Rolando Mata

I have been involved with dogs since the late 1980’s. In my time, I have owned many different breeds of purebred dogs such as German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Great Dane, Miniature Pincher, but my loyalty lies with the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Bully. My passion for dogs has taken me through many ventures from rescue, training, breeding to conformation shows. In 1998, I became involved in conformation events with the UKC with my long time breed of choice the American Pit Bull Terrier. In my longhistory and experience in showing and breeding the UKC registered American Pit Bull Terrier I have titled countless dogs and proudly placed in the Top Ten Competition year after year. I am proud tosee that my hard work and dedication both as a handler and breeder has paved a legacy of success in the conformation show ring. My dogs, either owned, bred by or dogs directly off my offspring have graced the Top Ten Competition in the UKC show ring every year since 2002 to current times; and several have reached heights in the UKC record books as high scoring dogs and top producers. In 2009, I proudly reached the pinnacle of my era in the sport of purebred dogs by earning the right of becoming a conformation judge for both the United Kennel Club and American Bully Kennel Club. I have been honored with the prestige of judging the ABKC National Show in 2011; and this year 2015, I have been selected to the judging panel for the UKC Premier Show, the registry’s largest and most prestigious show of the year. I have proudly held the position of Senior Judge for the ABKC since 2010. My role in my current position as ABKC Senior Judge include but not limited to: • Prospecting, evaluating, apprenticing, and training new Judges.• Advisor to the registry, being involved in writing rules and regulations, testing and training materials, and involved in other positive changes to this evolving organization.• Testing, evaluating and retraining all ABKC Judges to ensure we meet the high level expected by the ABKC. I have been blessed with the opportunity to apply my extensive knowledge of dogs and their anatomy, as well as my experience of the sport of purebred dogs to lead the American Bully Breeds and the ABKC into a successful future. My preferred part of being a judge is having the opportunity to contribute and make a positive impact in the breed by sharing my knowledge and experience with other owners, exhibitors and breeders. It is most gratifying that my contributions have made a strong and positive impact in the American Bully Breed and the registry, the American Bully Kennel Club.