Tips on Finding Best American Bully Studs, Stud Service & Puppies
Resources for American Bully Breeding Programs to Use When Deciding on a Stud Dog — Venomline Pocket Bully Breeders
Welcome to our monthly newsletter for October 2023!
In this article we’ll cover some of the highlights from the past month at Venomline Pocket Bullies. In our last update we had 2 litters just arrive — Big Poppa X Peaches & Omega X Kilo. Keep scrolling for updated pics of pups from both litters — now aged approximately 3–4 months old.
We currently have a male & 2 females available for sale!
Louis V Line’s Venom AKA “Chunk”
1. ODB’S BIG POPPA X VENOMLINE’S PEACHES
For the 1st Time Ever: 2X GrCh Rocko meets 3X Venom
Discounted Male & Female Available!2. LOUIS V LINE’S OMEGA X MTB’s KILO
Linebred 2X Louis V (Omega meets Venom)
✓ 1st Pick Female Available!
CUSTOMER PRODUCTIONS
Here are some recent adult productions by Customers of ours through the use of Venomline Pocket American Bully Studs.
In our next update — we we’ll be showing off our Customer’s adult productions off Omega, Ch Homicide, King V & King Koopa!
LOUIS V LINE’S VENOM OFFSPRING
Louis V Line’s Venom Offspring
COMING SOON: FEATURED CUSTOMER LITTERS
Due to the recently higher than usual demand for our Stud dogs, starting next month — we begin featuring Customer litters to show off both the quality of our Client’s productions and the consistency of our Studs.
This will not only help with sales, it will also be a great way for new and established kennels to get both their name and brand our there — all while improving their program, building a brand and producing some of the best American Bully puppies in the world — off the #1 American Bully Bloodline in the world — Venomline.
Just another way to show our appreciation to our Customers, Supporters and those that’ve shown us love over the years. We really appreciate every single one of you guys and girls.
AMERICAN BULLY STUD SERVICE
Most breeders offer a stud service. If you are new to breeding dogs, you should definitely take advantage of this. Without the use of Top Studs — a breeding program will face a long, uphill battle. Even Top Breeding Programs use outside Studs in order to bring in new blood, add genetic diversity or to improve their stock.
ADVANTAGES TO USING A STUD DOG
Many that get started in the dog breeding business usually purchase a stud dog or two along with some female dogs. As Venomline discussed in American Bully Breeding 101, the better way of going about this is to start off by purchasing female dogs.
When your female reaches breeding age you can contact the kennels that offer stud service or contact the kennel you purchased your female puppy from to use their Studs.
Housing, feeding, and taking care of stud dogs is expensive and you’re not always guaranteed to have a great stud dog once they mature.
HOW TO FIND AN AMERICAN BULLY STUD
There are many ways to find a Top American Bully Stud — these can include in person events like dog shows hosted by the ABKC, UKC, BRC, a search on any of the online pedigree database like Bullypedia, BullyPedex or BullyDex. Another relatively new site that has been gaining a lot of traction recently is K9 Stud Source.
These can be especially useful if you’re considering line breeding and looking for a common ancestor. Lastly, through word of mouth or by traveling to the Stud Owner to see the Stud in person. Breeders that photoshop their dogs will do just about anything possible in order to avoid having their Customers seeing their dogs in person.
It’s understandable if a Top Stud owner is busy, but most will make time for Customers who are traveling down for live breedings (side by side) and potential Customers that are interested in learning more.
2X Venom • Venomline’s King Koopa
If you get a resistance when asking if you can see the Stud in person for the breeding — this is usually a red flag. Not every Stud dog online is what they look like in photos.
- ABKC Shows & Events
- Pedigree Databases
- Word of Mouth
- Traveling to Stud Owner
DECIDING ON AMERICAN BULLY STUD
GETTING DETAILED PEDIGREE INFO
Choosing a Stud is a big decision and one that can set up your kennel for success. Be sure to get detailed pedigree information on the dogs to ensure that you are getting a quality linebred dog (meaning the same ancestors appear more than once in the 4 generation pedigree)
Linebred and inbred Studs will usually produce more consistent litters than scatterbred ones. Kennels that have been around for a while and have quality productions will usually linebreed.
