State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
We are Mark and GiGi Portlock, founders of Vault Kennels. You can find us in Maryland (DMV).
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
We breed American Bandogge Mastiff’s. The inspiration for our Drone’s Bloodline Program came from us owning various working and protection dogs over a 20 year span. We were not satisfied, and wanted a particular dog that captured the working abilities we desired, and looked great all in one. Our American Bandogge Mastiff (Drone’s Bloodline), in our opinion is one of the most undervalued and unrecognized dogs bred to date.
We are huge lovers of the look of the Bully. So we desired to have a similar look for our program, along with the intensity and capabilities of some of the greatest working breeds. Our American Bandogge Mastiff’s (Drone’s Bloodline) are ultimate guardians and take their jobs very seriously. Most start displaying protection over their family and property as early as six months old. American Bandogge Mastiff’s are very independent, extremely intelligent, and their loyalty is intense. They are great with children and are hard workers, excelling in a variety of fields from sport competition, to security and detection work as well.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
Responsible dog breeders in our opinion always look for ways to better their breed, and not just profit from them. Quality should always trump quantity. This is why we don’t have many breeding’s throughout the year. All of our breeding’s are strategic and for a great purpose. Breeding healthy and stable puppies are most important along with educating our customers of all the characteristics, traits, and working abilities of our dogs. Also, a responsible breeder must be honest to himself/herself when they see flaws in their breeding program that they can improve. Lastly, at Vault Kennels, we provide all of our customers with lifetime training recommendations and support. We feel that any responsible breeder would make that apart of their program, especially with working breeds.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
Our dogs diet consist of raw and Victor. We also use supplements and multivitamins to maintain overall health and beautiful coats.
What is your favorite bloodline?
Undisputed, our favorite bloodline is off of our dog “Drone”. He is the very first American Bandogge Mastiff to serve on a Security Forces Team in the US. Also, he has held various security jobs providing services for drug detection, executive protection, sport, and not to mention the best family protection dog we have ever owned in all of our years of owning and breeding dogs. Because of Drone’s bloodline, our dogs get along great with other dogs when brought up with them or introduced properly. This bloodline has been proven and our dogs are great bodyguards for our spoiled and beloved exotic Frenchie’s. This is truly needed in today’s world with the high volume of home break-ins and theft of exotic dogs.
Does Vault Kennels currently show any dogs?
We have been blessed to develop our very first rare colored Lilac Working American Bandogge Mastiff. Our future plans with this female pup will be to enter her into many shows. If allowed or accepted, we will show how beautiful and structurally sound these dogs can be.
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
Believe in your vision. Stick with it and keep positive people around you who believe in your vision as well. Also, don’t be afraid to use successful and established reputable breeders for inspiration. Lastly, learn how to take constructive criticism. Constructive criticism can always help you improve.
What do you think is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
Competition. Some breeders lose the vision of their programs, due to the value of today’s bully. Therefore, the focus is taken away from the betterment of the breed.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
I do believe that some competition can be healthy. However, focusing solely on competition, one can lose the most important aspect of breeding. That is the betterment of the breed. If you breed quality dogs that are consistent with your program and vision, your dogs and hard work will be recognized and appreciated.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
We look up to a great trainer by the name of Ron Marshall, and a breeder by the name of Jaiy Bradie. Both Ron and Jaiy played a part in our vision and the direction we wanted to take our American Bandogge Mastiff program. We’ve always looked at Ron Marshall as a mentor in the working dog world. Ron played a huge part with teaching us what to look for in a great working dog and why those things are crucially important.
I’ve never met Jaiy Bradie personally. I’ve learned so much following his program, especially when coming to branding our own program. There are many others that we look up to. There is always room for growth and improvement over at Vault Kennels.
Tell us about one of Vault Kennels main goals for the year 2019.
One of our main goals is to be the leading provider for the Working American Bandogge Mastiff if dogs like our Drone appeal to you. As stated above, these dogs are undervalued and unrecognized, and our goal is to educate on their outstanding working abilities and the need for them in today’s world. This is why we pride ourselves on our slogan, which is: “Real Dogs for Real Situations”.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
We have always admired how far the bully breed community has come. We would love to see our Drone’s Bloodline American Bandogge Mastiff’s added as a recognized breed in the Bully shows.
What separates Vault Kennels from the competition?
First we want to say there are some great American Bandogge Mastiff programs. However, what separates us from the competition, would be the consistent look and working abilities of our Drone Bloodline. Also, we continuously look for ways to better the breed without sacrificing its working abilities. We are always working hard and would love to have our dogs recognized worldwide.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
Health is very important in our line of work; therefore, going to the gym regularly is something we enjoy. Also, spending time with our family and friends brings much happiness in our crazy world of dogs, dogs, dogs.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
First and foremost, we want to give a huge thank you to Bully Girl Magazine for giving Vault Kennels an opportunity to introduce the bully community to our Kennel. Bully Girl is truly awesome! They have been a great resource for everyone in the Bully World for many years. Not only do they educate, but the support they provide for small and large breeding programs are amazing and greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing the continuous wonderful content they provide for the Bully Community for many years to come!
