Something Special Bullies: American Bully Breeder in Texas

State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.

My name is Walter Rodriguez, founder of Something Special Bullies, located in El Paso, TX.

What type of dogs do you breed?

I breed correct, healthy and functional American Bullies.

What is your favorite bloodline?

I don't have a favorite bloodline. My goal is to create my own bloodline. I go with what works for my vision.

In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?

A responsible dog breeder should be breeding to advance the breed. There are too many bullies with health issues, such as heavy breathing, heart murmurs, diabetes and poor nutrition. A bully should have the drive of the Pit Bull, 20 to 30 years ago, or close to it. 

Nowadays,  breeders cannot get their dog to walk a mile without having to take him/her to the vet. You can still have an extreme and correct bully, without having to overfeed your dog. To improve the breed, breeders should breed into correcting flaws, not making more flaws. 

How do you keep your dogs in shape throughout the year?

We walk a mile in the morning, and a 1/2 mile at night. During the summer I take my dogs swimming at a lake. I also take them in the winter, if it’s not too cold. The dogs also enjoy taking long walks to the dog parks.

Walk us through the process of purchasing a pup from Something Special Bullies, from start to finish.

I advertise pups when they are 2 to 3 weeks of age, so everyone can see the consistency in the litter. Anyone who is interested in any pup from me is able to contact me through email or phone. I will answer all questions about my kennel, breeding, and dogs I have. I will NOT get into questions or comments concerning other breeders and their kennels. 

If interested in purchasing, the customer will receive a puppy contract. This contract will cover all necessary information concerning the purchase, and other information of the pup(s). Picks will not be made until 8 weeks of age. Pups will come with a health certificate and up to date shot records. Once the purchase is made, the customer will have a receipt for purchase, registry paperwork, a health certificate and shot records.

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

I have not shown my female. I am waiting to confirm pregnancy. However, I do plan to show her offsprings, that I will be keeping.

What advice does Something Special Bullies have for any upcoming breeders?

For anyone that wants to be a breeder, they should do their homework on the bully breed.  You need to have a vision. Do not just do it for the money. Do it for the passion and to better the breed. Understand that even though money is involved, there are dog lives as stake, and where the pup ends up is ultimately up to you.

What do you think is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?

The bully community unfortunately has lots of negative and/ or irresponsible breeders who are in it for their own personal gain. They have turned the bully community into a hostile environment, always arguing and starting trouble. 

Everyone should learn how to be professional and friendly, instead of figuring out ways to start trouble and get over on other breeders. Do not be jealous of the next person's success. Learn how to create your own success through your vision, hard work and dedication.

How do you think they can overcome this thing?

Unfortunately, I do not believe that the bully community can overcome all this negativity, and bad breeding. People only care about their agenda, and that is to get paid at any cost. That is sad. 

Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?

I used to look up to a couple of breeders. Some were considered the best until I saw their true colors. So I do not look up to anyone. I want to be the best American Bully breeder in the world. 

Tell us about one of Something Special Bullies main goals for the year 2020.

I will see with this next breeding if some of my goals have been achieved. I cannot state my goal because that is something everyone will see in time. 

Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.

Ten years from now, I would like the bully community to be filled with positive and responsible breeders, friends and colleagues at the same time.

What separates Something Special Bullies from the competition?

What separates me from other kennels is the belief and drive I have to better the breed. My vision is to create a positive environment for all who have made mistakes, and for all who have are or have been successful in this field at some point.

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?

My other hobbies include riding motorcycles, and racing cars.