All Studs at Venomline are linebred or inbred, health tested, DNA-Profiled and carry all colors including every tri color variation and bred to produce.
But don’t take our word for it — always check a Stud’s Productions.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A STUD
- Linebred/Inbred
- Productions
- Pedigree
- Consistency with different bloodlines
- Show Dogs Vs Brood Stock
LINEBRED/INBRED VS SCATTERBRED
As mentioned above — linebred and inbred Studs have a higher likelihood of passing on traits to their offspring. By using a linebred or inbred Stud over a scatterbred one — the results become apparent in the quality and consistency of a litter.
It’s not difficult to figure out why — basic genetics & simple math: a dog that carries more copies of the desired genes — will have a higher likelihood of passing on them on to their offspring.
This does NOT mean that all inbred and linebred dogs make good Sires. There are plenty of disasterous examples of linebred and inbred Studs all over the place.
A quick scroll through any of the bully groups on Facebook and you’ll quickly find that there’s no shortage of poor examples of inbred/linebred dogs. The best advice I can give is for beginners to avoid inbreeding or linbreeding too close is to avoid these types of breedings for the first couple of years.
Then down the road, after more successful breedings, quality productions and experience under your belt — begin your research into the more risky breeding types.
AMERICAN BULLY BREEDING
SETTING TRAITS
It’s important to understand that inbreeding and linebreeding are tools used to set traits. But, like the benefits, there’s also downside to closely related breedings. Inbreeding can be a double edged sword that can cause a lot of issues if done irresponsibly.
These types of breedings should only be carried out by experienced breeders that have a full understanding of the risks involved.
To avoid the COI (Coefficient of Inbreeding) from getting too high, an outcross is recommended immediately following an inbreeding.
INBREEDING & LINEBREEDING
The word inbreeding carries with it a negative connotation by those unfamiliar with dog breeding, but the best examples of nearly every recognized breed since man domesticated the dog — have been the direct result of careful selection, linebreeding and inbreeding.
Again, inbreeding is done to set traits. But be aware that this doesn’t mean you’re just doubling up on the good, You’re also doubling up on the bad — this includes negative recessive traits and/or genetic disease. Ones that you may not have been aware even existed.
SHOW DOGS VS BROOD STOCK
Another common mistake that’s often made is assuming that just because a dog is a show dog, a Champion or just a good looking dog — that this automatically makes them a suitable Stud.
Just because a dog carries “type” or is proven in the Show ring — this includes Champion & Grand Champions — does not automatically mean that they will be great Stud dogs.
COMMON MISTAKES
Avoid common mistakes that can be costly when starting out — by going with a reliable breeder. There are plenty of Stud owners that will be happy to take you money — but not all of them will deliver. This is especially true when importing semen Internationally. Stud owners who aren’t experienced Shipping Internationally — aren’t always familiar with the testing requirements to import.
Each country has different import requirements and testing that’s required that has to be completed (often within a specific timeframe). If the required testing isn’t completed within this set time frame — or if the breeding units aren’t prepared, packaged or labeled correctly — the shipment can end up getting held up in customs with some not even making it into the country. It happens more than you’d expect.
So while some of the breeders may not have bad intentions — many will end up not being able to get shipments into the Customer’s country — and providing the services that they were paid for. Others are outright scams.
Avoid all of these issues by choosing an experienced breeder with a good reputation. One that can provide referrals of Customers that have successfully imported semen into your country.
Be sure that your shipment is insured as protection in the event a tank goes missing or is held up by Customs. Lastly, all details of the transaction, payment amount and exactly what the Stud owner agrees to provide for the amount paid in Contract.
AVOID THESE MISTAKES
- Inexperienced/Unreliable Breeders
- Scams
- International — Breeders are often quick to accept money from a Customer but aren’t always familiar or experienced with the different countries’ import requirements
- Insurance
- Contract
HOW TO RESERVE AN AMERICAN BULLY STUD
SELECTING AN AMERICAN BULLY STUD DOG
Deciding on an American Bully Stud should be an exciting process stress free process. The first step in reserving a Stud is usually to contact the Stud owner. Quality programs will usually require approval of the female and the approval process is usually pretty straight forward: send a few photos of the female as well as her pedigree to the Stud Owner.
