Who is Chicago Bullies?
Tell our readers about Chicago Bullies.
My name is Vince Pace, founder of Chicago Bullies. You can find us in the beautiful, windy city of Chicago, Illinois.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I breed American Bullies, and have been involved with bully breeds since 1999. Training, showing, and breeding American Pit Bull Terriers and American Bulldogs is a big part of my life. As I got older and started a family, I was looking for a breed that was more laid back. The first time I saw an American Bully, it wasn’t a breed yet. People knew them as a Razors Edge pit bulls. They were thicker and more muscular than game bred dogs. They also had the attitude of a Golden Retriever, and very low prey drive.
The first all American Bully show that I attended was great. I did not see one instance of dog or people aggression in any of the American Bullies. I knew this was the breed for me. In 2008, I bought my first American Bully. My love for the breed exploded from there. They are the perfect family dog.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
Our dogs eat Diamond Naturals grain-free kibble all year round. During the winter months, we add raw chicken and beef to their diet to add quality fats and protein.
What is your favorite bloodline?
That’s a tough one. I like dogs that are true to the standard and correct. Many of the bloodlines have strayed so far from where they first started. It is hard to see any resemblance to the founding dogs on their pedigree. I have always been a fan of Razors Edge blood. Many successful, show-winning studs originated from that bloodline, including Samurai Paco and Beastro, to name a few.
Do you currently show, any of your dogs?
Yes. Our goal is to produce show quality dogs, according to breed standards. The best way to determine if you have produced a champion is in the ring. Actually, it’s the only way! To me, showing dogs is a crucial part of any quality, reputable breeding program.
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
The best advice I can give to any upcoming breeder is to stay true to your breed. In the bully community, we still have people mixing English and French bulldog blood into their breedings. I have no problem with either breed other than the huge list of health issues they suffer from. Breeders should strive to create better specimens with each breeding. However, adding bulldog blood only introduces more health and structural issues. It is suspected that bulldog blood was used to create the American Bully. I do believe it was added somewhere in the origins, but now it is an established breed. So let’s cut the bull! People need to think about the animal first and the dollar last.
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
For me, the most difficult thing in the bully game is having the time to attend shows. Going to a dog show usually takes an entire weekend. However, it is just a small part of what it takes to prepare for the ring. There is lead-training, teaching commands, stacking, exercise, proper diet, socialization, and grooming. All of which needs to be done in time, just to be ready for the show. Then, even after all that hard work, you may still go home empty-handed, which is no fun.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
Time is a precious commodity. So one way to overcome time restraints is planning ahead. At the beginning of the year, I will look at all the shows already booked. I will reserve the shows that I want to attend on the calendar months in advance. If for some reason I can’t make it, there are a bunch of other shows to fall back on.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
There are a few people that I look up to in this lifestyle. These people have the hustle and drive to do what it takes to win. Khanh Nguyen of Phokingstyle Bullies, also a Chicago guy, has been real with me since the first time I talked to him. He welcomed me to see his dogs. He also explained about the bloodlines he used, and answered all of the questions I had regarding breeding, showing, etc. His champions were produced off of his own breedings. Their productions are producing champions as well.
Then there are people like Robert Lee and Ty Lumley, who also put in work. They have each built a thriving brand for themselves within the bully world beyond breeding alone. All of these men have been a success using dogs that are structurally sound and proven in the show ring. Their studs are not some short-lived trend, but a pillar of the community around since the early days of the breed. I can respect the determination, time, and effort that it takes to prevail. I aspire to use that same passion and intensity in my own breeding program.
Tell us about one of Chicago Bullies main goals going into the year 2018.
The focus for 2018 is to really hit the shows and get our new line up of dogs out there. Our main goal is winning and being the best. That is not an easy task, especially with the caliber of dogs we have showing today. However, I believe that we do have what it takes to make some noise and prove that we belong among the elite.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully Community, to be 10 years from now.
In the future, I would like to see dogs that are healthier and structurally sound, regardless of breed. I would also like to see more emphasis put on breed standards. Promoting or encouraging any type of animal with excessive faults, should be discouraged. A big sore spot for many people right now is the kink tail situation. Some people don’t mind it and some don’t care either way. From a breeding perspective, any fault regardless of how small should be avoided. I want my dogs to be exemplary. If you are not striving for perfection, what are you striving for?
What separates Chicago Bullies from the competition?
This is not a competition to me, not even in the ring. I appreciate every person out there doing what they do, displaying their dogs to the world. I try to learn and evolve from every show, whether we win or lose. There is so much animosity that I have seen and it really isn’t necessary. People in the bully community endure similar trials and tribulations as the next man/woman when it comes to their dogs. You know what it feels like when that breeding didn’t take, or when you end up spending way more at the vet then you hoped. Even the feeling when you lost that pup.
At a dog show, I can spend hours talking to someone I just met. I can relate to their journey and appreciate their experience and point of view. I see others as colleagues, not competition. Everyone out there is trying to win, but not everyone will. Instead of promoting negativity, I just concentrate on what I’m doing to refine the breed that I love.
In your own words, what is an Exotic Bully?
In my opinion, an Exotic Bully is nothing more than an American Bully with a high level of English or French bulldog blood. They carry a vast array of health and structural issues. These issues include: an elongated soft palate, severely undershot bite, wry mouth, high rear, cow hocks, kink tail, easty westy, and the list goes on.
What is your opinion on the new exotic breed movement?
As you can tell, I’m not a fan of the exotic movement. I’m not hating or bashing anyone. However, history has taught us that people have already messed up the Bulldog. The fact that they aren’t even able to birth a litter naturally anymore is nature’s way of saying this animal shouldn’t exist. To add that type of blood to any program seems counterproductive. It seems as though people get caught up in the money flashing aspect of the exotics. They worry more about the Benjamins than they do about the Bullies.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
My favorite hobby in the world is being a husband/father and nothing would matter without my family. I am extremely grateful and blessed to have such a supportive and positive influence in my life. We like to stay active, travel, and spend time together.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
Bully Girl Magazine is a great resource for beginners and experts alike. They make a tangible impact on the bully community by spreading knowledge on the different bully breeds. They also promote kennels and breeders in a more positive and accessible system. Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinion. Keep up the good work!
