Erie, Pennsylvania • October 22–24, 2026
A full week of Bullmastiffs on the shore of Lake Erie: the 69th American Bullmastiff Association National Specialty brings obedience, rally, sweepstakes, the futurity, the Top 25, and the national Best of Breed judging to the Bayfront Convention Center.
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What is the Bullmastiff National Specialty 2026?
The American Bullmastiff Association holds its 69th National Specialty October 22–24, 2026, at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania — the close of a full specialty week that opens Monday, October 19, with an independent specialty from the Great Lakes Bullmastiff Association and continues Tuesday with the ABA parent specialty. The week packs in obedience and rally trials, puppy and veteran sweepstakes, the futurity, the Top 25 competition, parades, and an art auction alongside the national conformation judging. Judging is indoors and the show is unbenched, open 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
At a glance
- Where: Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507
- When: Thursday, October 22 – Saturday, October 24, 2026 (specialty week: October 19–24)
- Entries: Closed Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 12:00 noon ET
- Superintendent: Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd.
- Host club: American Bullmastiff Association
- Host hotel: Courtyard Erie Bayfront, 2 Sassafras Pier — attached to the convention center
- Signature award: Best Brindle in Show — a Bullmastiff-only honor
The week, day by day
The schedule builds through the week toward the final judging:
- Mon, Oct 19 — Great Lakes Bullmastiff Association independent specialty — sweepstakes and regular classes
- Tue, Oct 20 — National obedience & rally trials, plus the ABA parent specialty (juniors, sweepstakes, regular classes)
- Wed, Oct 21 — National sweepstakes, 4–6 month beginner puppy, triathlon, and the welcome party
- Thu, Oct 22 — Futurity, class & veteran dogs, the Top 25 competition, and the Top 25 gala
- Fri, Oct 23 — Class & veteran bitches, annual meeting, parades, and the art-auction dinner
- Sat, Oct 24 — Beginner puppy, Junior Showmanship, and Best of Breed — 143 dogs, 257 entries
Who’s judging
The verified judging panel for 2026:
- Saturday, Oct 24 (Best of Breed): Cheryl Kistler
- Thursday, Oct 22 (class & veteran dogs): Cheryl Kistler
- Friday, Oct 23 (class & veteran bitches): Cheryl Kistler
- Thursday futurity: Becky Martin
- Wednesday sweepstakes: Kelly Whitfield
- Tuesday obedience & rally: Stephanie T. Podejko
- Tuesday parent specialty (regular): Denise Borton
- Monday independent specialty (regular): Thomas J. Davis
Can you still enter?
Entries are closed. They closed Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 12:00 noon ET through superintendent Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd., so the entered dogs are set.
Spectators are welcome at the Bayfront Convention Center — and if you were planning to enter, a free ThePetAdvisor account keeps next year's closing date on your radar so you never miss one again.
Planning your visit
The host hotel is the Courtyard Erie Bayfront, 2 Sassafras Pier — attached to the convention center complex, so you can walk to the rings. Agility runs off-site at Countryside Agility in Edinboro, PA.
Flying in? Buffalo (BUF) is about 90 miles; Cleveland (CLE) about 115; Pittsburgh (PIT) about 130. The 24-hour emergency vet is Erie Pet Emergency, 3625 Peach St, 814-864-8387. Show hours run 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, indoors and unbenched.
See the full show page for the day-by-day schedule, the verified judge list, and the official premium list and judging program.
Why go
The national specialty is the one week of the year when the Bullmastiff world gathers in one place. The futurity is a window into the breed's future. The Top 25 competition — Thursday night, black-tie energy — honors the year's top dogs. And Saturday's Best of Breed, with Best Brindle in Show (an award only the Bullmastiff national offers), is the most electric moment of the week.
The national also offers the AKC National Owner-Handled Series (competition for dogs handled by their owners rather than professional handlers) and points for Reserve — a 3-point major to Reserve Winners. If you love Bullmastiffs, there is no better week on the calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the Bullmastiff National Specialty 2026?
October 22–24, 2026, at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Pennsylvania (1 Sassafras Pier, Erie, PA 16507), hosted by the American Bullmastiff Association. Specialty-week events run October 19–24.
Can I still enter the 2026 Bullmastiff National Specialty?
No — entries closed Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 12:00 noon ET through superintendent Jim Rau Dog Shows, Ltd. The entered dogs are already set; the week is open to Bullmastiff fans who want to watch.
Who is judging Best of Breed at the 2026 Bullmastiff National Specialty?
Cheryl Kistler judges Best of Breed on Saturday, October 24 (9:15 AM, 143 dogs / 257 entries), as well as the class and veteran dogs on Thursday and the class and veteran bitches on Friday.
What happens each day at the Bullmastiff National Specialty?
Monday, October 19: Great Lakes Bullmastiff Association independent specialty. Tuesday, October 20: national obedience and rally trials plus the ABA parent specialty. Wednesday, October 21: national sweepstakes, beginner puppy, triathlon, and the welcome party. Thursday, October 22: futurity, class and veteran dogs, and the Top 25. Friday, October 23: class and veteran bitches, parades, and the art auction. Saturday, October 24: beginner puppy, juniors, and Best of Breed.
Where should I stay for the Bullmastiff National Specialty in Erie?
The host hotel is the Courtyard Erie Bayfront, 2 Sassafras Pier — attached to the convention center complex. Agility runs off-site at Countryside Agility in Edinboro, PA.
What is Best Brindle in Show?
A signature award of the American Bullmastiff Association national: the best brindle Bullmastiff in the entry competes for Best Brindle in Show on Saturday — an honor no other breed's national offers.
Planning your show season?
Create your free ThePetAdvisor account — track your dogs, plan your weekends, and never miss a closing date.