Bully Power: Gatineau’s First International ABKC Dog Show
The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) is bringing the first international dog show to town on June 17. The 4-show event is organized by Gréber and Vanier Chico Pet Store and Summum Bullyz/Luckyline Canada owners Frank Frias and Michelle Burke, Dogotron Bullyz owner Rolland Augustin and Double D’s Kennel owner, renowned judge, and breeder Alex Ferraro. Set to take place at the Branchaud-Brière Complex, it will run from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Featuring international judges from the US, Amsterdam and Romania, the event is set to put American Bullies on the map.
“This is the first big dog show that’s been done in Quebec,” Burke said. “Honestly, we have received so much support from breeders and people who love Bullies.”
The multi-race shows will feature a variety of breeds ranging from American Bullies and APBT to French Bulldogs. Each performance will be divided by dog class and age, with the first show featuring puppies between the ages of nine months to 1.5 years.
All four shows are set to be introduced and hosted by junior breeders in the region, and breeders from all over the world will be in attendance to show off their quality dogs and extend their knowledge and experience.
“Here in Quebec, we’re starting to see a lot of breeders, but not everyone knows what they’re doing,” Frias said. “The main goal of this dog show is to introduce people to breeders who pour their hearts into their work in order to breed quality dogs in Quebec and Canada. We want to stand out.”
Entrance will be free for kids who are aged 12 or younger and $20 per adult and dog. Eventgoers who are bringing their dog should bring a cage to ensure that show dogs are not distracted during and in-between shows as many will be performing for the first time.
“It is really important for the public to know that they can bring their dogs, but they cannot walk them around the premises,” Burke explains. “They absolutely should bring a cage because this is an exhibition and we need to ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable.”
Ninety-four regular booths and 44 commercial booths will be available for purchase—each is divided by section, the black zone being $200, red zone $300 and commercial zone $600. Booth holders will benefit from a package which includes free entrance for two adults and 4 dogs and/or puppies.
While the focus will remain on the dog shows throughout the day, the event will feature food vendors, a canteen, and of course local businesses.
More than anything, it will also be an opportunity to tear down the stigma surrounding American Bullies and similar breeds. With this event being the first of its kind in Quebec, it is sure to set the standard for dog shows in the region moving forward.
“I think there’s an educational element. We want to show the general public that this race of dog is friendly and kind—that they are family dogs,” Burke said. “The visibility of this show will allow people to see them and pet them. They will be able to observe how they behave, and I think that this will really aid the Bully community.”