A Long Time Coming

Grimlock

Good morning,

I've been waiting for this day for 20 years. Yesterday we brought home our first bull terrier. I've wanted one since I first saw one at car show when I was 8. I partnered up with a breeder about a year ago planning on a very specific breeding pair. I come from Danes and Mastiffs and I am very picky when it comes breeding pairs, especially for breeds that are susceptible to health issues. We were finally able to find a perfect match for a female I picked out. This was just a private breeding and fortunately we got lucky the temperment, colors and look we were going for came out just right.

There were only two pups born. A brindle/white, and a black brindle/white. The brindle/white appeared to have a strong prey drive, he is very alert, focused and the aggressor (term used lightly, he was the bossy one LOL. He even appeared too rough for mom at times). The black brindle/white appeared to be a little more docile, food driven, and while well focused, he seemed to be distracted much easier. It was very hard to choose. If my children were a little older and I would have picked the brindle/white. While he'll need more attention and training in the beginning, he'd be an excellent dog to work (trail, scent, etc). However, knowing a more docile and "family" dog would be the best fit, I chose the "black brindle/white.

I commend the breeder, they're incredible dogs, smart, already comfortable using the bathroom outside (they went with mom in and out) very alert.

We're excited to our pup grow. It's a dream come true. I've been lurking a loooong time here and now I fit in

We don't have a name yet but we're narrowing it down.

corey90260

To Cute ... Let the Games begin

BulliesofNC

Congrats on the new addition to your family! I must tell you that it's almost impossible to predict the future character and temperament of a puppy at that age. However, a lot has to do with the bloodlines as well as how they are raised and trained.
I look forward to seeing future pictures and posts about your Bullie.

Grimlock

He's been settling in great

kellicruz

Adorable!!

BulliesofNC

Looking good! Does he have a name yet?

Grimlock

We're stuck between a few. It's day 4 so I really need to get on it. I have a question. The breeder registered him as tri-colored. Is this correct?

Also, as a family we try introducing as few chemicals as possible and only when necessary. What are everyone's thoughts on food grade Diatomaceous Earth? I've had dogs with bad reactions to didn't flea and tick treatments. He also will be getting tiny doses of garlic with his raw feedings throughout the week. Can Diatomaceous Earth be used as the sole treatment for flea and tick and even worms?

Grimlock

.

BulliesofNC

The phrase "Tri-color" is not a registered color through the AKC. The phrase Tri-color actually refers to a Bull Terrier which is "Black Tan and White." Your Bull Terrier is not a Black Tan and White (Tri-color). He is a Black Brindle and White.

BulliesofNC

I haven't heard of anybody that I know who is providing their BT Diatomaceous Earth. DogFoodAdvisor doesn't even list it. I see that WalMart sells it and it's being sold for around the same price as a mid grade food. Personally I wouldn't feed it to my Bullies. I think you'd have much better luck with an accredited 5 star grain free food. No food or diet is going to protect a dog from fleas, ticks, and worms. Dogs need to be on preventative medications for fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. Proper vaccinations during early stages will prevent the worms.

https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/diatomaceous-earth-no-thank-you/

BulliesofNC

My recommendations for proper diet - https://bulliesofnc.com/bull-terrier-nutrition/

Grimlock

Yea few of those foods are iffy. I feed 100% raw, have for years our dogs have always done great. I wasn't planning on making the DE core portion of the diet. It's a supplement like fish oil or garlic anything else. https://www.rfas.uk/diatomaceous-earth and https://www.rfas.uk/garlic-is-it-safe

If I was forced to feed kibble it would Taste Of The Wild or something like that.

BulliesofNC

Taste of the Wild was once one of my top recommendations but after some company changes and several recalls it's gone down hill. It's currently still listed as a 4 star food but there's certainly Many better choices.

Grimlock

Blue Buffalo has had their share as well again that's why I feed raw. No recalls on free range local chicken, grass fed beef, goat, rabbit, duck, and turkey.

