2026 Judge Certification Program Now Open

Become an ABKC Certified Judge

The American Bully Kennel Club is now accepting applications for the 2026 Judge Certification Program. This comprehensive training program prepares qualified candidates to officiate at ABKC-sanctioned shows worldwide, joining an elite group of breed experts entrusted with evaluating the best American Bullies in the world.

Applications are open now through April 30, 2026. The training cohort begins in June 2026 with the annual Judges Education Seminar.

Program Overview

The ABKC Judge Certification Program is a rigorous, multi-phase training process designed to ensure that every ABKC judge possesses deep breed knowledge, consistent evaluation standards, and professional integrity. The program typically takes 12–18 months to complete.

Phase 1: Application and Screening (June 2026)

• Submit application with breeding/showing resume
• Provide letters of recommendation from two current ABKC judges
• Pass a written breed knowledge examination covering all four varieties
• Background check and character reference verification

Phase 2: Education Seminar (June–July 2026)

• Multi-day intensive seminar led by ABKC Senior Judges
• Hands-on breed evaluation workshops with live dogs
• Detailed study of breed standards for Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL
• Movement analysis and structural assessment training
• Ring management and professional conduct instruction

Phase 3: Apprentice Judging (August 2026 – March 2027)

• Attend a minimum of 6 ABKC shows as an apprentice judge
• Shadow experienced judges during actual competition
• Submit written evaluations that are reviewed against the officiating judge's placements
• Receive feedback and mentorship from assigned senior judge mentor

Phase 4: Provisional Certification (April 2027)

• Final comprehensive evaluation by the ABKC Judges Committee
• Provisional certification granted upon successful completion
• First-year judges are paired with a mentor for their initial assignments

Eligibility Requirements

Candidates must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. Age: Minimum 25 years old at time of application
2. Experience: Minimum 5 years of active involvement in the American Bully community (breeding, showing, or both)
3. Show record: Must have exhibited dogs at a minimum of 20 ABKC-sanctioned shows
4. Breed knowledge: Demonstrated expertise in American Bully breed standards across all four varieties
5. Character: Good standing within the ABKC community with no disciplinary actions on record
6. Availability: Commitment to attend all required seminars and complete the full apprentice phase

What Judges Earn

ABKC judges serve both for the love of the breed and for competitive compensation:

• Per-show judging fees (varies by show size and location)
• Travel and accommodation covered by show hosts
• Access to exclusive judges-only educational events and resources
• Opportunity to judge at international ABKC events
• Recognition and prestige within the global American Bully community

Current Judge Roster

The ABKC currently has 130 certified judges across three categories:

• Senior Judges: Full certification for all four varieties, eligible to judge Best in Show and specialty events
• Judges: Certified for all four varieties at standard show level
• Provisional Judges: Recently certified, paired with mentors for first-year assignments

View the complete judge directory, including individual bios and assigned roles, in the Judges section of the website.

How to Apply

Applications for the 2026 Judge Certification Program are submitted online through the ABKC website. The application requires:

• Completed application form with personal and professional information
• Detailed resume of ABKC involvement (shows attended, dogs bred/shown, titles earned)
• Two letters of recommendation from current ABKC-certified judges
• Non-refundable application fee
• Statement of interest describing your motivation and qualifications

"Our judges are the backbone of the ABKC show system. We're looking for individuals who combine deep breed knowledge with integrity, consistency, and a genuine passion for the American Bully." — ABKC Judges Committee Chairman

The application deadline is April 30, 2026. For questions about the program, contact the ABKC Judges Committee through the Help section or speak with any current ABKC judge at an upcoming show.