State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
My name is Dennis Harrison. I’m a new breeder, and founder of Grand Society Bullies. You can find us in Los Angeles, CA.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I’m an American Bully breeder. I’ve been interested in this breed since I was 13 years old, which was when I found out about the breed. I had a blue nose APBT and wanted her to have more mass so I would always google things like: “how to get my pit bull more muscular”. Eventually I came across the American Bully.
Once I saw them I was completely sold. Learning a bit about the breed made me want to know more, and it completely consumed my interest. I knew that the American Bully was the dog I wanted.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
To me a responsible dog breeder isn’t in it for the money or popularity, but for the love of the breed. If you’re in it for the love of the breed, you will feel obligated to do it the right and responsible way, with no shortcuts. This goes for something as simple as keeping clean areas for your dogs, to the more complicated stuff like choosing the right studs for your program. We all know that can go left real fast.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
Throughout the year, I feed my dogs Victor Super Premium Kibble, with coconut oil. I use the Red Barn Natural chicken recipe. Every now and then I’ll use Sardines instead of the Chicken recipe, just so my dogs don’t get bored. I also just recently started using goat milk. So far they like it, so it might become a part of their regular diet.
What is your favorite bloodline?
My favorite bloodline would definitely have to be Gottiline. To me, it’s where all the best looking Bullies came from, especially in the pocket and standard classes. Most of the popular bloodlines in the game, have started with foundation dogs that came from Gottiline.
Does Grand Society Bullies currently show any dogs?
I currently don’t have any dogs that I show. We haven’t got there yet. Like I said, I’m new to this, but you’ll be seeing Grand Society Bullies in the show ring soon.
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
Listen to everyone that’s been doing it longer than you. However, don’t take everyone’s advice because all advice isn’t good advice. Also, always have a plan that you’re set on before making any moves.
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
Getting off to the right start is probably the most difficult thing in the bully game. Your first few breeding’s make or break your program. It’s so easy to go wrong.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
Make sure you’re breeding the right two dogs together so you get what you need out of every breeding. You should always be looking to breed for better overall health.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
I’d have to say Ed Shepherd. Simply because he produced a dog that has done so much for the bully game, in my opinion.
Tell us about one of Grand Society Bullies main goals for the year 2019.
My main goal for 2019 is to produce some foundation dogs for my program. I only have 2 breeding’s planned this year but that’s all I need. I feel I’ve chose the right studs for my girls, and they’ll produce some nice pups.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
In 10 years, I’d want the bully game to be the largest breeding community there’s been, and full of nothing but quality dogs. So much quality it’ll be overwhelming. First we have to start by not breeding funky looking dogs to funky looking dogs. Let’s begin to breed for quality.
What separates Grand Society Bullies from the competition?
What definitely separates my program from the competition is I don’t have what we call “kennel blindness”. Most new, as well as some experienced breeders, have “kennel blindness”. This means they walk in their yard and can never see any wrong in their dogs.
For me it’s different, I know all my dogs’ flaws and that’s part of the reason I got into breeding. I saw these dogs, compared them to nicer dogs, and told myself I know I can produce overall nicer dogs from them. At the end of the day you have to be your own biggest critic.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
Other than being a dog man, I’m a nature kind of guy. I love a good hike or just exploring outdoors. I’m also a car guy. Cars are probably the only thing I’ve been enthusiastic about longer than dogs.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
I think Bully Girl Magazine is one of the best magazines out there! It gives us all a chance to get to know about each other’s kennel and programs. As a new breeder, I’m pretty thankful I got offered this interview, so people can get to know a bit more about my program.