BulliesofNC

Nope you can't recall raw meats. Sadly however, there are several reports each year of salmonella poisoning which certainly poses a risk to both dogs and people.

NC State Vet School is rated #2 in the Nation and I am fortune enough to live within 2 hours of their veterinarian clinic that assists with genetic testing and specialized procedures. Unfortunately any dog that is seen by this clinic who is on a raw diet is required to be quarantined during exams and operations. Obviously the procedures necessary to treat the dogs in quarantine require medical staff to wear appropriate PPE and provide other amenities which higher the cost of treatment. NC State write many professional reports each year after conducting many research topics. They are certainly well acclaimed throughout the nation. Oddly though, they are not in support of feeding raw meats. However, they certainly have knowledgeable professional experts on site that specialize in nutrition. I suppose I'm fortunate that my Bullies are not quarantined when undergoing genetic testing and reproduction services.

Grimlock

Such is life in both sides of the isle https://www.google.nl/amp/amp.timeinc.net/fortune/2018/02/14/dog-food-recall-salmonella

Blue Buffalo-
https://www.google.nl/amp/s/www.chagrinfallspetclinic.com/2018/01/09/blue-buffalo-blue-wilderness-pet-foods-plagued-years-recalls/amp/

Acana and orijen
https://www.petful.com/brands/acana/

And the list goes on. I don't really know what you're getting at tbh. After listening to you trying to flex about the clinic, which services 99% of dog owners will never need, I guess you're happy your potentially subpar diet is saving you money on those tests? I'm not sure what the point in that was. And I believe Cornell is actually #2 and Colorado was #3 or at least tied for it with NC State.

After looking at a few articles published by that NC State program I'll conclude they are either sponsored by a big dog food company or really don't take nutrition seriously and here's why.. in one article alone

1)Vet Dr. Deresienski believes it doesn't matter the type of food, the quantity is more important.
2)They haven't come across a diet that's going to be dangerous to the pet
3) Fran Ferrell feeds her dog "steamed broccoli, chicken (doesn't state if cooked or not), raw carrots, rice and fruit."
4) dog food is safe but some of the horror stories like the use of by-products and roadkill might be true

But then go on to say not to believe everything you read and homemade diets are growing in popularity and NC State's nutrition lab is working helping owners balance those.

Again I'm not quite sure what the point of bringing NC State into this was however with what I feed, I can go hand pick the chickens, drive by the cows I get beef from, same with the goats, almost hit the deer I hunt, i just need a duck and etc. I know what goes into every bowl I fill. I'll take what I know over a mystery bag any day.

However I appreciate your insight and if you're ever up more info on a proper raw diet check out RFAS.UK that website has literally a ton of raw nutrition guides, charts, FAQs and more. I'm not just some average pet owner that is following a fad or hasn't done the research. I've been doing this for years and my family before that. And just because an institution ignores something doesn't mean it doesn't have validity.

Now for my favorite part..pictures!

Grimlock

We finally picked a name. The kids chose Grimlock, Grim for short. He is the leader of the Dinobots ( a tyrannosaur) of the original G1 transformers. While he doesn't always see eye to eye with the Autobots (stubborn) and would rather eat his way out of a problem he always stands for justice and hates those that abuse their power. But they mainly chose it because they think his head is shaped like a T-REX.

chooba

Huh,

BulliesofNC

@Grimlock - Your statement of saying the diet I'm providing my Bullies is subpar is exceedly ignorant. One of the nice things about being a affiliated breeder through AKC is that I follow their guidelines and regulations. I've been raising Bullies for years and raised many into old age. Recorded dates of death are clearly listed within AKC records which are public view. I'm proud of the fact that our Bull Terriers have far exceeded the average life cycle.
It's wonderful to illustrate a photo of a puppy that is young and healthy and boost about the diet it is. It's a better feeling to have raised several into old age and illustrate photos of a 13 year Bull Terrier that still looks young and retains plenty of energy and spunk.
Quality foods like Victor aren't a "mystery" food unless the consumer can't read or does not have the ability to analyze the nutritional valves and reviews conducted on the food.

