State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
My name is Eric Soto, founder of Soto Bully Camp. You can find us in Asheboro, North Carolina.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I breed American Bullies. The first time I saw true American Bullies, was at the Carolina Bully Extravaganza, in Winston Salem. I was immediately fascinated by the muscular structures and big heads carried on these compact frames. The pocket class caught my eye more than the others. Later that year, I purchased two Daxline pocket bullies. My male Flex instantly received a lot of attention, and I completed several successful breedings with him.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
In my opinion a responsible dog breeder is someone who does lots of pedigree research before breeding any two dogs together. Also, insuring that both dogs are healthy, capable and ready to reproduce. Making sure that every dog has proper paperwork is a big responsibility for a breeder or anyone studding out their male.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
Most of my dogs are mainly on Victor kibble with multivitamin powder. I also like to make “satin balls” with high fat ground beef for treats.
What is your favorite bloodline?
Daxline is hands down my favorite bloodline. Daxline outcrosses great with most bloodlines.
Does Soto Bully Camp currently show any dogs?
I show all of my dogs. All of my dogs are champions, except for one, which I hope to finish out this year.
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
Do your research before buying a bull you intend to breed. Go to lots of shows and ask questions. Don’t settle on a dog because its cheaper.
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
The hate is the most difficult thing to overcome. There is a lot of bashing and bitter people. Whether its because someone lost to another dog in the show ring, or because someone went with another stud. There is lots of hate and negativity.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
Show love to fellow breeders. Small things like, liking posts on social media, or giving a nice dog a shoutout, goes a long way. Show love.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
I’m in a group called BULLY24SEVEN. There are lots of guys in my group that I look up to. They have way more experience than me, and they’re always willing to help. We talk every day and I always learn something new. From showing to breeding, I can ask my group anything and get an educated response.
Tell us about one of your main goals for the year 2019.
By the end of 2019, I want every bull on my yard to have a champion title. I want to have a new climate-controlled facility for all my dogs, and I hope to produce a few more quality pocket bullies.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
I would like to see the overall health of the breed become more of a priority. There are a lot of newer style bulls that can barley move and have a lot of health issues. The health of the American Bully breed should be a top priority.
What separates Soto Bully Camp from the competition?
I try to give the best possible experience when someone choses my kennel over another. Soto Bully Camp will stand behind anything off our yard, and I want every customer to be happy and satisfied. I won’t sell to just anybody with cash. I ask a lot of questions and want to make sure my pup will live a great life.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
I’m also a wrestling coach. Wrestling has always been a passion of mine, and will always be. More than anything, spending time with my family is my biggest interest.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
I love Bully Girl magazine. There is obviously a lot of time and work put into it. From social media, clothing, interviews, to the magazine itself. There’s always lots of love equally spread to all the bull breeds.
