Posted by Bully Assure Team | October 16, 2025
Dear Bully Community,
As the premium registry for the American Bully breed in South Africa, Bully Assure has always been at the forefront of championing the strength, loyalty, and unparalleled charisma of this incredible breed. We’re thrilled to announce a groundbreaking event on the horizon: the Genesis ABKC Show, set for February 7, 2026, in the heart of Johannesburg. This isn’t just another dog show—it’s the dawn of a new era for our community, a pivotal moment that will etch the American Bully’s legacy deeper into South African soil. Mark your calendars, rally your packs, and let’s dive into why this event is a must-attend, must-participate spectacle.
What Makes the Genesis ABKC Show Historic?
Hosted in Johannesburg, the economic and cultural pulse of our nation, the Genesis ABKC Show will feature conformation judging, junior handler classes, and breed-specific demonstrations that highlight the American Bully’s athleticism, temperament, and conformation standards. As Bully Assure’s flagship event, it aligns seamlessly with ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club) protocols, ensuring international recognition for top performers.
Save Up Early: Your Ticket to Glory Awaits
We know life in South Africa comes with its ebbs and flows—fuel prices, vet bills, and those unexpected pup-chew incidents add up fast. That’s why we’re urging you to start saving now for Genesis. Entry fees for conformation classes are high to accommodate ABKC standards, setup cost and related requirements. Set aside R500-R1 000 a month starting today, and you’ll be ringside without the stress. Participating isn’t just about ribbons—it’s an investment in your dog’s legacy and your passion. Who knows? Your Bully could be the one headlining next year’s recap, with a Genesis title propelling them to international invites.
A Tale of Inspiration: The 12-Year-Old Texas Phenom at the ABKC Atlanta Bully Marathon 2025
Back in late April 2025, during the high-octane ABKC Atlanta Bully Marathon (held April 25–27 at the Harper Event Center in McDonough, GA), a 12-year-old powerhouse from the Texas heartland made waves that echoed across the breed community. This wasn’t just any junior handler win; it was the kind of moment that reminds us why we pour our souls into these dogs. Dubbed the “Season Opener” alternative by organizers TrueFaze Events, the marathon packed in six ABKC-sanctioned shows over three days, drawing over 800 entries from across the U.S. and abroad.
Multi-breed rings featured everything from American Bullies (Standard, Pocket, XL) to Shorty Bulls, Frenchies, and Olde English Bulldogges, with four dedicated junior handler classes to boot. Judges like Senior Cindy McCloskey (Texas) and international heavy-hitters like Jesus Garcia (Spain) kept the energy dialed to 11, complete with custom Bully Creations trophies and a vendor expo that had the place buzzing like a hive.
Enter Mia Rodriguez, a wide-eyed 12-year-old from a small ranch outside Austin, TX, handling her family’s home-bred Pocket American Bully, “Little Maverick” (a compact blue-nose dynamo with impeccable Gottyline roots). Mia wasn’t from a fancy kennel dynasty—her folks run a modest setup focused on therapy dogs for local vets’ offices, breeding for heart over hype. This was only her third show ever, and Maverick was whelped just months earlier in a backyard litter, not some high-dollar import. But what they lacked in flash, they made up for in grit.
In the junior handler finals on Day 2 (Saturday, April 26), judged by Regina Goins, Mia stacked Maverick with the poise of a vet—flawless gait, confident eye contact, and that unbreakable handler-dog bond that turns heads. Against a field of 25 kids (some with pro trainers shadowing them), she edged out the competition to snag Best Junior Handler across all breeds, earning 20 merit points toward ABKC’s national junior program. The crowd lost it: cheers rippled through the three-ring setup as Mia hoisted her ribbon, tears mixing with Maverick’s slobbery kisses.
Post-win interviews (captured in ABKC’s official recap video) had her shyly crediting her dad’s “backyard drills” and Maverick’s endless patience during late-night practice sessions. Why does this hit different? In a scene often dominated by big-money bloodlines and seasoned pros, Mia’s victory was a shot in the arm for everyday enthusiasts. It sparked a 15% jump in junior handler registrationsfor ABKC’s summer circuit, per their post-event stats, proving these shows aren’t just about blue ribbons—they’re pipelines for the next gen.
For the breed, it underscored the American Bully’s core: approachable, eager-to-please companions who thrive with kids, not just in show stacks but in real life. Maverick’s win also bumped his pedigree value overnight, landing him invites to the Oklahoma Bully Breed Expo later that year.
A Rally Cry: Let’s Make History Together
Fellow Bully warriors, this is your moment. Dust off those leashes, polish those stacks, and let’s flood Genesis with the thunderous energy that defines our breed. Whether you’re a seasoned breeder or a first-time shower, your presence will amplify our roar. Join the Bully Assure community on our forums and socials to share prep stories, seek advice, and build hype. We’re stronger as a pack—train hard, save smart, and show up fierce. The Genesis ABLKC Show on February 7, 2026, isn’t coming soon enough. Until then, keep those Bullies happy, healthy, and ready to rumble. Who’s in? Drop a comment below or tag us with #GenesisABKC—let’s turn this dream into our reality.
With unwavering Bully pride,
The Bully Assure Team
The First and Premium Registry for American Bullies in South Africa
