State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
I am Evelyn Speight, founder of Blue Gem Bullies, LLC. We are located in Henry County, Virginia.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I will be breeding American Bullies, mainly standards and XL’s. I fell in love with these magical creatures early last year, when I went to Top Dog Bullies to pick up my first bully, Medusa. At the time, she was for a pet. I didn’t know anything about breeding. When I saw these babies in person, I fell head over heels, and was hooked. I finally have an addiction stronger than tattoos. Haha.
I decided the best adventure I could give my two sons, is growing up with these amazing beasts to play with. As they get older, I hope they will stay in love with these dogs. I think kids need dogs, and experiences that teach love and friendship. Everyday I fall more and more in love with these dogs and the other kennels out there.
I can’t imagine doing anything else now. I want to help make these magical angels to send to forever homes or other breeders, so they can have these loving adventures as well.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
I am still learning so much, and I’m not sure if my opinion counts. Anyways, here goes. I think a responsible dog breeder listens to their heart and gut when making decisions for their dogs, instead of letting their pockets think for them.
I think some let success get in their ear too loudly. Best decisions change to money motivating decisions and the dogs aren’t a priority anymore. I have pushed back Medusa’s breeding once already, because I didn’t feel it was good for her size-wise to breed yet.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
I keep it simple here. I probably go through 3 50lb Big yellow bags of Pedigree at food lion, spending about $65/month.
A lot of my dogs are still under a year old and growing. I am doing research on lots of diet styles. However, until I know more, and my dogs are old enough to start working more, I will be keeping it simple.
What is your favorite bloodline?
I am a sucker for Top Dog Bullies, Heavensent Bullies Kennels, and God Squad Bullies kennels.
Does Blue Gem Bullies currently show any dogs?
No my dogs are not showing yet. However, I hope to get two of my bullies into one of the upcoming shows this year.
What advice does Blue Gem Bullies have for any upcoming breeders?
Advice? Hmmmmm.. I am an upcoming breeder and super new to this Bully Fam. I would say stay away from negative Bully Groups. They can be toxic and distracting to your goals. Hang on for the ride, and stay focused on your goals because only you know what’s best for your program and dogs.
Also, give love to kennels you see doing good. Everyone needs to hear that their hard work is paying off once in a while. Stay positive and send good vibes. They will come back to you. You get back what you give out.
What do you think is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
I am super new in the scene, so I can’t pretend to know all the mess. I still haven’t experienced much yet. I’d say a difficult thing to overcome is how some get jealous and negative. It’s distracting to the point where I don’t even wanna follow their dogs.
I feel, if I wanted to see porches’ and all their moneys fanned out, I would follow more rappers. I don’t follow a lot of kennels because of the Hollywood greedy personality that they display. To me, these dogs may be awesome, but I don’t care to be in the negative scenes.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
Give more positive compliments to each other about the dogs, and less negative vibes on who has a better house.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
I look up to so many kind and amazing breeders. Ali at Top Dog Bullies, Derrick at Heavensent Bullies, Exquisite Bullies, Natalie at Nitro, Emma at Leash and Candy Bullies, and God Squad Bullies.
There are so many more, but these great breeders have been there for me through some personal things, and really encouraged me so much.
Tell us about one of Blue Gem Bullies main goals for the year 2020.
My goals for 2020 are to survive my first litter, lol. I’m hopeful next year to be in a place to start working with local probation to therapeutically help people adjust to coming home from prison back to the real world. I messed up a lot when I was young, and shouldn’t be here at all today. When you mess up, society really craps on you either behind your back or cruelly to your face.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
I want to help my county, and give back in some way one day. I’d just like to see more positive vibes being spread. The human world is so full of hate, why have it in dog world too?
What separates Blue Gem Bullies from the competition?
Well, I’ll let you know when I do lol. I am so new to this great bully world. I am still learning so much through trial and error.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
I love to write. I’ve had some poems published when I was younger, and got into writing more each time. Writing is therapy for me, with good music jamming. I have been working on a book for a publisher friend of mine, Sophie. However, two toddlers later, it’s still unfinished. Maybe one day.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
I love Bully Girl Magazine. It is helpful to me, as a new woman in this bully family. I am able to learn pointers, names, bloodlines and advice. Having the opportunity to do this interview is beyond humbling. Thank you.
