State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
My name is Octavius Thompkins Jr. owner of Christ Lyke Bulldogges, along side my wife Ashley. Currently my Kennel is being run out of Dallas Fort Worth, Texas. I am military, so I move about every three years. However, I just got here, so I will be here for a while.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I breed Olde English Bulldogges. I have always wanted an English bulldog, so I started doing research on them. I came across an article about OEB’s, and it was basically saying how they are the same but with less health issues. So I started searching for OEB breeders, and it took off from there.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
To me, a responsible breeder is one who is knowledgeable about the breed in which they are breeding. Responsible breeders know what it takes to take care of a litter, and everything else that comes with breeding.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
I feed my dogs Purina Pro-Plan. I pretty much let them free feed, and I also add coconut oil to their food everyday. Also, I feed my dog’s raw chicken, twice a month.
Do you currently show any of your dogs?
Currently I don’t show any of my dogs. I have two puppies that I am looking forward to showing in the future. I’m kinda excited for that, and I can’t wait to see what they can do in the show ring.
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
My advice would be to study as much as possible. Stay true to yourself, and your vision for your kennel. Lastly, be prepared to outwork everyone else.
What do you think is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
The hate. I feel that there is a lot of hate and belittling that goes on. If someone doesn’t like what you are doing, they instantly have something to say. In everyone’s mind, every other breeder is a shitty breeder.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
I just focus on myself and what I am trying to do as a breeder. I keep my comments to myself and stay focused, while trying to spread as much positive energy as I can. Also, I provide any advice that I can to people.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
I look up to Rachele Brown (Blackwater Bulldogges) because she took a chance, and let me use her stud when I was very new to breeding. Till this day, she still helps and gives me tips on breeding. I also look up to Delvin Webb (Bluenami Kennels). Delvin sold me my first Olde almost three years ago, and he still helps me till this day. 85% of the knowledge I have is because of Delvin. Lastly, I look up to Gina and Chris (Ibulldogges). I don’t know them on a personal level, but their kennel is insane. They produce some badass dogs, so I look up to them and everything that they are doing.
Tell us about one of Christ Lyke Bulldogges main goals for the year 2019.
My main goal was to officially start breeding. So I had my first litter on May 17th, 2019. I have two dogs out of this litter, that are going to do great in the show ring and produce some nice pups for me in the future. As of right now, I’m just trying to work on getting my kennel out there amongst the greats.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
Ten years from now I would hope that all the hate dies down. I would love to see people compete without all of the name calling and belittling. I would also hope that my kennel is producing some of the top Bulldogges in the game.
What separates Christ Lyke Bulldogges from the competition?
I would say the fact that you get a great Bulldogge from us, but you are also treated like family. At Christ Lyke Bulldogges, our dogs are brought up in our home and raised as if they were our own. We produce dogs with great temperament, and we treat our buyers like family.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
My other hobbies are boxing, working out and shopping.
