Archangel Bullies | XL American Bully Breeder in Texas

State your name, your kennel, and where your kennel is located.

My name is  Tiffany Tucker, of Archangel Bullies, located in Devers, TX.

What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?

I breed XL American Bullies. My husband is a deputy in the county we live in. He had a call drop one day and the residence he went to had some pocket bullies. My husband came home that evening talking about them, and eventually decided to get 2 for us to have just as pets at that time. 

We went to one of the ABKC shows shortly after where we met Concrete Bully Kennels and some of their, at the time, younger show dogs. They were XL’s and simply amazed me at first sight of them. We went to talk to them about what they had going and to get more info about what exactly the XL American Bully brought to the bully world. 

My first ever XL to fall completely in love with was CBK Brixx. He was and still is a total package of what an XL American Bully consists of in my eyes. From that moment on, I couldn't stop talking about XLs. I was nonstop on my husband's case about getting into the XL world as soon as I possibly could. 

About a month later, I got my first one and I have hit the ground running ever since that day. The passion within me for these dogs is something that is unexplainable. They were the missing piece of me that I never knew I needed until that day. Since then, I have completely devoted my every being to these amazing beautiful beasts. I quit my job a year ago this June to go all in with my kennel and what I am trying to achieve for the XL American Bully as a whole. 

What is your favorite bloodline?

About a year and a half ago I came across an adult female for sale that is a direct daughter from UKC's Most Wanted Kimbo. I didn't know a lot about the blood at first, but after her peaking my interest, I dove in head first to learn as much as possible about it before deciding on purchasing her. I read a lot of mixed information about the blood but decided to try my luck with her and made the purchase. 

Not long after getting our female Kimboline's Perla, my husband and I took a trip to California to get a male pup of the same blood. California is the heart of GK/Kimbo blood. While we there we met with several breeders of this particular strain of GK blood. We put our hands on several different dogs and met so many wonderful breeders during our stay in Cali. 

Since then I have done a breeding with CEO Kennel's Mr. Biggs and my Kimboline's Perla and the pups came out just as I envisioned them to, nothing short of amazing. From the dogs' characteristics, to temperament, and the people I have met along the way who run the same blood, I can without a doubt say, GK is my all time favorite bloodline.

In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a responsible dog breeder?

To me, a responsible dog breeder is someone who has a passion for not just the breed they focus on, but dogs in general. A responsible dog breeder has a vision that not only betters the breed but also betters them as a person along the way. You should have compassion for these animals that think the world of you. As a breeder, you have to have the time, resources, and drive to put 110% of yourself into your kennel. 

A responsible breeder is a person who looks at their kennel and doesn't see a dollar sign, because let me tell you, if you're doing this right you aren't getting rich. I would say that one of the best qualities to have is to put your dogs first. Every penny we make here at Archangel's goes right back into our kennel in one way or another. We strive to have our dogs live the best, and happiest lives, they possibly could. Customer service is a very important core value for us as well. 

To be a responsible breeder you must do your part in placing each and every puppy/dog that leaves your yard. That starts with the breeder. Our customers become family to us and it is a process making sure that every placement made is a perfect fit. I also feel that an absolute top characteristic of a responsible breeder is one that is always studying and open to learning something new. Whether it be studying pedigrees, going to other kennels to physically see other dogs, sharing knowledge about the breed and bloodlines they know, or just simply being on the phone with someone for hours upon hours talking dogs - a good breeder makes a point to be involved within the breeds community. 

What type of diet do you keep your dogs on throughout the year?

Our dogs eat both kibble and raw. At some point I would like to gain enough knowledge on an all raw diet for our dogs but I am not there yet. I will never try experimenting with something as crucial as their diet at the expense of my dogs. For that reason, they have their kibble mixed with raw hamburger meat right now. We feed 4Health Lamb and Rice, which is a brand of food from Tractor Supply. I have a female who is sensitive to chicken in almost every kibble I have tried. So we steer clear of chicken, but all have done great on the 4Health, so that is where we have stayed. They eat it geat and I have seen nothing but good results within them all from it. From puppies to adults, 4Health has been good for us. 

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?

Our adult dogs get fed once daily at 3:00 pm everyday. Our pups three to nine months get fed twice a day. Our pups just starting food at 3 months of age get fed 3 times a day. This routine has worked well for us and our babies since the start.

How do you keep your dogs in shape throughout the year?

Our dogs are very active. We often go on daily walks/runs, each dog having its own preference on whether it be a walk or a run, and they each get what fits them. We also have spring poles set up for those with higher drive, and we start the puppies out with flirt poles. 

