Fred Lanting – Sr. Conformation Judge
Fred has 50 years of experience breeding dogs and is an international judge, trainer and handler of many breeds including American Pit Bull Terriers, AmStaffs, German Shepard Dogs. Fred has twice judged the UKC Premier among his many accomplishments and is also an author, lecturer and consultant who frequently travels throughout the US and around the world judging, teaching and lecturing. http://www.fredlanting.org/
Wilbur Mayes – Sr. Conformation Judge
Will has more than 30 years experience breeding and showing various breeds of purebred dogs in the UKC and ADBA. Will has also been a high school teacher for more than 30 years and this teaching experience makes him exceptionally well suited for the educational aspect of ABBA judging.
Chris Amick – Sr. Trianer
Chris has been active in dog sports since 1978 and has trained and titled dogs in both AKC obedience and Schutzhund sportwork. A former Kennel Manager at the Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Chris is also a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Chris has been nominated to the International Association of Canine Professionals 2008 Hall of fame! Chris is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, the group of dog experts recommended by Cesar Millan; the American Protection and Patrol Dog Association; the American Dog Owners’ Association; and has assisted several law enforcement departments with their K-9 programs. He serves on the Board of Directors for AngelRescues and does temperament testing and evaluations for Birmingham-Jefferson County Animal Control. www.dogguy.us
Emiliano Banda – Conformation Judge
Emilano is a breeder of American Bullies and lives in North Central California. He is enthusiastic about the ABBA mission of education and youth involvement and brings years of show experience. He has completed his apprenticeship and training and is proficient in ABBA standards and procedures.
Jimmie Koffel – Conformation Judge
Jimmy brings more than 25 years years of training, animal bevioralist experience as well as breeding and showing experience to the ABBA and is passionate about fairness and structure. He has completed his apprenticeship and training and is proficient in ABBA standards and procedures.
Rowdy Yates – Conformation Judge, Show Handling Instructor
Rowdy is a licensed AKC, UKC judge and is also licensed to judge the breeds of numerous national breed clubs such Australian Sheppard Club of America. Rowdy is in demand all across the country because his strength is the ability to judge fairly and accurately to the breed standard established by the organization that licensed him. Rowdy brings more than 35 years of judging experience, 42 years of breeding experience and more than 25 years of teaching show handling experience to the ABBA.
Ernesto Castellanos – Conformation Judge
Ernesto brings years of conformation showing, show handling and dog training experience in numerous breeds. He is also an effective teacher, able to share his knowledge and insights to new breeder/handlers. His accomplishments are showing a dog from novice to championship in the AKC. This level of professionalism and breadth of experience is an asset to the ABBA membership.
Cekay Spikes – Conformation Judge
Cekay is one of our American heroes, active duty military who recently returned from serving in Iraq and Afghanistan in vitally important roles. He brings more than 20 years of experience training and working with dogs and his high level of integrity and commitment come directly from the pledges to honor and duty from his military service career and the Christian principles he has lived his entire life demonstrating.
Eric Ripley – ABBA Central Florida Rep
Eric is a respected breeder and successful show organizer who brings a wealth of experience about hosting successful conformation dog shows. He is well prepared to help you organize your first successful ABBA show. Eric is experienced breeding both styles of American Bully/American Pit Bull Terrier. Breeding and dogs are a family affair with Eric and his participation is instrumental is promoting the fair, fun and friendly mission of the ABBA.
Jennifer aka Lady GRASSHOPPA – Founder & Executive Director
Jennifer is a respected activist for breeder rights and an outspoken advocate for ethics, education, training and professionalism in the bully community. While known for her passion, integrity and credibility, Jennifer’s greatest strength is her years of experience in starting and operating small businesses. Jennifer has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Business and has been instrumental in the startup of multimillion dollar corporations. Also a mentor, coach and workshop trainer, her experience with dogs started with breeding Dobermans in the 1970s, includes an brief apprenticeship in protection training, mentorship under numerous prominent members of the bully community and successful efforts breeding and showing American Bullies and American Pit Bull Terriers. Jennifer will be an ABBA conformation judge, ABBA Judge & Representative Trainer and Coordinator. www.razorsharppits.com