American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) Conformation Shows are hosted to improve the quality and standard of the American Pit Bull Terrier in South Africa. It is a prestigious event to show off the best of the breed.
Each individual organisation has its own set of show rules but the overall health of the dogs must be taken into consideration first and foremost.
- Eligibility: Only dogs that meet health and behavioral requirements are allowed to participate. No human aggressive dogs will be allowed on a show.
- Proof of ownership must be supplied for each dog (either by registration paper or micro-chip number). If the owner of the dog is not present, there must be a sworn affidavit by the owner of the dog accompanying the handler giving him/her authorisation to transport and show the dog on that particular day.
- Health of the dog: A fully up-to-date vaccination certificate must be presented at each show for each dog.
- No bitches on heat are allowed to enter a show.
- No dogs are allowed to be given any substances during training such as performance enhancers, steroids etc. If it is at all suspected the dog will be disqualified and the handler/owner will be fined in terms of the Animal Protection Act by an Animal Health Inspector.
- Classes: Dogs are divided into various classes based on age, gender and weight. The classes may include puppy classes, veteran classes, working classes, and more.
- Dogs entered into an open class over the age of 9 months must be neutered / spayed. Proof of this documentation must be submitted to show administration for record keeping purposes.
- Judging: Judges at shows must be qualified judges and adhere to strict standards of conduct and impartiality. They are responsible for evaluating the dogs in their classes based on various criteria, such as breed standard, movement, temperament, and more.
- General:
- No alcohol allowed.
- No cooler boxes allowed, food stalls available please support them.
- Please clean-up after your dog.
- Be courteous and considerate towards your fellow handlers and their dogs.