Try and understand that my responses aren't in hope of getting You to change the diet of your Bull Terrier. If you're happy with feeding a raw only diet so be it. Again, I use raw as a supplement from time to time more as a treat but stick to a 5 star grain free food like Victor that certainly proves to be a well rounded nutritional diet that keeps my Bull Terriers healthy and strong for many years to come. This Forum gets read by many and the last thing that I'd want is for others to pickup a false illusion that a food like Victor is not a healthy choice for their dog. At $60 a bag is not cheap at all. Combine that with a supplement like NuVet to keep the immune system healthy and strong and Grizzly oil which has omega benefits which also provide benefits for their coat and you'll have a fantastic diet.

I enjoy getting compliments on my Bullies while exploiting at an AKC Conformation event or when people come here to visit. I'm constantly asked what I feed my dogs. My males all exceed 70 pounds and are nothing but muscle. This is contributed to proper diet and exercise which most would agree is NOT subpar.

I look forward to seeing Grim grow and mature. He's a cute little thing right now. Time will tell how he progresses.

corey90260

=D>

Grimlock

I appreciate you're point of view. We've had similar success on raw. Danes and Mastiffs living to 12 on average (3 generations) and my brothers Dane is 14. I say subpar because we don't know what's in any of them. Even grain-free foods have fruits and veggies and other high carb ingredients causing the stomach to be very alkaline which in turn doesn't allow the dog to destroy bacterias like salmonella and listeria, with raw this isn't an issue. Which is why contamination recalls are highly dangerous

While I wouldn't discourage someone from feeding a high quality kibble, as I didn't in another thread I posted on here, hearing from the other side of the isle isn't necessarily a bad thing either. One of the biggest "downsides" to raw is the lack of research by big name universities or research centers. So people point out lack of resources as a deterrent to feeding it, even though there are hundreds of resources available, it's still a "new" concept to most. We're just cutting out the middle man. Companies say they use quality beef, chicken, fish, etc. So do we, we just do it before they cook all the water and nutrients out of it.

I'm very glad to hear your dogs are healthy and well. It always feels good to be complimented on something we work hard for.

I guess it just doesn't make sense to pay $60/bag then have to use all of these extra supplements the food you're using doesn't supply. That's not a knock against you or the supplements, because I use a different oil for our dogs coats but this is exactly the reason my family started looking into more wholesome diet programs. As I say to every owner, do what works best for you and your dog.

And time will show he will progress and grow with fervor. Just like the other 20 dogs we've bred and raised and rescued on raw over the last two decades.

BulliesofNC

Regardless of what diet you choose the use of some supplements are very beneficial. Heck, we ourselves often find it beneficial to take vitamins and other sorts of supplements. A particular meal may not always be focused on a certain breed type or individual dog that requires an added element of nutrition. Unfortunately the Bull Terrier breed is historically known for having a weaker than normal immune system. That's a hereditary fault that plaques the breed and one most breeders are trying to improve on by selective breeding. However, many Bull Terriers are still susceptible to skin issues and allergies especially those that are under stress, anxiety, or do not receive quite the exercise they need to burn off pent up energy. Even some well cared for Bull Terriers can develop issues which is associated with a weaker than normal immune system. This is why I constantly recommend people to add a supplement in their diet which is proven to strengthen their immune system thus keeping them healthier. In truth, those who provide their dog with raw diets are a lot more prone to giving their dog supplement because they are often not able to always complete a well balanced bowl of food from the natural foods they have available on a daily basis. I use a product called NuVet because I have witnessed the positive results of this supplement time and time again especially with new rescues that we have received that were in poor health. Many also like to use salmon oil because of the benefits that the omegas offer. Supplements are a great choice for any dog.

Grimlock

We're growing

Grimlock

And shiny and healthy. 27.5lbs at 17 weeks

corey90260

So CUTE

BulliesofNC

Looking Good! :-bd