They all have the availablity to run and play throughout the day at certain points. Living in South East Texas, they often get time swimming as well. We also take them to public events as often as we can. Whether it’s meet and greets, shows, or community events, getting them out in different types of weather and surroundings is very important to us and our program here. 

Walk us through the process of purchasing a pup from Archangel Bullies from start to finish.

• We always start by advertising our breedings that we are doing. We will post on social media platforms when the breeding takes place and when we confirm pregnancy. 
• Once we have the litter drop we really start advertising both the breeding and the puppies. 
• When someone reaches out to us we answer any and all questions that are asked. We are sure to tell people we have an "open door policy" here at Archangel's and welcome those interested in our pups to not only come see them, but everything else we have here and how we run our program. I am very particular when it comes to placing our puppies. I will vet any and all persons who inquire about one of our breedings and will and have had to turn down buyers who didn't meet the standards of owning one of our pups. I do not do this because I think my dogs are better than anyone else's or because of personal preference or any other crude act. I do this because I am trying to better this breed. I am trying to make an impact with and for the XL American Bully and sometimes certain circumstances don't allow people to fully care for these dogs in the manner they need, therefore some have to be turned away. 
• Once vetted thoroughly, the process to purchase begins. We will normally accept deposits on 3 spots for males and 3 spots for females upon confirmation of pregnancy. We only do the first 3 spots before birth just to be sure everything goes as planned and the litter is delivered safely. 
• Once born, all available spots are opened. We send out our contracts which have to be returned, signed, along with the agreed upon deposit amount to hold the spot purchased. We sell our litters by picks but each litter varies on whether it will be overall picks or male/female picks. 
• Once a person returns the contract and deposit, I create a group message for each specific pup that includes the buyers and my husband and myself. We use the group to share info, answer questions, and overload the buyer with pictures and videos of the puppies. Once they have made their selection we really focus on the pics/videos on their pup but still share all pups along the way of them growing. We really try to include our customers as much as we possibly can on the journey to make it special for each one of them. 
• In each contract, we cover the time at which payment is due in full and often allow payment plans along the way. The only thing we stick by is that no pups leave here without being fully paid for in full. In today's world, there are a lot of scammers and even after vetting and conversing with individuals for 8 weeks, you can never be too cautious. I want to be able to watch my productions grow and flourish. I would be heartbroken if one was ripped away and hidden just to keep from being paid for. For that reason, they don't leave me until they are paid in full. 
• We start the transition to puppy mush at 4 weeks and also start litter training our pups with horse pellets at that time. It makes it so much easier on the cleanliness of our kennel and potty training as a whole for the new owners once the pups go home. 
• At the buyers request, we get the pup's ears cut at 6 weeks of age so that they will be completely healed before going home. Doing their ears at 6 weeks, after their first round of shots and all vet visits are complete makes it a little easier on the buyer as I complete all care. 
• Our pups stay with us until at least 8 weeks of age. So essentially, the hardest parts of healing are behind them when they leave. Once they hit 8 weeks, we set plans with the buyer on how they will get their puppy, either coming here to pick up or if they need them brought to their location. So far we have hand delivered each pup we have produced. From flying to Oregon, driving to Arkansas, making plans to go to Hawaii, and so much in between. We try to go the extra mile for each and every customer we have. We want to be the one to hand you your baby from us. We want to see that first look and hug you and show our appreciation for trusting in us and our kennel. 
• When you buy a pup from us, you receive a puppy pack that includes all vet records, including health certificate, shot records, and weight records since birth all in a custom Archangel plastic envelope, 1 month of free pet insurance through Asurion Pet Insurance, a custom food bowl, blanket with moms scent for transitioning, Archangel's t-shirt, several toys and treats, a collar and leash set, and all of their "firsts" they've acquired. It all comes in a custom Archangel's canvas bag along with a bag of puppy food to help them through the transition to whatever food they choose to use. 

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

Yes, we show many of our dogs and have done very well with each show we have been to. It has gotten difficult to make it to shows here lately with litters on the ground to care for but any chance we get, we go. It is a really good way to get our dogs out their and I absoluetly love being in the show ring with them!

What advice does Archangel Bullies have for any upcoming breeders?

The best advice I could give is to study the breed first. After gaining knowledge on the breed itself, study different bloodlines. Listen to other breeders advice and opinions but stay true to yourself and what you are trying to create. Find your vision and stick to it. Link up with like minded breeders who can help you along the way because there are going to be some very discouraging and hard times throughout the process.

