State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
My name is Anita Gáti, founder of Moonshine Bullies – Hungary. You can find us in Hungary, Europe.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I breed American Bullies with my husband, who is really special in my life. I have been dealing with dogs since childhood, because my mom was breeder as well. My mom actually bred other style dogs, but this is how breeding became part of my life. In 2013, I turned my attention to the American Bullies. At that time there were only 1 or 2 Bullies in Hungary. So I began researching and gathering information on the web about this species.
Aside from their robust appearance, the American Bully’s temperament towards adults and children caught our attention. Bullies vary in appearance, and this is what makes them so colorful. Purchasing the first Bully in 2013 was one of my best decisions I made in my life. I have been inspired since.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
A responsible breeder provides the dog with everything suitable for the dog’s needs. For example, proper feeding, vet visits, exercise, living space, as well as lots of care and love. In all cases Moonshine Bullies looks after their health, and that is how we decide which dogs are suitable to breed. I have to mention, we are not Gods so problems may occur, but a conscious breeder pays attention to help dogs give healthy and genetically clean births.
What I mean here is to exclude any hereditary health problems. This will help the dogs lead a safe and happy life. The most important thing to keep in mind is their health. A conscious and responsible breeder is always communicative and helpful to his/her customers, and provides detailed information for them.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
I always provide them good quality lamb and fish flavored dry food, which is supplemented with raw eggs and salmon oil. I also do periodical curing for their joints, using multivitamins and 5 in 1 supplements. Twice a year, in Spring and Autumn, they get immune system strengthening for a month. During cold periods of the year, I cook them warm soup from beef bone without any spices, and serve them in the evenings.
What is your favorite bloodline?
I have three favorite bloodlines. Muscletones, Louis V., and Vipeons. All 3 are close in appearance and structure. These bloodlines personify the American Bully with the vision that I have for them. The combination of these bloodlines is perfect for my breeding program.
Do you currently show, any of your dogs?
Of course! I travel around Europe to bully shows with my dogs, and always have good results.
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
First of all, breeders should be well informed about the breed before starting a breeding program. Of course, like all the other areas of life, we gather experience of our own and learn from it. Be realistic and respectful towards the breed. Dedication is also necessary for your program in order to succeed.
Never ever forget why we are breeding bullies. First of all to popularize, love, and evolve them. Always keep your love towards the bullies, and never let greed and money become more important. Do not follow the ever-changing trends. Trends are never more important than overall health.
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
I would have to say, keeping the originality of the American Bully. The breed continuously changes, forms, and reforms the breed. This to me, is what’s exciting and wonderful. Everyone can find his/her choice. There are no two similar Bully’s, and every breeder and bloodline carries some different specifications of their dogs. There are always new trends and forms that make it hard to survive as breeder, if we do not follow the flow. Moonshine Bullies strives to keep the characteristics and originality of the original American Bully.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
Believe in yourself, and believe in your dogs. Do not give up on your dreams and devotion to the bully breed.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
There are lots of people that I look up to, but if I have to name one, it would be Vipeons Kennel. We are big Grand Dali fans, and as I have mentioned above we also breed Gran Dali. I admire Vipeons Kennel for his success in Bully Game. This is what breeding is all about. We are all trying to create something unique that will be known by everyone. In the future this is my goal as well.
Tell us about one of Moonshine Bullies main goals for the year 2019.
In 2018, we traveled to the U.S for a show, to gain experience and to build relationships. We made more friendships, and were able to see dogs that are not in Europe. In 2019, we are going to travel to Thailand for a show. I would like to organize a huge show in Hungary with a Kennel Club in the second part of this year.
In 2017, we made three Kennel videos which were a huge success, showing another perspective of our kennel and dogs. In 2019, we will produce our 4th video. We also plan to show some of our dogs in the U.S.A to help Moonshine Bullies become known overseas.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
I would like to see more breeding be done under control. Certain standards should be enforced more heavily to accurately filter out the cheaters. I would be glad if there would be three categories: Pocket, Standard and XL.
What separates Moonshine Bullies from the competition?
Moonshine Bullies is humane with our dogs, and we do not overbreed them. We do not follow the trends. Our bullies are the most important in my life nowadays.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
I have a pet shop, which absolutely connects to my breeder work. I love to help desperate dog owners with feeding, breeding, and everyday problems.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
I just love Bully Girl Magazine for popularizing and presenting the breed to the community in the view of the breeders. Moonshine Bullies gladly supports Bully Girl Magazine, and would love to see the magazine released in Europe. Education on the American Bully needs to be done in Europe as well.
