ADBA Event Rules
American Pit Bull Terrier Conformation Standard
Top Dog Athletic Event Rules 2026 (Clarification added 9/1/26)
Top Dog Point Chart (Updated 2/2026)
ADBA Incident Report (Club Use Only)
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND SANCTIONED EVENT SHOWGROUND RULES
- All dogs must be ADBA registered to enter any ADBA sanctioned event, and in the current owner’s name. Dogs that have not been named must be given a registered name by the breeder or transferred and given a registered name by the new owner before participating in a sanctioned event. Contact the registration department at least 14 days prior to the sanctioned event if the dog has a letter listed as the registered name. (Dogs ADBA registration paper(s) or Show & Pull ID card must be presented when registering for event.)
- Conformation Age Requirement: Dog must be no less than four months of age (to the date of its birth) to be entered. (This is to protect the temperament & health of the young dogs.)
- Weight Pull/Top Dog Athletic Event Age Requirement: Dog must be no less than nine months of age (to the date of its birth) to be entered.
- No puppies or dogs allowed on the premises – for sale or otherwise – unless entered in one of the day’s sanctioned events.
- All children on premises must always have adult supervision.
- All dogs will be secured in dog crates and attended to at all times.
- All dog crates must be in good condition. No wire crates allowed.
- Dogs will be held in designated holding area until called for participation.
- While participating in event(s), leads are to be no longer than 4 feet and attached to a secure “belt buckle” collar.
- No “flex” leads, “quick release” snaps, or “choke chains” or chain leads allowed.
- There will be no “facing-off” of dogs, “challenges” or un-sportsman like conduct allowed.
- Conformation: No spayed or neutered dogs.
- Weight Pull and Top Dog Athletic Event: Only ADBA registered dogs, both intact and or spayed/neutered, or LPP (Limited Performance Privilege) dogs are allowed to enter in an ADBA sanctioned weight pull.
- No females in heat allowed.
- Females that can be determined to be pregnant by visual inspection will be ineligible to compete in ANY/ALL ADBA Sanctioned event(s).
- Inappropriate and/or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
- Any vendor’s inventory not complying with ADBA guidelines will be removed. Failure to comply will result in removal from show grounds with notification sent to ADBA.
- Any dog showing aggression to humans, or human showing aggression to dogs, will be excused and barred from participation.
- By attending any ADBA-sanctioned or fun event, I consent to being photographed, filmed, audio-recorded, or otherwise captured (including anyone attending with me). I grant the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA), the hosting club, organizers, sponsors, and their assigns irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide permission to use, reproduce, publish, and distribute such media for any legitimate purpose (e.g., promotion, websites, social media) without compensation. I waive any right to inspect/approve the media and release the above parties from all liability, claims, or damages related to its capture or use, including privacy, publicity, or defamation claims. I also release them from liability for any injury, loss, or damage arising from my attendance or participation.
All clubs should have the ADBA show rules posted in multiple locations around the show site as well as the registration table.