If you don’t have an online pedigree set up, send a screenshot of the front and inside of your registration paperwork to the Stud owner. Once a female is approved, Studs can usually be reserved by placing a deposit. A deposit “locks-in” a Stud’s current rate. So when a Stud’s fee goes up — you’re still locked in at the rate you locked in at. Deposits for quality Studs are typically around $500-$1000.
Venomline Studs can be reserved by placing a a deposit or paying for the Stud in full (up front) for a discounted rate. Repeat customers also take $500 off any future Stud Credits with us.
Venomline Pocket Bullies ™️ 2023
STEPS TO RESERVE A STUD DOG
- Initial Contact
- Approval of female
- Payment to reserve- Deposit to lock-in current rate, paid in full (up front discount)
STUD CONTRACTS
- Terms
- Female Doesn’t get pregnant
- # of puppies breeder considers a litter
- Repeat Breedings
- Stud Credit Expiration Date
WHEN TO CONTACT STUD OWNER
Contact the Stud owner as soon as your female begins her heat. Most Stud owners count 1st drops of blood as Day 1 of heat. Contact the Stud owner so that they’re aware of her heat cycle. A good stud owner will walk Customers through the entire process making it stress free.
Always remember to give the stud owner a heads up — nothing drives a Stud owner crazier than the Customer who texts or calls last minute, especially without prior mention that the female is even in heat and without progesterone results — “she’s ready. Go ahead and send it out.”
Be respectful of the Stud owner’s time and give them a heads up, so they have time to get the stud in, collected. We spin down all samples correctly and use a 5–7 day extender. Our Repro Specialist — Andrea over at Palm Beach K9 Resources is the best in the business.
PROGESTERONE TESTING
Looking on the internet for information on progesterone testing is a nightmare. It’s nearly impossible to find information on what the #’s mean, or what numbers that would be ideal for breeding. Several websites will offer different advice and many vets aren’t helpful at all.
WHEN TO BEGIN TESTING
We recommend scheduling a first progesterone test beginning on day 4 or 5 of her heat. We count day 1 of heat as when the female first drops blood.
- Day 1 of heat cycle is counted as the 1st day a female in heat drops blood.
- Schedule a pre-breeding exam and/or 1st progesterone test for day 4–5 of heat.
- Test regularly and communicate with the Stud Owner
UNDERSTANDING PROGESTERONE RESULTS
Progesterone results typically come in 2 forms: IDEXX and MiniVidas
- IDEXX
- Mini Vidas
WHEN WILL MY FEMALE BE READY TO BE BRED?
There is no single exact number for determining the time of ovulation; we are looking for a number between 4ng/ml to 8ng/ml as the start of ovulation. Most typical bitches ovulate around 5ng/ml.
- To keep things simple — we count ovulation as occurring above 5–5.5
DETERMINING THE BEST BREEDING DAY(S)
Once you’ve determined the day of ovulation, you now know (approximately) when the female has dropped her eggs. Remember, ovulation is when the female releases her eggs, it still takes 48–72 hours before those eggs are mature enough to be fertilized.
THE BEST BREEDING DAY(S) WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE METHOD OF BREEDING & WHETHER LIVE, FRESH CHILLED OR FROZEN SEMEN IS USED
- Natural Ties
- Live Breeding/Side by Side AI
- Regular AI w/Shipped Fresh Chilled
- TCI
- Surgical insemination (Surgical AI)
Ask your vet if they perform Surgical AI and TCI beforehand so you know your options.
TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION
Artificial insemination (AI) can be performed by a number of different methods and utilizing sperm from fresh, extended or frozen sources.
- Regular AI
- TCI
- Surgical Insemination
1. LIVE/SIDE BY SIDE AI (REGULAR AI)
Regular AI’s — sometimes referred to as side-by-side AI’s use fresh semen, but instead of the male depositing sperm inside the female, our repro specialist will collect the semen and then inserts it into the female.
