Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
My name is Katherine Bayly. My husband Matthew Stymiest and I founded Canadian Bully Farm (@canadianbullyfarm), which is located in Miramichi, New Brunswick, Canada.
What type of dogs do you breed?
We breed both American Bullies and American Pit Bull Terriers. My love for dogs started as a child. My family owned Huskies and American Eskimo dogs. I grew up running these dogs in a dogsled team. With that said, I’m used to the organized chaos that is associated with owning multiple animals.
Over the years we have owned numerous American Pit Bull Terriers and have always loved the breed. Around four years ago, Matthew discovered Daxline and started heavily researching American Bullies. We were instantly drawn to them, and a few months later we owned our first American Bullies.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
A responsible breeder always puts the health and safety of their animals first. They should operate out of a clean, well run facility and provide their dogs with exercise and natural stimuli. Responsible breeders should have a structured breeding program, only breeding healthy dogs that compliment each-other and adhere to the breed standard. Also, they must ensure that their puppies are placed in stable living environments by properly screening potential buyers.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
Our go to feed is Royal Canin Pet Food. We also feed our dogs a combination of raw meat, a select amount of dog-safe vegetables and fruit, eggs, as well as probiotics and omegas.
What is your favorite bloodline?
Our favorite bloodline is Daxline. Also Louis V, for muscle tone and general appearance. We like our dogs with full tails, large heads, compact stature, good muscle tone, and full range of agility.
Does Canadian Bully Farm currently show any dogs?
We do not currently show any of our dogs. However, we do own dogs that have been shown previously.
What advice does Canadian Bully Farm have for any upcoming breeders?
Your initial investment into quality dogs for your breeding program is very important. You get what you pay for. Before you commit to these purchases, make sure you’ve done your research and have a suitable facility to accommodate such undertakings. This business requires lots of time, money, patience and hard work. Find yourself a mentor in the field who is willing to share their experiences and knowledge with you.
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
Being from Canada, we find that the obvious first hurdle is the “Pitbull” stigma and the implication of breed specific laws in certain areas. Secondly, is staying on schedule with your breeding program despite hurdles that can arise.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
We can all overcome negative stigmas associated with bully breeds by bringing them out as much as we can. I always encourage multiple rounds of obedience training for puppies. Having a well behaved dog is so important. It’s our responsibility to show the public that they are kind, loyal and lovable dogs. Canadian Bully Farm would love to be involved with like-minded bully enthusiasts in Canada to participate in meet-ups. It’s all about getting the dogs out there.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
We look up to the team at Southeast Bully Kennels. We purchased one of their dogs a few years ago. They always check in on her, offer advice, and answer any questions we have associated to breeding. Southest Bully Kennels has been a mentor to us. They have also created a fantastic bloodline called Block Blood which everyone should check out.
Another team we look up to is MVP Bullies. They have the most incredible facility for their dogs. They’ve recently moved and we can’t wait to see what they will build next.
Tell us about one of Canadian Bully Farm’s main goals for the year 2019.
Our goal for 2019, is to break into the show ring with our dogs. We also have plans to add on to and improve our kennel and play-yard.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
We would like to see more professionalism for breeders. How we conduct ourselves ultimately reflects on the breed, and we’re all in this together. We’d also like to see more American Bullies in Canada. In ten years, hopefully the CKC will acknowledge the American Bully as a breed.
What separates Canadian Bully Farm from the competition?
We spend so much time researching potential dogs to add to our program. We’ve traveled across North America to view and purchase the right dogs. At Canadian Bully Farm, we want to control how we add just the right temperament, conformation and color to produce the highest quality of dogs that we can.
Our dedication is ultimately to the betterment of the breed and the advancement of our program. We keep in contact with our buyers. They are free to ask us any questions. We receive many updates and photos of our dogs well into adulthood.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
We like to spend time outside with our family and dogs at the beach and down by the river. Matthew likes to create art and also works as a tattoo artist.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
Bully Girl Magazine has great content, showcases beautiful dogs, and highlights exceptional kennels. Keep it up!
