Northern Lakota Bullies: The Struggle Behind the Success

Welcome back to another fire episode of the Bully Girl Magazine Podcast! I’m your host, Kim, and today we have a very special reunion. We are welcoming back family! That’s right, James from Northern Lakota Bullies is back in the building.

If you’ve been rocking with us for a while, you might remember James from his first interview back in December 2023. A lot can happen in two years, especially in the fast-paced world of American Bullies and French Bulldogs. James joins us all the way from the Cheyenne River Reservation in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, to catch us up on his journey, his program, and the real life of a dog breeder in the Northern Plains.

This isn’t just a conversation about dogs; it’s a conversation about life, struggle, family, and the resilience it takes to build something great from the ground up.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Representing the Reservation: James opens up about what it means to be a breeder on the Cheyenne River Reservation. He paints a vivid picture of his home—a place where jobs are scarce and poverty is a real battle. James shares his incredible origin story: how a lucky jackpot at a local casino gave him the seed money to invest in his first dogs. For James, dog breeding isn’t just a hobby; it’s a pathway to independence and a way to provide for his family.

• American Bullies vs. French Bulldogs: Thinking about switching breeds or adding a Frenchie to your yard? You need to hear this. James runs a mixed kennel with Pocket Bullies, Exotics, and French Bulldogs. He keeps it real: Frenchies are high maintenance! They are like having extra toddlers in the house. He breaks down the strict hygiene and daily attention they need compared to the hardier Bullies.

• Feeding for Muscle and Health: One of the coolest parts of this episode is hearing about the "Northern Lakota Diet." Because James lives in a rural area during hunting season, his dogs eat like kings. We talk about raw feeding with fresh deer meat and fish caught right there in the Dakotas. James explains how he mixes this natural diet with trusted supplements like Bully Max to keep his dogs in peak condition.

• The Heartbreak of Kennel Life: It hasn’t all been wins. James gets vulnerable about the recent loss of his beloved Frenchie, Makia. Losing a dog is the dark side of the game that Instagram doesn’t show you. He shares how that loss affected him and how he made smart breeding moves to ensure Makia’s bloodline lives on.

• Overcoming Location Challenges: Living in the middle of South Dakota has its perks, but it also has huge challenges. James reveals that his nearest veterinarian is a three-and-a-half-hour drive away! This reality has forced him to become extremely knowledgeable about dog whelping, C-sections, and general medical care.

• Advice for the New Generation: We ask James the big question: What do new breeders need to stop doing? His answer is simple: Drop the bad habits. Laziness has no place in the bully breed world. He stresses the importance of consistency—cleaning kennels and sticking to a routine even when you’re tired.

Meet the Dogs:In this episode, you’ll get introduced to the stars of Northern Lakota Bullies, including Peta (the Exotic Micro stud and Baymax son), Honey (Venom bloodline), and Shakoi, the beautiful new puppy James shows off during the interview.

Connect with James & Northern Lakota Bullies:If you are interested in a puppy, a stud service, or just want to support a breeder who is doing it right, hit him up!

• Social Media: Search for Northern Lakota Bullies 605 on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

• Phone: 605-926-9075

• Location: Eagle Butte, South Dakota

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