State your name, and where Menifee Bullies is located.
My name is Tacho Benavidez. I am the founder of Menifee Bullies. You can find us in Menifee, California.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
We currently breed French Bulldogs and American Bullies, both standard and pocket sized. Ever since I was a kid my family has owned a Pit Bull and that breed has always been my “go to” dog of choice. I’ve always been fascinated by there drive and loyalty to one. But back then owning a Pit Bull was frowned upon. If you owned a Pit Bull you were stereotyped as a dog fighter, a cholo, or just an irresponsible dog owner with all the bad hype around it. It wasn’t until about 10 years ago when bully’s started shaking the “bad name”, with all the dog shows popping up. That helped out a lot.
When I bought my first couple of bully’s and Frenchies I had no intentions on breeding. It wasn’t until friends, family and even strangers would see us in public with our bullies and admire our dogs temperament. They always portrayed amazing temperament around people and other dogs. Everyone would always ask when we would be breeding, because they would love a dog like ours.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
We currently have our dogs on Victor dog food, which is great for them. We have tried the raw diet in the past, but it was time consuming to prep the portions, and not to mention a little messy. So dry kibble is good for now. My studs get rewarded with raw steaks when they put in stud service.
What is your favorite bloodline?
I don’t have a favorite bloodline per say. However, we currently have Dax/Phenom bloodline here at Menifee Bullies.
Do you currently show, any of your dogs?
At this time I don’t show any of my dogs, or even go to the dog shows. My wife and I both have full time jobs as active duty service members. With that we tend to work every weekend. However, we plan on going to future bully shows with our dogs once we retire.
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
The advice I have for any up and coming breeder is to be patient. Don’t get discouraged, stay clear of all the negativity you will cross along the way. Most of all, listen to the ones that are willing to go out of their way to help you out!
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
The most difficult thing one will come across in the breeding game will be the haters! Second, will be the scrutiny of the ones who are against breeding, and are pro adoption of dogs in shelters.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
The best way to overcome this is to just do you. Don’t worry about what the haters will say. The only people that matter is you, your family, and your kennel! Have faith in your kennel. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
I don’t really have anyone that I look up to in the bully game. I respect everyone’s game, but I inspire to be like the Bully Camp kennels that have over 100k followers on social media.
Tell us about one of Menifee Bullies most memorable moments, in 2017 so far.
Some of my most memorable moments this year come from past clients of mine. They have come back to me this year looking for advice to start their own Kennel Club. All are clients who purchased a bully off me within the last two years. Their Bulls have matured and are ready to make that next step. It’s a great feeling to know you can help someone else in the bully game.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully Community, to be 10 years from now.
There is nothing I would change in the bully community. It has come a long way from the 80’s, in a good way. There are so many celebrities that own bully’s now as well! The Bully community is blowing up. So many bully advocates are out there now helping to protect the Pit Bull reputation. More people are buying these dogs than when I was growing up. I’m proud to be a part of this movement.
What separates Menifee Bullies from the competition?
I would say it’s our patience with potential clients. We treat everyone with respect, and take the time to answer the hundreds of questions they have. LOL. I hear about it all the time. Clients come over and talk about how rude other kennels were when they asked questions about a puppy. Breeders have to understand, if someone is gonna drop 2k-5k on a bully, they’re going to have a shit ton of questions about their potential investment.
In your own words, what is an Exotic Bully?
An exotic bully to me means that somewhere down the bloodline, the dog has either English, Frenchie, or in some cases all the above. AKA “exotic”.
What is your opinion on the new exotic breed movement?
Real talk, there is no way that a Standard Bully/Pitbull shrunk up to the size of a Frenchie in a matter of 20yrs. That’s just not how evolution works. But most breeders will get upset, and in some cases want to fight, if you ask if they have Frenchie or English blood in that exotic. It’s almost taboo to talk about the blood that went into an exotic. I personally don’t have a problem with exotics, but I wouldn’t own one. That’s just me. Call me old fashion but I’m happy with a standard American Bully.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
Other than work and my kennel program, it’s just family time. I cherish what ever time I have with my wife and five kids.
What motto do you live by?
Our motto here, and in life is “Success is the best revenge”.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
Bully Girl is a great magazine! I love the blogs and shots of up and coming Bulls in the business. Keep up the good work Bully Girl!
