Show tackles negative stereotypes surrounding bully breed

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The SABKC is the official registry in South Africa for the American Bully Breed, and works side-by-side with the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC).

The American Bully breed was created in 1990 and gained recognition and establishment in 2004.

The American Bully is also sometimes called the Bullypit, the name also used by some hybrid clubs for the American Bulldog and American Pitbull Terrier mix, which is not the same as the American Bully breed.

Tiffany Jabour, of the SABKC, says the event was a huge success.

“We had loads of people through the door, far more than expected. Our Bully entries were the most that we have had throughout 2013, so it was a great way to end the year,” she says.

Jabour adds that there is a negative stereotype about the bully breed, and the SABKC is dedicated to spreading awareness about the breed.

“Our goal is to ensure that American Bully Breeds in SA are kept pure and never become misunderstood,” she explains.

“We hope to positively promote the breed with our events, to help to educate the public, bring people together for their love of the breed and help break down negative stereotypes of both the breed and people.”

The American Bully was created through years of selective breeding by combining the desired traits of the UKC American Pit Bull Terrier and the AKC American Staffordshire Terrier.

Some lines have added other bully breeds into the mix and sometimes non bully breeds.

It is often confused with the American Pitbull Terrier but is clearly a different breed.

Bullies of all shapes and sizes came with their owners, either to compete in the show or just to bark at their fellow breed buddies.

Owners had a difficult time keeping the excited animals quiet and still.

Emmy Laubuschagne came to support the pitbull team and wants people to stop abusing the animals.

“They are not violent, and people should stop putting them in dog fights,” she says.

Paul van Niekerk owns a five-year-old bully, but did not bring it to the show.

“I like big, staunch dogs, and the bully is also very intelligent,” he said.

Mother and son Reneé and Aiden Samuel have an 11-week-old bully, as well as a Yorkshire terrier and a bull terrier.

“They’re such cuddle buddies,” says Reneé.

Husband and wife Jamie and Ulrike Nieuwoudt brought along their 10-week-old pitbull.

“We love the animals, they’re friendly and loyal, and they’ve been given a bad rep,” says Ulrike

“They’re really used as comfort dogs, and they are very intelligent.”