State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
My name is Cassandra Bratcher, founder of Brách Bullies. You can find us in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I currently breed American bullies, and recently added an English bulldog to the family. My college roommate, Natalie Sing of King’s Road Kennel, introduced me to the American Bully. I was immediately drawn to their personality, loyalty, physique, and amazing temperament. Nat provided me the opportunity to co-own Bindi, our foundation female and best 4 legged friend. The rest is history!
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
In my opinion, a responsible breeder is someone who screens their breeding stock for heritable diseases, and removes any affected dogs from their program. Only dogs of sound health, age, and breed standard are selected to carry on traits. This individual should have an understanding of genetics, and avoid inbreeding or selecting for undesirable traits (such as aggression). A responsible breeder screens and councils potential buyers and offers guidance and support for the lifetime of the dog. The buyer should become a member of the kennel family.
A responsible breeder will take back any animal they have bred, at anytime for any reason. This breeder should have a good working relationship with their veterinarian and provide professional healthcare, as well as emotional and intellectual stimulation to all dogs in their care. This person should be able to provide accurate and reliable health, vaccination, and pedigree information.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
My adult dogs are fed a mixture of Sportmix/Diamond High Energy. The puppies are fed Purina Pro Plan Focus. Every dog is provided high quality chews and treats from our local pet store, 3 Dogs Bakery. We also offer stuffed Kong’s to snack on throughout the day.
What is your favorite bloodline?
I have a lot of Gottyline/Kingpin in my kennel. Also, I have well preserved foundation blood: old BlueForce blood, Edge and Black Label. I like the structure provided from foundation blood, with the mass and head structure Gottyline provides.
Does Brach Bullies currently show any of dogs?
I actively show in the ABKC. 2020 is going to be a big year for us, with Champion KRK Van Hesling X KRK Bullyz Bindi puppies hitting the show ring! We will also be debuting in the English class with our newest addition.
What advice does Brach Bullies have for any upcoming breeders?
Breeding is a big commitment. Find a mentor and ask questions! Ask anything and everything to ensure you are 100% committed before proceeding. Attend shows and meet other breeders/enthusiasts. Design your breeding program before you begin.
Develop a close relationship with your veterinary staff. I have all of my puppies conceived and delivered at OSU Vet Med, by the Theriogenology department. My biggest stress is the health and well being of my female, and this alleviates my anxiety. We love the OSU Therio team!
What do you think is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
A lot of people breed to the same stud dogs in the bully community. While these predominant studs are wonderful representations of the American bully, overtime this can lead to a decrease in genetic variation in the population. This in turn increases the prevalence of genetic defects, concentrates recessive alleles, and results in an inbreeding depression (reduced litter size, increased puppy mortality, reduced fertility, shorter lifespan).
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
In order to prevent this inbreeding depression within our community, we should begin breeding to a variety of stud dogs. This benefits the overall health of your kennel, and the American bully breed as whole.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
I definitely look to Natalie Sing of King’s Road Kennel. She breeds amazing well balanced American bullies, French bulldogs, and English bulldogs. She is an amazing handler, loves her dogs, and I am fortunate enough to call her a close friend. Nat is an awesome person, and I would not be part of the bully community without her influence.
Tell us about one of Brach Bullies main goals for the year 2020.
2020 is going to be a big year for us. I have a few central goals! Ch KRK Van Hesling X KRK Bullyz Bindi puppies will also be hitting the show ring! I am also very eager to begin showing within the English class with KRK Brách’s Legacy. I plan to put more energy into our Instagram page @brachbullies, highlighting each of our dogs and increasing my photography skills.
What separates Brach Bullies from the competition?
All of our dogs are an integral part of the family. I take my Dog Mom title seriously. I know every dog’s personality, likes, dislikes, and spend one on one time with them daily. The dogs of Brách are members for life, and live in our home as pets. We raise all of our puppies within our home as well, working on good manners and social/emotional interaction from day one. They do not leave us until we have matched them with the perfect home.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
I am extremely passionate about science! I am very blessed with the opportunity to teach Biology at Oklahoma State University. It is an absolute joy to spend my free time sharing my love of science. I also enjoy weight lifting, kayaking, spending time with my family, true crime/science documentaries, and photography. I am hoping to dive into Bully photography in 2020.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
Bully Girl Magazine is a great promotor of not only bully breeds, but also the amazing people that makeup the bully community! Thank you so much for the opportunity to join the BGM family.
