identify and train administrative staff or volunteers to assist with the organising and administration at appraisals and shows;

arrange the attendance of a senior appraiser in collaboration with the Chairman of the Breed Standard and Appraisal Committee; and

arrange judges for shows.

accept responsibility to provide the Office with appraisal results and moneys due within 1 (one) week after the appraisal event;

commit to dealing with Board members and staff respectfully and honestly;

adhere to the principles of loyalty and confidentially in dealing with Society matters, as may be required;

respond to requests from the Board/Breed Standard and Appraisal Committee for input concerning his area of responsibility by indicating within 24 hours when his feedback may be expected;

accept that the Board/Executive Committee, if necessary, may take disciplinary action against him in the event that he does not conduct himself according to this Code. This may take the form of any or all of the following:

a request to appear before, and justify/explain his actions to the Board /Executive Committee;

loss of status as a regional representative.