State your name, kennel, and where your kennel is located.
We are Luis, Marlene, and David, Liz along with our kids from both families. Our kennel name is Pickles Squad. You can find us in West Palm Beach, Florida.
What type of dogs do you breed and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
We breed pocket, standard, and micro American Bullies as well as Frenchies. We grew up with the breed and have always had a love and passion for them. They have great temperament with other dogs, people, and especially children. We had no idea how our love for this breed would change our lives.
In your opinion what are the characteristics of a responsible Breeder?
Be selective of your breedings. Do the research on the pedigrees. Make sure the bloodlines match to create dogs that are healthy and functional. Consider those aspects and create the dog according to your vision. In addition, get the dogs checked and vaccinated as needed per their development. Lastly, maintain a clean and sanitary environment. This is extremely important to keep the dogs healthy.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs through out the year?
At Pickles Squad we feed our dogs Victor dog food. We make sure the food is grain free and all natural. We also add raw meat and some supplements ( liquid gold, salmon oil) on top of kibble and give the dogs plenty of exercise.
What is your favorite bloodline?
Our favorite bloodlines are Miagi, Bullseye, and Bape. These bloodlines bring certain traits that we love. There are so many good bloodlines out there between the old and the new, and we respect them all for the changes they have made to the American Bully breed.
Do you currently show any of your dogs?
Yes, we show our dogs. We go to all the dog shows located in south, central, and north Florida. On occasion, we have traveled to Georgia and North Carolina.
What advice do you have for any up and coming breeders?
It’s a lot of hard work and dedication. Do your research before breeding. Do not sell your puppies to just any body. It’s not all about the money.
What do you think is the most difficult thing in the bully game to overcome?
We feel that the most difficult thing is overcoming losses. On occasion, females may not take. However, losing a female and/or her puppies is a big loss, especially when they are a part of the family. That is something difficult to overcome and takes time. However, this is apart of the game, and it’s a gamble.
How do you think they can over come this thing?
It is a hard loss, and it can not be overcome! As breeders, we put a lot of time, energy and money into our dogs. You have to learn from your mistakes, gain advice and knowledge, and move on. For the next breeding, take that extra step, use the knowledge you have learned and incorporate it. Keep the female healthy during pregnancy, and add additional pregnancy supplements. Keeping the female comfortable and healthy during pregnancy is most important.
Who do you look up to in the bully game and why?
We look up to The Bully Camp Line. They are producing dogs with great features and temperament. They have added color, while still keeping the structure and the dog functional. There are a lot of good people and kennels out there that have a vision and still manage to keep the breeds standards.
Tell us about one of Pickles Squad main goals for the year 2019.
Our goal is to travel to other states and shows. We are always learning, training, and socializing our dogs. However, there is always more to learn. The Pickles Squad loves meeting new people and sharing our experiences, and at the same time learning from them. We are passionate about the breed and are always willing to share and teach. Educating the public on what a gentle breed they are is one of our priorities.
Describe how you would want things in the bully breed community to be 10 years from now.
We hope that in ten years the breed will still be up to it’s standards. We are hoping breeders will breed using the basic standards while still adding their vision. However, most importantly keeping the breed strong, healthy, and functional. This will keep the breed around for many years to come.
What separates Pickles Squad from the competition?
What separates us from other kennels is that we are two families, who have become one, because of our love for the breed. Yes, we breed, but it is a hobby for us. Our dogs are our family. They partake in children and family events with us. Our dogs go to festivals, charities, dog parks, dog beaches, and any type of dog-related event. Our dogs favorites are family vacations. They love sightseeing and seeing all the new smiles. With the help of the dogs we are able to teach children, that with a vision, hard work, and dedication you can make a difference.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
We belong to a Mustang Club, travel to dog shows, participate on a bowling and paintball team. Some other interests of Pickles Squad are shooting, hunting, and fishing. We also participate in charitable nonprofit events for the kids, in which we teach them about the dogs and the breed.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
We think Bully Girl Magazine is awesome. It gives breeders the opportunity to network and learn a little bit about each other. Also, Bully Girl gives you a look and feel about what others are doing with the breed. It is a great way to promote the bully breed. You guys are doing great work! Would not change a thing!
