About Vigilante Bulldogs

Cody Mason’s journey began 20+ years ago. After a few years of playing college football and studying business administration, he began considering a career as a veterinarian and switched his major. However, in the end, he decided to pursue an opportunity to own a small business and started a pest control company, which he has built into a successful operation serving the greater eastern Iowa area.

 

Cody had an interest in dogs from a very young age. He remembers his years as a kid fondly, always being excited when the national dog shows would air on TV. He knew when they were scheduled to be broadcast and made sure he was able to watch them. This ritual created a lifelong interest in dogs and ultimately, a special affinity for bulldogs.

 

Cody got his first bulldog in 2002, a champion sired puppy named Xerxes. He eventually signed up for his first dog show, which took place in Mason City, Iowa. With zero experience, he found out quickly that there was a lot to learn, and to his good fortune, he became acquainted with a veteran show family who graciously took him under their wing and offered guidance and support as he began learning the ins and outs of dog shows and bulldogs in general.

 

While the initial dog shows were positive and educational experiences for Cody, he unfortunately was not acquiring any wins. Not long after, he decided to get his first female bulldog, Poco. After a few years of participation, though, life got busy with family and raising kids, so things needed to be put on hold so he could focus on being a dad, husband, and business owner.

 

One of the more fun prospects of fatherhood was the opportunity to expose Cody’s firstborn son, Orion, to his love of sports. Cody was a lifelong athlete and excited to see which sport(s) his son might choose. However, after exposing him to a multitude of athletic activities, none of them seemed to really “stick”. At the same time, Cody and Orion had watched a few national dog shows on television together, and Orion remarked to his dad that it looked like a lot of fun and he’d like to do that someday. Fast forward to Orion’s teen years, and you would find him participating in dog shows with his first bulldog, Palee. Orion eventually became a junior national champion, and he continues to compete, learn, and experience success with his bulldogs, alongside his dad.

 

Breeding and raising champion bulldogs is truly a family affair for the Masons. All the puppies are raised in their home with constant interaction and care by Cody and his family. The whelping box is kept in the living room, and everything is hands-on, ensuring puppies are not only monitored consistently for feedings, safety, etc, but also provided with regular exposure to family & friends. All of the puppies go to new homes well socialized and already having begun the potty training process. They are weighed daily and given regular vet checks to ensure they are growing into strong, healthy, and happy puppies! Cody also makes himself available and encourages new owners to ask questions or seek his guidance even after they take their new puppy home. He is right there with them as they begin their journey of owning a champion-sired bulldog puppy.

 

The Masons only breed champion bulldogs, and they only have a litter if they are planning to keep one of the puppies. All of their puppies are strong, fit, and capable of doing anything another bulldog can do, including long walks, hiking, etc.

 

If they do not have a current litter available, folks are still encouraged to reach out because Cody can always connect people with another reputable breeder. He cannot stress enough for people to AVOID PUPPY MILLS. When you purchase from a puppy mill, you’re getting a puppy that likely has had to fight for survival from day one. Without the proper experience, feeding, and care, these dogs are quick to develop behavior and health issues that can result in lifelong struggles for the dog. No one wants this for its new owner, or for the dog and its well-being.

 

Cody’s accolades:

 

• AKC breeder of merit

• AKC judge

• Highly recommended breeder by Bulldog Club of America

• Has held several leadership positions within the Bulldog Club of America and the Bulldog Club of Iowa

• Has experience working with Iowa rescues and shelters