State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
My name is Mackenzie Santos. Our kennel is Kaizen Bullies. We have four locations: Indiana, Tennessee, New Jersey, and South Carolina. We are a very family-oriented kennel, and we run the business as such.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
We currently specialize in American and Exotic Bullies. We envision the drive and functionality of the American Bully, stacked on the compact and extreme frame of the Exotic Bully. Our end result would be the proper blend of the two, recognizable as the Kaizen bully.
A few years ago, my husband and I bought what we thought was an American Pitbull Terrier. When we met Eric Portee, our kennel partner and a founder of Kaizen Bullies, we discovered the American Bully breed. That inspired us to gain more knowledge on this particular breed.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
A responsible breeder is an individual who takes initiative and seeks improvement for not only the breed but for themselves as well. Responsible dog breeders should maintain a strict adherence to breed standards, and seek out other like minded individuals. Sanitary living conditions, health testing, responsible homing procedures, etc, are all characteristics of a responsible dog breeders.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
We keep our dogs on a rotation of Victor products. We also implement multivitamins, oils, raw food, and supplements to maintain healthy coats and overall health.
What is your favorite bloodline?
Our favorite bloodline is Razors Edge. This is because the bloodline is based on a specific look and style of the American Bully. Most other “bloodlines” are just an over saturation of one stud.
Do you currently show any of your dogs?
We are currently preparing multiple dogs for the show ring.
What advice does Kaizen Bullies have for any upcoming breeders?
Be careful who you work with in the bully game, it can make you or break you. Find a solid group of individuals with the same drive, goals, and ambition as you. Don’t decrease the value of your stock just because someone doesn’t see its worth. Quality over quantity.
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
I feel a lot of breeders are inpatient with the overall process. You can’t rush perfection. A lot of people try to move too quickly or find a short cut, but there is none.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
Save and invest in the quality that you are looking for in your stock. Quality comes at a price. If you start with the higher quality rather than breeding up to it, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
Dave Wilson is one of our inspirations because he gave the American Bully a platform and was a strong ambassador for the breed. He helped others distinguish between the American Bully and the American Pit Bull Terrier. A more local inspiration to us is Nikki Holcomb, of Simply Bullies. NIkki is a close friend and mentor who strives to outproduce every breeding. I love how she places the health and well-being of her dogs above everything else.
Tell us about one of Kaizen Bullies main goals for the year 2019.
A major goal for Kaizen Bullies this year is to make sure that all of our stock is fully health tested.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
I picture quality bullies with type, temperament, and health. Ideally, the community will be larger than it is today, and much more respected and recognized by others.
What separates Kaizen Bullies from the competition?
Kaizen Bullies strives to be different. We do not conform to any particular mold. We are original with our approach, style, and outtake on the bully breed.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
I love art, whether that’s macramé, painting, drawing, etc. My husband is a barber.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
Bully Girl Magazine is a great way to learn about other breeders, as well as the different bully breeds. Bully Girl Magazine is always up to date on what’s going on in the community, and is always a good read.
