State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
Hello! My name is Shelley Waffle, and I am the founder and owner of The Bully District (IG: @thebullydistrict). I am a one woman show for the time being, based near the Dallas, Texas area.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I breed XL American Bullies. I purchased my first American Bully 4 years ago. After seeing the amazing temperament and intelligence of these dogs, I quickly purchased another! After that, I knew I wanted to do my part to better the breed, and to promote a more positive image of them as well.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
A responsible breeder is one that breeds with the purpose of enhancing the breed. Someone that will fully research the breed standards and pedigrees. Responsible breeders will choose dogs based on what their own dogs bring to the table or lack thereof, in order to maintain and improve the breed standard.
Responsible breeders make sure their dogs are happy, healthy and safe. They also make sure the puppies they produce are happy, healthy and go to stable safe homes. But it doesn’t stop there! Responsible breeders take care of their clients as well, and remain invested in the future of the dogs they have produced.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
My dogs all eat Diamond Naturals kibble. I like this food because one of my rescue dogs is allergic to a lot of different foods, and he has never had a problem with Diamond Naturals kibble. With that said, neither have any of my other dogs. I feed most of them the Lamb & Rice Formula, but I also use The Extreme Athlete formula for the more active dogs.
I do also supplement their food with fish oil, greek yogurt, joint supplements, freeze dried raw meat, organs, bones and prenatal vitamins for the pregnant and nursing dogs, when appropriate.
What is your favorite bloodline?
I don’t really think I have a favorite to be honest. I like bullies from all different bloodlines and kennels, as long as they are clean and correct, true to the standard and temperament, and are functional.
Does The Bully District currently show any dogs?
I have been out of the show ring for about a year, but will start up again soon. I currently have one female that holds a Grand Champion title, and two females that hold Champion titles with the UKC.
What advice does The Bully District have for any upcoming breeders?
My advice is to understand why you want to breed in the first place. There are a lot of people that jump into this breed without enough knowledge. They only have dollar signs on their mind. However, if you aren’t breeding to maintain or better the breed standard, then what is the point? Breeding dogs is a lot more work than people realize, and its not cheap either! If you truly love the breed and are doing it for the right reasons, then it will show through your dogs, your hard work, and your program.
Also, good pictures make a huge difference. I know not everyone can afford to buy an expensive camera when starting a kennel, especially since the price of these dogs is so high. However, investing in a good camera eventually is a must. It really does make a difference when you are trying to promote your dogs, puppies and your business. I mean, would you pay thousands of dollars for a product if you never got to see a clear picture of it?
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
I think the most difficult thing in this industry right now is that there is a lot of competition out there!
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
If you care about this breed, and you care about the quality of what you produce, then you will do well. Being nice and professional goes a long way as well. There are so many people that don’t understand that its not just about breeding dogs and selling puppies. It’s also about forming trusting relationships, with clients and future clients. That could literally make or break your business.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
The people and kennels I look up to the most, are the ones that are honest and don’t involve themselves in drama. It is nice to meet and work with others that stay focused on their own program, and truly want to better the breed. There is a long list, and it’s for multiple different reasons.
Whether it’s the dogs they produce or the business strategies they use, some of the kennels I look up to are: Monster Bully Kennels, Sin City Bullies, Player Quarters Bullies, Top Dog Bullies, Gator Head Bullies, Clutch Kennels, Bossy Kennels, and XXL Designer Pitbulls. The list could seriously go on and on.
Tell us about one of The Bully District’s main goals for the year 2019.
Since I have only recently started my own kennel, one of my main goals is to add some new blood to my program, and produce an even better next generation. I would like to get back into showing this year, with some of the new pups I will create. Also, I would like to get the rest of my dogs fully health tested.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
I would want everyone to stop with all the bickering over stupid stuff, and be more respectful of each other. Everyone in the community needs to work together to better the breed. Let’s breed quality dogs and work to change the bad rap that bullies get because of the way that they look. Not everyone has to be friends. However, I hope in the future, the community can come together more to help, motivate, and educate each other, instead of trying to tear each other down.
What separates The Bully District from the competition?
I think the fact that my dogs are all trained, indoor family dogs is what sets me apart from other kennels in a big way. My bullies all live inside with us, along with our other rescue dogs, and our cat. Families that buy dogs from me can instantly see that my dogs are family to me. They truly are a big part of my life. I put a lot of time and energy into my dogs, and I take pride in that.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
I love photography. I’m always taking pictures of dogs or animals any chance I get. Also, I collect insects which is kind of weird to most people, but I have a lot of them in frames around the house, and would love to have an entire wall one day! I love just hanging out with my friends as well. I have an amazing group of friends, and any time I get to do something with them it makes me happy.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
I love Bully Girl Magazine! I think the quality and content is great. Not only for people that love the breed, but also for new breeders and even experienced breeders to learn new things. It’s so awesome that it has been around for so long and done so well. I am so excited and thankful to be a part of it! Thank you to everyone at Bully Girl Magazine for including me!
