State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.
My name is Lenny Vargas, founder of Vargas Bully Family (IG: @vbfkennel). You can find us in Kissimmee, Florida.
What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I have been breeding a variety of bully breeds since 1998. However, when my wife joined the military, we were going to be traveling and moving to military housing. A lot of military housing does not permit large bully breeds. I began my research to find a dog that would be able to be a part of my family even through that transition.
My search brought me to French Bulldogs. I fell in love with their bully build in a small frame. In 2010, we purchased Khloe, our first French Bulldog, and it was the best decision we ever made. While we still have an English Bulldog, and American Bullies, my current focus is primarily on French Bulldogs.
In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?
A responsible breeder is someone who is willing to make the best choices for their pets. Responsible breeders must be prepared to invest in their dogs, and do what is best for them and their quality of life. They must also ensure their dogs have proper housing, a great diet, and receive individual love and attention. When breeding dogs, it is important to remember, your dogs are living creatures and not there to only make you money.
What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?
The majority of my dog’s are on a raw diet, but we do give them grain-free kibble as well, seeing as some of them can be picky.
What is your favorite bloodline?
I can’t say that I have one favorite, but a few of them are Blue Moon lines, Xtreme Bully (XB) bloodlines, and Bay Line Bullyz Grinch Line. They all have the exotic looks that I appreciate.
Does Vargas Bully Family currently show any dogs?
Our dogs will be debuting in the show ring this year (2019).
What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?
Make sure you are financially ready for this venture. Don’t take shortcuts! Focus on your vision and what you want out of your breeding’s.
What do you think, is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?
What I find difficult is not specific to the bully game, but it affects Bully Breeders just the same. I think the losses that come with being a breeder is what I find difficult for people to overcome. Someone may feel they are alone in the hits they take as a kennel, but that is simply not true.
A majority of bully kennels suffer losses. Whether it be a failed breeding, lost litter, unexpected health issues or anything in between. Factors such as these can cause a breeder emotional loss, financial hardship, and be flat out discouraging.
How do you think they can overcome this thing?
These losses can be hard to overcome. It’s important to stay focused on your goal. Adjust your plan accordingly, and get back to business. Don’t let your losses define you or your kennel. Breeders may not always put their losses on blast, but take a minute to speak with a breeder and you will quickly learn you are not alone. By doing this you can learn how they overcame various difficulties, and gain useful insight that can only come from experience.
Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?
I respect a lot of other bully breeders, but I do not look up to anyone. I like to follow my own path and my own vision, which is one of a kind.
Tell us about one of your main goals for the year 2019.
My main goal is to push my VBF (Vargas Bully Family) brand.
Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
I would hope it is a family atmosphere with good communication and dialogue to consistently improve and the bully breed.
What separates your kennel from the competition?
VBF (Vargas Bully Family) is unique because my dogs were created from my unique vision. I create my dogs’ look for me, not for anyone else. Therefore, I am not worried about what others may think about the look I am creating. I stick to my vision and see it through.
What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?
My interests are largely animal and family related. I love hanging out with my daughters, dogs, birds, and other creatures by the pool.
What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
I think Bully Girl Magazine is a great source of information for bully breed enthusiasts in the bully community. I personally like that Bully Girl gives insight into other kennels, and is an avenue to stay up to date on the newest bully breed information.
