Catania, Sicily, Italy – The European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC) is thrilled to announce the EBKC SHOW ITALY 2024, to be held on Sunday 15th December 2024 at the prestigious Pala Zurria in Catania, Sicily. This premier event promises an unforgettable day dedicated to celebrating bull breeds and molosser-type dogs, showcasing the best in breed standards, sportsmanship, and camaraderie among dog lovers.
The show will feature an exciting lineup of breeds, including American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, Boxer, South African Boerboel, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, Bull Terrier, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, Dobermann, Dogo Argentino, Dogue De Bordeaux, French Bulldog, Great Dane, Olde English Bulldogge, Presa Canario, Mastiff, Miniature Bull Terrier, Neapolitan Mastiff, Shorty Bull, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Two distinguished international judges will officiate the event: Dennie De Meijer from the Netherlands and Emanuele Venieri from Italy. Their expertise and commitment to breed standards bring an exceptional level of credibility and excitement to the competition.
ABOUT THE JUDGES
DENNIE DE MEIJER (NETHERLANDS)
Dennie De Meijer of Showline Bullies is a respected figure in the European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC) community. As one of the first EBKC judges since the club’s inception, Dennie has been instrumental in setting high standards for breed judging and promoting the American Bully. He was one of the key figures who introduced the breed to the Netherlands, helping establish its popularity and credibility within Europe.
After years of dedicated involvement, Dennie took a break from the show scene to focus on raising his two children, returning with renewed dedication and insight. His blend of experience and genuine commitment to the EBKC and the American Bully breed makes him a valuable team player within the community.
The EBKC SHOW ITALY 2024 promises a thrilling atmosphere with passionate breeders, handlers, and spectators across Europe. Attendees can expect a day filled with exciting competitions, breed showcases, and an unparalleled opportunity to learn about these magnificent breeds.
EMANUELE VENIERI (ITALY)
Emanuele “Lele” Venieri was born in Ravenna, Italy, into a family with a rich tradition of breeding and showing St. Bernards. As a young man, he competed as a junior handler, where he honed his skills in the ring and deepened his understanding of canine conformation. As his career progressed, he began to show and breed Akitas alongside his longtime mentor.
In 1995, Emanuele transitioned to professional handling, working with all breeds recognized by the FCI (Fédération Cynologique Internationale). During this pivotal period, he discovered his passion for the American Staffordshire Terrier, which would become his favorite breed. Over the years, Emanuele has expertly handled more than 100 different dog breeds, earning a reputation for excellence in the field.
To this day, Emanuele continues to show and breed American Staffordshire Terriers and has significantly influenced American Bully breeders across Italy and Europe under the name “Smoking Guns Kennels.” He has bred, owned, and handled numerous Multi-Registry American Bully Champions, showcasing his dedication and expertise.
ABOUT THE SHOW VENUE
The PalaZurria in Catania, Sicily, is a distinctive sports and event venue with a unique past. Originally built as an abattoir, this industrial facility once served the city in a very different capacity. In a creative act of urban transformation, the former slaughterhouse was repurposed to become a multi-purpose arena, reflecting Catania’s dedication to preserving historical structures while adapting them to modern community needs.
Since its conversion, PalaZurria has grown into an essential venue for various events, from local and regional sports tournaments to cultural showcases and international gatherings. This transformation from a utilitarian building into a cultural hub demonstrates Catania’s commitment to blending tradition with innovation, and today, PalaZurria hosts everything from basketball games and martial arts competitions to concerts and dog shows.
The venue stands as a testament to Catania’s resilience and adaptability, embodying the city’s ability to reinvent its architectural heritage for future generations. As PalaZurria continues to serve as a focal point for diverse events, it remains a powerful symbol of Catania’s vibrant community spirit and historical continuity.
