State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
My name is Nate LaMattina, owner of CIC Bullys. You can find us in Central California.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
We breed American XL Bullies. APBT’s and Bullies have been the only breed I’ve ever owned since I was 17 years old. My grandmother had my very first APBT still well into me having a family with new dogs. She wouldn’t let me take him. LOL, his name was Gauge. He was brindle and white. Since then it’s become a lifestyle and a passion. The loyalty and look this breed has is what draws you to them.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
My dogs just eat a good kibble with whatever supplements I’m using or trying at the time. They get vitamins and pumpkin regularly too. I hope to switch to a RAW diet one day soon.
What is your favorite bloodline?
It’s difficult to say we have a favorite bloodline. Our line up consists of stuff like ICK, GK, RBG, Dela Cruz, etc. We have a lot of the foundation bloodlines of the XL breed.
Do you currently show, any of your dogs?
We haven’t done a lot of showing as of yet. Electra is our only dog with ABKC points as of now. All of our dogs are registered, and we hope to do more as we learn and grow. This was the first year I got out to the Cinco de Mayo show. Slowly but surely, we will be hitting the scene.
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
Never stop learning! That’s my advice. Learn about your breed first and foremost. Then learn how to keep a zipper on your mouth. Unfortunately, the term “Dog eat Dog world” can be true if you’re dragged into it. Oh, and ask questions to those who know what they’re doing.
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
If you have the knowledge and skills to put together a successful program, I feel like the hardest thing to overcome would be finances. It takes a good investment to acquire quality dogs.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
Really the only way to overcome that is hard work and patience. Stay positive and think outside the box. If it’s a true passion you’ll find a way to succeed.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
I had have to say I look up to a couple people in the bully world. My friend Hector over at Chappos Imperial Pitbulls has helped me out from day one. Hector is a long time quality breeder that knows his shit, and stays humble about it all. Then I’ve also got MVP Bullies in my corner as well. Jarad has more history with American Bullies than a lot of people realize. His wife Michelle always has the advice I’m looking for, and has an answer for just about everything you want to know.
To be the best you have to learn from the best. I can’t forget Steven over at Elite XL Bullies. Steven has helped us tremendously. The lineup he has is among some of the best. We admire a lot of programs out there, and hope to get to know more of them as we grow.
Tell us about one of CIC Bullys main goals going into the year 2018.
Our goals for the rest of 2018 is obviously to produce. We want to produce healthy, quality, family style bullies, that will become best friends, companions, and champions. We will also continue to better our facilities to make sure our bullies get the best care possible.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
I can’t really say what I’d want the Bully Community to be like in 10 years. I will say that I would like our breeds image to be a positive one in 10 years. That would be nice.
What separates CIC Bullys from the competition?
Separating yourself from the competition is tough. We mainly lean on transparency and showing support to everyone. At the end of the day we all have one thing in common, a love for the bully breed.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
I don’t really have any other hobbies or interests. I’m a simple guy. However, I do like getting in the gym and staying in shape. Most of all taking care of my family, including my bullies, is what I do. Hanging out with friends and just chillin’ is me.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
Bully Girl Magazine is great! It’s a great way to learn more about the people in the Bully Community. Let’s face it, Instagram and Facebook only shows so much. We probably know more about each other’s dogs, than we know about the people behind them. Bully Girl Magazine shows the people!
