Q & A with Angela Noel at Big Mack Bully Ranch

Q & A with Angela Noel at Big Mack Bully Ranch

By Sarah Elizabeth

I recently had an open discussion with Angela Noel, of Big Mack Bully Ranch, about the topic of breeding. I have noticed the divide on this subject between dog owners, activists, and dog lovers alike. I wanted to understand more on this matter, and clear up some of the negative stereotypes about breeders while still acknowledging that buying from a puppy mill is not something we advocate for.

Not everyone is suited to adopt from a rescue or shelter. While there are an abundance of dogs available to adopt, they do take a while to adjust and learn. Sometimes buying from a reputable breeder is the best option and really, if more breeders did the due diligence, we would see less dogs abandoned due to poor ownership. Read on to learn more about misconceptions, red flags to look for, selecting the right breeder, and more about what stands Big Mack Bully Ranch out from the rest.

Q: What is the #1 myth you've heard about breeders, and what is the truth behind it?

A: The myth I hear the most is that breeders are the reason that shelters and rescues are filled up. Not every dog that is bred, is bred by a breeder. Respectable breeders are breeding their dogs for health and temperament. Breeders like this use DNA, other health screenings, and dog pedigrees to track genetics, health, and temperament. Big Mack Bully Ranch personally offers lifetime support for the dogs we have bred. Our contracts also require our buyers to surrender the dog back to us if they cannot take care of the dog for any reason.

To greatly reduce the shelter and rescue population, buyers should receive more education on the behaviors and training of the dog breed they are looking to buy before they purchase or adopt a dog.

Q: What are some warning signs someone can use to tell if they are working with a “bad” breeder?

A: Some things you can ask yourself are:

• Does the breeder have a website or social account I can follow?
• Will the breeder let me see the parents through video or in-person?
• Do the dogs have papers through a credible and verifiable registry?
• Are their puppies going for far less than the normal going rate for the breed?
• Does the breeder offer a health warranty?

If the answer to any of these questions are no you may be dealing with a bad breeder or a puppy mill.

Q: What are the effects you’ve seen of a bad breeder/puppy mill?

A: Bad breeding can cause many preventable genetic health issues, and can also cause temperament and psychological issues. Careless breeding contributes to more dogs that end up in shelters and rescues, due to undesirable health conditions or temperaments, or a lack of support in a successful adoption.

Q: How can someone choose the right breeder?

A: My first recommendation is to check the social media and/or a website of the breeder you are researching. Review all their social media content, so you can get a feel for the breeder, their program, and how they invest in their dogs. Make contact with the breeder through calling, texting, or email. Work with a breeder that is willing to talk to you and answer your questions. When looking for a breeder, ask if they have any references or other people that do business with them. Look for a breeder that performs health tests and offers a health guarantee.

Q: What do you think about Adopt vs Shop?

A: Big Mack Bully Ranch recognizes that there are a large number of dogs in shelters who are searching for loving homes, and who would love to be rescued or adopted. This is why we encourage everyone to research all options for their lifestyle, needs, and preferences. When you shop with a good breeder, you will have a better understanding of health and temperament history, as you will be able to see your pup's family tree and know where he or she comes from. This doesn't necessarily mean your dog won't ever have an issue; as environment and circumstances play a factor, as well as other anomalies that cannot be tested for. When you adopt, you will generally not have any history or genetic lineage. However, you will be helping an abandoned, and often neglected or abused dog, have a better life.... and that is a great thing!

Q: What does Big Mack Bully Ranch do for the community?

A: Big Mack Bully Ranch is as transparent as possible with all our clients and we offer support and guidance every step of the way. We have a private Facebook community exclusive for Big Mack Bully Ranch pup owners where we share pictures, updates, knowledge, and education.

We also answer questions and educate anyone that calls. We work hard to build a trusting, supportive and memorable relationship with every person we communicate with, even if they decide not to choose one of our productions.

Big Mack Bully Ranch uses the latest in DNA research not only to breed healthy, happy, American bullies, but also to the standards of our Kennel Club. We produce well-rounded, family-friendly pets, as well as great breeding stock and show dogs. We enjoy dog training and educating dog owners and the general population. We specialize in the XL class/size however we do have other sizes of American Bullies.

As it should be with every breeder, when you buy a pup from Big Mack Bully Ranch, we offer lifetime support - but what we feel really makes us unique is the relationships we have with our clients. When we welcome you into the Big Mack Bully family, we mean it! Every 4th of July, Big Mack Bully Ranch hosts a BBQ for everyone who owns a Big Mack Bully production. We may be a bit biased, but we're an extremely fun family to hang out with and we have some of the most bad ass dogs.

Angela Noel is the Founding Member of Big Mack Bully Ranch. You can find them on social media at:

Facebook @BigMackBully

Instagram @bigmackbullyranch

TikTok @bigmackbully

Clapper @bigmackbully

www.BigMackBully.com

This post was written by Sarah of Cash & Clover, with content provided by Angela Noel of Big Mack Bully Ranch.

Cash & Clover is a subscription box for dogs and their humans to enjoy together. Get a monthly box of gifts for everyone in the family, furry or otherwise, and give back with a donation. We provide matching donations from our customers to Mac’s Mission, a 501(c)(3) charity specializing in homeless "janky"dogs in crisis, neonatal puppies, and dogs with cleft palates.