State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
My name is Oscar but everyone just calls me O. I am the founder of Bizzy Boy Bullies. You can find us in Portsmouth, Virginia. The 757 area: Hampton Roads, most associate our area with Virginia Beach or Norfolk.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I am currently breeding American Bullies. I planned on breeding at a young age, purchasing my first dog in 2002 while I was in high school. However, I never actually started. I went to college at Virginia State University, and studied Animal Science to become a vet.
After college my beloved dog passed away from an infection before I could ever start. Some years later in 2013, my best friend and now kennel partner sent me a picture of Dax that he had come across. I was floored. That’s what sparked the movement, and inspired me to really get involved in breeding American Bullies.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
I primarily use Victor Dry Kibble, mixed with Performance Dog Raw. I provide multi-vitamins, either Vita-Wafers or Nu-vet Plus tabs. Occasionally, I add a probiotic and mineral supplement called Build-A-Better-Dog. Googling the names of these foods and supplements will take you to sites where they are sold.
I also use salmon oil for the skin and coat, and sometimes coconut oil a few times a week. When getting close to breeding time, I’ll also add raw veggies like asparagus and carrots. I add sea kelp to the food of my females prior to heat cycles as well to help with thyroid function.
What is your favorite bloodline?
I actually don’t have a favorite, because I like so many different things from different lines. I like to look at different bloodlines like tools in a toolbox. They all have different functions to help get the job done, of building the ultimate dog! Razors Edge, Gotti, Daxline, Muscletone, and BullyMarket are the bloodlines that have stood out most to me though.
Do you currently show, any of your dogs?
With a production on the ground now, I plan to get out there later this year. I showed a few times when I first got my foundation females. Getting them out there allowed me to see exactly what I needed to work on, and enhanced my vision. It made me hungry to get on the show scene, but also made me step back. I needed to evaluate what I currently had, and focus on building dogs that I can feel confident showing. I want to show what I feel is a great example of the breed with minimal flaws. The goal is to have dogs that will contribute to the improvement of the breed.
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
First thing I would say is don’t settle! Do not just jump out and buy the first thing that’s affordable to you. Save for what you really want, and while your saving, do your research and learn more about the breed. Find other breeders. Ask questions and educate yourself on as much as possible. Use social media to follow those breeders who are at the point that you want to reach. You’ll learn a lot.
Secondly, I would say go to shows, whether you have dogs yet or not. Whether you plan to show or not, it allows you to lay your eyes on good examples of the breed, and gain a better understanding for the standards associated with the different breeds.
Lastly, I’d say be open to “Constructive” criticism. Have an open mind when someone says something about your dog. Maybe they see something you don’t, or maybe their just an A-Hole. Either way, don’t get all butt hurt over it. Move on and keep learning. Stay on your mission.
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
Loss. Losing a dog or losing money, and not being able to recover. Pouring everything you have into a breeding or purchase, and then having something catastrophic happen to set you back. Whether your dog dies, a litter dies, your bitch doesn’t take etc. Sometimes the loss may be hard to recover from.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
Just keep the passion you have for the dogs. Keep that fire lit and stay determined to succeed. It’s a mindset.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
Wow. Okay! Well there are a few people. First I’d say Ty Lumley. As I said for the new breeders, follow those who you see doing what you want to. I started following Ty a few years ago. Also, I began watching his productions and listening to his podcast (the BullNAChinaShop) since day one. I have learned so much.
Another person is William Byrne over in Stirling, Scotland. I was on a search to see who owned the Dax daughter Athena, which led me to William. I might have messaged him 50 times or more one year about a particular production. He was always responsive and cool to talk to. He always calls me mate lol. Nevertheless, he was open and had a solid program. I wasn’t able to get what I wanted from him because the female only had one pup. I had to start shopping again which put me where I am now.
When I couldn’t get what I wanted from William, I ended up going to see Harold Bain to purchase my girl Moortisha. I drove from Virginia to New York, and Harold gave me an open invite. He was welcoming and definitely had a solid program to show off. He’s also very business oriented, and constantly pushes others to be great by sharing some of the things he has done to get him where he is. Harold is a very genuine guy and has always been there anytime I have questions.
I also look up to Robert Lee, because of how solid his program is and the dedication and time he has put into his craft. Not just the dogs, but how he has used the dogs to catapult into other ventures as well. Robert is all about his family and his business, and I’m inspired by that.
Lastly, would be my man Samuel Winston, of Gorilla Bear Bullies. Sam is my homie, and he already has a big head, so I don’t want to make him tip over by making it any bigger. However, Sam is a really cool guy with a solid program. He is here close by me, so I visit his kennel frequently and see great things coming out of his camp. Sam is someone I can turn to if things are critical and his wisdom is always appreciated. He is a hardworking guy and a great family man, with a great support system that I admire. I feel like as long as I keep watching these guys I can’t go wrong. #packlifeowww #thepackowww
Tell us about one of Bizzy Boy Bullies main goals going into the year 2018.
My goal for 2018 is to produce a few show quality studs, that I can get into the show ring with.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
Within the next 10 years, hopefully more of the variety in the American Bully has been phased out. I would like to see a more uniformed look become established. I think that could help eliminate some of the division, which will bring about more love in the bully community.
What separates Bizzy Boy Bullies from the competition?
We are truly just getting started, but we are an open and honest kennel. We have integrity and take pride in what we do, and aim to keep our customers happy. Bizzy Boy Bullies is focusing on providing every need for the standard and pocket class American Bullies. If we don’t have what you need in other areas, we won’t have a problem pointing you in the direct of who does. #packlifeowww
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
I am father of 3 boys, and they keep me very busy. So they are my hobbies and interests, lol. I just love spending time with them. We are all gamers, so that’s something we do together often. Even with the dogs though, I’m just using something I love as a resource to invest in my boys.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
I love Bully Girl Magazine. It provides a lot of great info that you can learn from. Bully Girl keeps you up to date with events and things going on in the Bully World. I feel what separates it from others, is how in touch they stay with the bully community. Bully Girl Magazine highlights everything and everyone in the Bully Community. Thank you so much for having us!
