2026 National Specialty
We are proud to announce that our First Annual National Specialty will be held at UKC Premier Nationals on Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 in Kalamazoo, Michigan - judged by the highly respected breeder judge Michelle Blackowl.
Entries are currently open with discounted entry rates available until June 1, 2026!
Day of show entries will be offered for all classes.
What is a National Specialty?
There will be no bad awards at the specialty this year! All winners will receive rosettes (no flats!) and we will have additional prizes for many of our winners, such as: Best Male/Female, Best of Winners, Reserve Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, etc.
Some examples of the rosettes you will be seeing:
Prizes/Awards
For Specialty Swag, visit the Shop by clicking HERE
Your Questions, Answered
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That is not a problem! You can apply for a UKC Temporary Listing Number and have it within 15 minutes to enter the show. Once you get your dog’s permanent registration, you can transfer any wins from their TL Number to their permanent number!
Click here to apply: TL Numbers | United Kennel Club (UKC)
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While UKC recognizes that the American Bully is commonly described in four “types” (Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL), these varieties are not split into separate classes or divisions for competition purposes. Instead, all American Bullies are judged together against the same breed standard.
Exhibitors may choose to inform the judge of their dog’s variety during the individual examination if they feel it is helpful for context. However, this is optional and does not change how the dog is entered or judged.
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While you do not have to show your own dog, professional handlers are not allowed per UKC rules.
A professional handler is anyone who has accepted compensation to exhibit a dog in any registry.
Professional handlers may only show dogs that they are list as the owner or breeder of record of.
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Please email us at unitedamericanbullyassociation@gmail.com
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See below for all classes we will have.
UABA 2026 National Specialty Offered Classes
Which conformation classes will be offered?
Licensed Conformation classes offered at this event will be:
Regular Classes:
Puppy Class
Dogs who are at least 6 months old but under 1 year old.Junior Class
Dogs who are at least 1 year old but under 2 years old.Adult Class
Dogs who are 2 years old and older.Open Class
Open to any eligible dog 6 months of age or older that has not yet earned its UKC Champion title. This class can be especially helpful if you are exhibiting multiple dogs of the same age.Breeder/Handler Class
For dogs 6 months and older that are handled by their breeder of record with UKC. The dog cannot already be a Champion or Grand Champion.Champion Class
For dogs that have already earned their UKC Champion title and are working toward their Grand Champion title.Grand Champion Class
For dogs that have already earned their UKC Grand Champion title.
Winners will compete for Best in Specialty Show (BISS).
Altered Classes:
Altered Conformation has the same classes as regular, but all dogs competing must be spayed/neutered.
Winners will compete for Altered Best in Specialty Show.
Which non licensed classes will be offered?
Non-Licensed classes are more like “fun show” classes. These classes are to give dogs and handlers an extra place to shine, but points awarded do not count toward any Top Ten rankings.
Novice Puppy
For puppies who are at least 3 months old and under 6 months old. Winners compete for Best Notice Puppy in Show. This class is designed to introduce very young puppies to the show ring in a lower-pressure environment.Veteran Class
For senior dogs, typically 7 years of age and older. The purpose of the class is to recognize older dogs that continue to demonstrate good breed type, soundness, and condition, while also giving exhibitors a chance to see influential dogs from previous generations. Winners will compete for Best Veteran in Show.Brace Class
Consists of two dogs of the same breed shown together by a single handler. The dogs are judged on overall quality as well as similarity in type, size, markings, and movement. The goal is to showcase consistency and uniformity within a breeding program or kennel. Winners will compete for Best Brace in Show.Stud Dog Class
This class evaluates the quality and consistency of a male dog’s offspring rather than the stud dog himself. An entry consists of one stud dog and at least two, but no more than four, of his progeny. The offspring must be at least 3 months old, and at least two must also be entered in the licensed classes at the show. The class demonstrates the stud dog’s ability to consistently reproduce desirable traits. Winners will compete for Best Stud Dog in Show.Brood Bitch Class
Similar to Stud Dog Class, but for female producers. The class consists of one brood bitch and at least two, but no more than four, of her offspring. The class is judged on the quality and consistency of the progeny rather than the individual brood bitch herself. This class highlights females who have made a significant impact on a breeding program through their offspring. Winners will compete for Best Brood Bitch in Show.
Which Junior classes will be offered?
Non-Licensed Junior Classes:
Pee Wee
Children who are at least 2 years old but under 4 years old. A parent, guardian, or adult must be in the ring to help control the dog and assist the child. This is a non-competitive introduction class focused on fun and positive experiences. All participants receive an award or ribbon.Sub-Junior
Children who are at least 4 years old but under 6 years old. An adult may still accompany the child in the ring if needed. This class is also non-competitive and intended to help very young children learn ring procedures and confidence. All participants receive an award or ribbon.Pre-Junior
Children who are at least 6 years old but under 8 years old. Juniors in this class are expected to handle the dog on their own without an adult in the ring. Placements may be awarded, but competitors do not earn UKC Junior points and are not eligible for Best Junior Handler. This class serves as a bridge into the licensed divisions.
Licensed Junior Showmanship classes (where points and Best Junior Handler eligibility begin):
Novice Junior
Handlers who are at least 8 years old but under 13 years old and are still considered beginner competitors.Open Junior
Handlers who are at least 8 years old but under 13 years old. This division is for more experienced young handlers.Novice Senior
Handlers who are at least 13 years old but under 18 years old and are still eligible for the beginner division.Open Senior
Handlers who are at least 13 years old but under 18 years old.