Simply Bullies: American Bully Breeder in Tennessee

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

My name is Brittany Holcomb and I’m the owner of Simply Bullies located in Orlinda, Tennessee. 

What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?

At Simply Bullies, we breed American Bullies. Once I met an American Bully, I knew it was a breed I wanted to be involved in. Bullies have a way of connecting on a deeper level than most dogs do, they are forgiving, biddable, and very owner focused. American Bullies are a breed that I feel should get more recognition, especially in conversations about family companions, all around dogs, and service dog prospects. 

What is your favorite bloodline?

I do not have a favorite bloodline, I feel all lines have something to contribute and things to avoid. 

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

A responsible breeder is a breeder who advocates for their breed, and breeds for preservation. This includes health testing their breeding stock, proving their breeding stock (conformation, performance, temperament testing,etc), and raising their pups with some sort of enrichment or socialization protocol. A responsible breeder stands behind their program and their dogs, always prepared to take a production back and always there to support their owners. Responsible breeders are transparent about the issues within their lines or with their dogs; no dog or line is perfect.  

What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?

We feed our dogs a quality kibble. We do add a DHA supplement and a joint supplement to all our dogs’ regular meals. 

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?

We feed our dogs twice a day.

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

Our dogs stay in shape with daily walks, and they have free range of our yards throughout the day (we have many fenced acres). In the summer, we do creek trips and hikes, but our dogs don't require a high amount of exercise to maintain basic condition. 

Walk us through the process of purchasing a pup from Simply Bullies from start to finish.

• First, submit an application. The application helps us determine if one of our dogs would be a good fit for your family and vice versa. It helps us to know what we need to discuss moving forward. 
• Once an application is approved, we request a phone interview. This is essentially a phone call to get to know the potential buyer and answer any questions they may have about our process. 
• After the phone interview, if both parties decide to move forward, we discuss open picks and litters.
• If one is chosen, a contract is signed by both parties and a deposit is placed to hold a spot. 

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

At Simply Bullies, we do show our dogs, we show conformation in UKC, ABKC, & BRC. We do performance events including precision coursing, rally obedience, lure coursing, dock diving, and barn hunt. 

What advice does Simply Bullies have for any upcoming breeders?

Research and find a mentor. Look to dog breeders with immense experience which will usually be within a different breed. The American Bully has only been around since the 90s, so the most experienced bully breeder in the world only has 20-25 years of experience at best, and some of those years would be before the breed was fully established. While a great bully breeder mentor is a fantastic thing to have, seek out one with much more experience. The things they can teach you about breed stability and longevity are priceless.  

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

People that believe the American Bully is solely a fad and doesn't deserve nor need the basic things other breeds require is a stigma within the breed that is even perpetuated by the breeders themselves.  

How do you think they can overcome this thing? 

Breeders can overcome this stigma by holding themselves to a higher standard, wanting more for their program, and pushing to improve their dogs not just in looks; but in health and temperament as well. 

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

I look up to a lot of people, for many different reasons. Devyn Ferraro, I'm sure many people look up to her. She is a judge and owns a lot of very nice dogs. I look up to her because she has remained true to her goals throughout the years, and has never sacrificed structure to get ahead. Mary Tyson always held herself to a standard higher than anyone else. She is transparent and willing to learn along the way. Marieh Davies is always learning and changing as she learns; She’s always pushing for improvement. 

Tell us about one of Simply Bullies main goals for 2022.

My main goal for 2022 is to complete all my program’s health testing. We are close now, but have a few more dogs to test. My second goal is to push for more titling in more venues and continue with our temperament testing. 

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

I hope that in 10 years our breed community can be taken seriously. I want our breeders to be focusing on bettering their program and moving the breed forward versus the next hype line or dog. 

What separates Simply Bullies from the competition?

I'm honestly not concerned about separating myself from my competition. I want all responsible breeders to succeed because that means my breed will succeed and last the test of time. 

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?

I still enjoy time with my horses, and my children. Otherwise, the dogs pretty much dominate my time. 

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?

Bully Girl Magazine is a nice production that does a lot to help bring information to the bully community.