The timing for natural mating and side-by-side AI is more forgiving because fresh semen can live within the uterus for 5–6 days.
- 24–48 hours (1–2 days) after progesterone reaches 5ng/ml.
- Skip a day and do a 2nd AI if you have the option available to you
2. TRANS-CERVICAL INSEMINATION (TCI)
Trans-cervical insemination is a method to deliver sperm directly into the uterus, bypassing the cervix. The advantage is the same as the surgical intrauterine method of insemination (commonly called an implant). Many sperm may not penetrate the cervix after a routine vaginal insemination. This can be especially true for frozen or chilled semen, or in cases of bitch or stud dog decreased fertility
TCI W/FRESH CHILLED SEMEN
- 24–48 hours (2 days) after progesterone reaches 5ng/ml.
3. SURGICAL INSEMINATION (SURGICAL AI)
Surgical Insemination is a good choice for older females, females with poor fertility (those that have had trouble becoming pregnant) and those with uterine pathology. An incision is made into the abdomen and the semen is injected into the base both horns.
Conception rates can be as high as 80–85% when the estrus cycle has been appropriately managed.
SURGICAL AI WITH FRESH-CHILLED SEMEN
- 48–72 hours after progesterone reaches 5ng/ml
SURGICAL AI WITH FROZEN SEMEN
- 72 hours (3 days) after progesterone reaches 5ng/ml.
TESTING TO COMPLETE AHEAD OF BREEDING
- Pre-Breeding Checkup/Screen
- Brucellosis
- Rabies Vaccine
- Heart
Not required, but recommended testing for those wanting more information on the soundness of their breeding bitch. Soft Palate, trachea, heart, joint abnormalities.
Genetic testing can give you a better idea of any recessive traits your dog carries and if your dog is a “carrier” of any negative recessives that could come to light if bred to another dog that’s a carrier of the same issue.
But test results in the wrong hands or by someone without a full understanding of canine genetics and knowledge on the diseases which are even expressed in the american bully breed can also be problematic.
CRD is a great example of genetic disease that can show up on test results but haven’t been expressed in our breed.
Some may remember the hysteria in Australia over Embark test results.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER
- Shipping or Traveling to Stud?
- Stud Credit Expiration
- Purchasing Stud Credit w/partner or Co-own
- Switching of Female
- Re-Sale of Stud Credit
- In the Event something happens to Stud owner..
IS MY AMERICAN BULLY FEMALE PREGNANT?
WAYS TO TELL IF YOUR FEMALE IS PREGNANT
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
CONFIRMATION OF PREGNANCY
Once the breeding is complete, barring any recommended follow up appointments — usually only the case surgical insemination (surgical AI) the next appointment won’t be for another 30 days. Some vets will recommend coming back in 3 weeks, but the honest ones will tell you — they can’t see much at 21 days.
Schedule an appointment for ultrasound confirmation 30 days after the insemination. The ultrasound is good for “confirming” the breeding, but it’s difficult to get a count. Use the ultrasound appointment to find out if the breeding was a success. The next appointment won’t be for another few weeks, and that’s the X-ray to get a count. Some vets do them earlier, we usually wait until around day 56–57 to get a count and schedule the c-section.
Do not try and have the litter naturally, with the American Bully breed — you always want to do c-section delivery. One puppy getting lodged in the birth canal is all it takes to lose an entire litter and jeopardize the health of your female.
- Ultrasound at 30 days
- X-Ray for Count
If you have not read Becoming An American Bully Breeder: Part I & Part II, we suggest first reading those before returning back to this article. We have included links to each below.
AMERICAN BULLY BREEDING PART I: DECIDING ON A CLASS
AMERICAN BULLY BREEDING PART II: PURCHASING FOUNDATION DOGS
For more information on American Bully Stud Service, Methods of Artificial Insemination (AI’s) & Confirming Pregnancy — to Preparing for your Litter’s Arrival — check out the articles below.
See: How American Bully Stud Service Works
CONTACT
📲 Text 832.452.0898 during business hours for fastest response.
VENOMLINE LINKS
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