Q & A with ABKC Judge: Rolando Mata

State your name and your involvement with the breed?

Hello Bully World, I am ABKC Senior Judge Rolando Mata.  My involvement with the breed and the American Bully Kennel Club runs very deep. Most notably I have been directly involved in changes and improvements in policies and the restructuring of the registry, in recent history. I have also been a major contributor in the 2012 revision of the American Bully Standard, which in my opinion is a huge step in the right direction for this breed.

How long have you been an ABKC judge, and what inspired you to begin judging?

I have been a judge with the American Bully Kennels Club since 2009. I am also a Judge for the UKC (United Kennel Club).  I may be telling my age on this one, but I have been involved with dogs (American Pit Bull Terriers) since the late 80’s.  I would say that my general drive and inspiration is my passion for these dogs.  After competing at the highest level for many years and reaching some very admirable accomplishments in the UKC, I set out to reach as many young breeders and enthusiast as possible to share my passion and knowledge of dogs.

My first Bully Show, was a huge Atomic Dogg Show in North Carolina.  It sparked my inspiration to become involved with the American Bully Breed and “The Bully Movement”.  I must admit, I saw many cases of unfortunate dogs in less than suitable conditions, both physical and sanitary.  Many were lacking merit and soundness, as well as training and grooming.  Despite some of the needed improvement, I can still think back on that day and feel the electrifying atmosphere and enthusiasm that I felt while in the building.  It was a perfect opportunity to put my passion and knowledge to work and become an active contributor in making a positive impact in a young breed, and a very passionate community.

What are some of the main things ABKC judges look for in show dogs?

Show dogs should be exemplary specimens of the breed and serve as the future contributors to the very delicate gene pool of their respected breed.  Having said this, we as judges have the burden of responsibility in our choices, because these decisions have a huge impact on the breeds of dogs that we evaluate and judge.  Every judge should look for soundness, both in structure and temperament, as well as breed type; never sacrificing one for the other.

What would you say is one of the best things about being an ABKC judge?

Wow…where do I start?  The weekend getaways?  The travel across the country and other parts of the world?  The extra income?  All these sound great but in all honesty my trips are always strictly business, and normally are in and out.  It is sad that I travel to cities all over the country, and the world, and never have the time or opportunity to actually experience the place.  My usual show weekend consists of fighting Atlanta traffic, as I stressfully rush to the airport after work on Friday to catch a flight; then a late Friday night arrival, and sometimes extra commute travel. This seldom leaves time for enjoyment.  On Saturday it’s show time!  I am usually one of the first at the show and one of the last to leave. After a long day the best I can hope for is enjoying a nice dinner with friends talking dogs, and a good night rest to wake early Sunday morning for travel back home. All in hopes to spend some much needed time with my family, before returning to reality come Monday, when it is right back to the routine of my real job.

So could it be the money?   Our earnings of around $200 for the weekend is hardly compensation for our time spent away from our homes and our families.  However, for most of us judging dogs is something that we love to do, and after all doing a job that you love to do hardly seems like work!   I take pride and gratification in judging because every time I step in the show ring I have the opportunity to reach so many.  Having this opportunity and the ability to educate and grow enthusiasts, and help improve the breed is definitely the best thing about being an ABKC Judge.

Have you noticed any general thing that can be improved on by everyone that shows their dogs?

Of course.  Every time I judge I see so many things in need of improvement, such as handling skills, hygiene, grooming, training, and sportsmanship. The most important thing in serious need of improving, is the general education about the breed, the standard, structure, breed type, and understanding of dog shows.  This lack of understanding of the mentioned is the biggest culprit in the constant bickering, complaining, drama, and most importantly the lack of consistency and merit in the dogs we choose to bring in the ring as show dogs, as well as to use in our programs as studs or broods.  Education is key!

You also co-host a huge show every year, tell our readers about that and what they have to look forward to in 2014.

I can go on and on about this one but I will give you the short version…  ABKC’s Atlanta Bully Mania is the most fun and unique show that you will attend…point blank.  If you are not there you will miss the greatest show on earth! For the past four years, my partner Bully the Kid and I have hosted three shows per year, Bully Mania in March, Bully Independence in June/July, and Atlanta Bully Fest in October.  We bring a different flavor with each of the shows.  Bully Independence is geared more towards the serious show advocate and professional, while Atlanta Bully Fest brings back that old school outdoor BBQ feel, with a good atmosphere that were the roots of the ABKC.  Bully Mania our marquee, Red Carpet Event captures the essence of the ABKC, and the Bully Community bringing you that big show feel, where all of the who’s who of the Bully World come to mingle in harmony with a laid back party atmosphere, while maintaining a professional, well ran show, and the fiercest competition around, aside from maybe ABKC Nationals.  In fact Bully Mania was the site for the third largest Champion Class in ABKC history, next to 2012 and 2013 ABKC Nationals.  This show is also the only official ABKC Premiere Event.  This is the one…., the one and only ABKC’s Atlanta Bully Mania!

Do you have a kennel or own any dogs?

I do not consider myself a breeder, but I guess you can say I have a kennel.  I own True Kennels, home to UKC Grand Champions and top ranked competitors.  Although I do not consider myself a “true” breeder in the past 15 years I have produced 7 litters, which have paved the way to countless titled dogs, many ranking in the UKC’s list of Annual Top Ten Rankings, Top Producers, and one of the top scoring dogs in UKC History.  I am proud that my short breeding history has led to at least one dog that I have either owned, bred, being in the UKC’s Top Ten rankings every year since 2002.

Do you currently show any of your dogs, and are any of them ABKC champions?

I currently own only 3 dogs, two retired UKC Grand Champion males and a female who is my fourth generation, and is a great show prospect.  Now all I have to do is find the time to get her out to the show ring!  None of them are ABKC registered American Bullies.

Where would you like to see the bully game 10 years from now?

The Bully Game….in 10 years, wow what a question!  I would love to see better educated enthusiasts, who can serve as ambassadors to this amazing breed.  Education is key but will only be achieved if we as owners and breeders take pride and take charge of our programs.  We have to take the time to educate ourselves and have pride in our creation.  Another very important piece of the puzzle is health testing our breeding stock.  This is nonexistent at the time, and I hope that in 10 years it will be the standard of how things are done.  This is the way to better sound, healthier specimens of the breed, and also the way to further strengthen the gene pool of the American Bully.

What advice would you give to someone, that is interested in getting involved with the breed?

Do as much research as you possibly can about the breed, dogs in general and the breeders that you purchase from.  Be wise in the alliances that you create, for it is very important to surround yourself with positive people, that are where you would like to someday be.  Start off with the best possible, and always strive for improvement!

Do you have any other hobbies or interests?

If I had the time, I may! The dog game holds my interest because it is ever changing, always challenging and we are constantly learning.

What motto do you live by?

Always looking for improvement and striving for excellence!!!

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?

Bully Girl Magazine is a diverse publication that I have watched grow and improve with every issue through the past few years.  BGM, captures the essence of the culture that is the Bully World.  As far back as I can remember, going back to the roots of the Bully World, hot chicks and bullies have gone hand in hand. BGM does a great job bringing you the best of both worlds!  Half of every issue brings you the hot chicks with the Bullies, while the other half keeps our Bully Community informed with news and topics, relevant to our breed, our culture, and our community.