Our breeding experience:
Although we are relatively new to the Bulldog world we are not new to breeding. Early on in our marriage, as of 2008 we have been together for 16 years and involved in bulldogs a little over 5 years. Prior to this we bred Wolf Hybrids. This was a very good learning experience for us. When we got into the Hybrids we researched K9 pack behavior extensively. At the time we did not know how much of an asset this would be to us 10 years later when we got into the bulldog world.
When we got our first bulldog she developed demodec mange. We then learned that her breeder had been told by her vet not to breed the mother due to health problems. We learned then, to be very careful which breeders you trust and research the kennel and bloodline you are thinking about buying from. She was sold as a pet to a good home to not be bred and we started over. This time with more research. We are deeply indebted to Rich Martin of RicAli kennels for being our mentor in the breed and sharing his 15 years experience of breeding these bulldogs with us.
I was raised up on a small Sheep Ranch which I decided to continue on with in a small breeding program of my own. Breeding sheep has taught me a lot about breeding. Including the good points to inbreeding, line breeding and out crossing. It has also taught me the value of hybrid vigor when you bring two totally diverse lines together. I also learned an important lesson about the damage just one poorly bred animal can do when you bring it into your breeding program. Mark my words if it is cheap it is cheap for a reason. Do not be concerned about the best deal you can find. If you want quality "pay for it".
Once I decided to breed bulldogs, but after the experience with our first bitch, I began to talk to all of the old breeders that had knowledge of the dogs I liked. I also began to read all of the genetics studies I could find, to understand recessives and dominants.
Being a Law - Enforcement Officer I also began to talk dog-training with all of the K-9 Officers I worked with, this broadened my understanding of working dog psychology. Also being a full time police officer my breeding decisions are not based on which bills I have to pay this month.
In 2006 we began competing in K-9 weight pull competitions doing very well.
In 2007 I began apprenticing under the famous Butch Cappel founder of K-9 Professional Protection Sports AKA K-9 Pro Sports. This was a very rewarding experience and I gained alot of knowledge from Butch Cappel in the area of Protection dog training, as well as earned a friend in the dog business. I also worked with two police dog trainers and another old school protection dog trainer. All of these men had different ideas of training dogs for personal protection work and I learned something from all of them. Most importantly I learned do not have a closed mind when it comes to dog training.
After having many conversations with Butch we decided to offer a new concept of dog training called a K-9 Boot Camp combining Obedience, weight pull conditioning and Personal protection training all in one in house training package. Including handler trainining and use of force guidelines for civillians who depend on dogs for personal or family protection.
Also in 2007 I met Lee Robinson of Chimera Kennels where I began to get very interested in the concept of bandogs. A bandog simply being a purpose bred dog bred for personal or family protection.
Mary was always very good at training all of our dogs. We typically have at least one dog in the house. Mary felt that if a dog was gonna be in the house it had to listen. What a great idea thanks Mary. So in 2003 we decided that since Mary was already a good dog trainer we would get her certified as an obedience instructor. This was one of the best decisions we ever made. The wealth of knowledge we received about K-9's in general alone was worth the price we paid for the instruction. Which was not cheap. This coupled with the previous knowledge we had from the studies of pack behavior has given us a good foundation of K-9 knowledge. We by no means know it all and daily strive to learn more.
Mary was approached by David Leavitt himself and asked to be the Vice-President of his newly formed Leavitt Bulldog Association . She also took the role of registrar for his registry.
Loyal Guard Kennels is located in Louisiana and is dedicated to producing the best all around Leavitt bulldogs, Olde English Bulldogges, pit bulls and bandogs. Here at Loyal Guard Kennels we breed for companionship, conformation shows, Personal Protection and weight pull work. Above all else we breed for health, athleticism and mental stability.
Loyal Guard Kennels offers professional level “board and train" obedience and personal protection dog training as well as a full fledged K-9 Boot camp to get your dog in shape. As you read/navigate this site all green words are links simply click them if you are interested in that topic/word.