Understand that this isn't something that is easy and it doesn't come overnight. It is work! It is putting your all into it daily and wanting to quit so many times. If you have the passion needed though, you'll push through and be so glad you did when you produce your first litter. Be kind and compassionate to those around you, other breeders and your customers. 

Produce dogs for a purpose and not a paycheck. The market is flooded with "American Bullies” who do not fit the breed type and are straying away from what so many of us are working hard to create. Don't add to the problem, be a part of the solution. Never bite off more than you can chew, the dogs you obtain are going to depend on you for everything and you have to make sure you are capable of giving them your all. Remember that without them, you wouldn't be a breeder, appreciate them for that reason. 

Don't be afraid to ask questions because with doubt comes error so every question is important and deserves an answer. Push through the hard times, enjoy the good times, and do your part to better this breed. Listen to your dogs. They will tell you more about them and what their needs are than most people will be able to. Get out and be involved in the community of the breed. At the end of the day, we should all have the same goal and sharing that with one another makes a huge impact on making this breed flourish.

What do you think is the most difficult thing for people in the bully game to overcome?

In my opinion, the most difficult hurdle for our community is the lack of knowledge for this breed. There are so many different variations of the American Bully out there right now, that the breeds standards are getting washed out and lost by breeders who aren't focusing on what exactly they are doing. Instead, they are chasing color and creating problems within the community and breed itself. Breeders are flooding the market with cheap variations of what they are calling an American Bully, all the while damaging the breed as a whole. 

How do you think they can overcome this thing?

The only way we will ever overcome this is by educating one another. We have to work together and remember why we are doing this in the first place. I think every breeder's number one goal should be to better the breed. Sharing knowledge and education is the only way to do this. Our breed has set standards and every breeder should have that memorized. It should be hanging in their kennel somewhere as a reminder that those standards come before any color, size, or creation they think will set them apart. 

There is so much competition and bad blood between breeders that many have lost sight of what their purpose is. They should be focusing on making a name for the American Bully as a whole, and not so focused on making themselves the "top dog." 

Who do you look up to in the bully game, and why?

There are a lot of people out there who I look up to but I would have to say that my top 3 are Charlie Lee, Gustavo Hernandez, and Craig Spice. Charlie, the creator of the GK bloodline is one of the most humble, down to earth persons I have ever met. When on our trip in California, Charlie was one of the breeders we visited with. He took us to several homes of people who owned his productions and filled us full of knowledge on each individual dog, the dogs behind them, and where he started and how he got to where he is today. Charlie is so knowledgeable about the American Bully and has played a huge role in helping the breed develop and flourish throughout the years. He really takes the time to help out any and everyone he can, and is someone I now consider not only a mentor, but a friend as well. He has been producing American Bullies for over 20 years and loves to share his journey with anyone willing to listen. He will always be at the top of my list when it comes to Best XL American Bully Breeders. 

Gustavo Hernandez is another great man that I look up to. Gus is in California as well and was another huge part of our trip when we went. He owns one of my all time favorite female XL's and many of her sons who I absolutely fell in love with once I found them. I had my heart set on wanting to breed Perla to one of his males before making the trip, but after going, I was dead set on it. 

Gus produced a litter off of ULP's Solomon Grundy and his female, my favorite, CEO's Scarlett. That litter alone gave the bully world some of the most perfect examples of what an XL American Bully is and should be. I have had a love for the boys off that litter since I saw the first picture of CEO's Roadblock. When we made the trip, going to meet Gus and his boys was my only wish and it amazingly came true! My husband and I sat in Gus' front yard with him and several of his dogs for hours the day we visited him. 

Like Charlie, Gus was so kind and so humble about his dogs, his program, and the vision he has within him. When we left there that day, there wasn't a doubt in my mind that I wanted to work with Gus on creating a litter that would shake the bully world and that is exactly what we did. Gus was great to work with too, always checking in on Perla, being supportive throughout her pregnancy and so positive still to this day about this litter. He did everything he could to make that breeding happen for me and i will forever be grateful for it all. 

Craig Spice is on my list as well. He may not be everyone's favorite person in the bully world, but there is no denying his love and knowledge of this breed. When first starting my journey into XL's, I purchased some pups from a breeder and it didn't work out. When everything was falling apart, Craig reached out to us and luckily for me, saved our entire program. We have 2 females from him, WKB Luna and WKB Stella. I will forever be grateful for everything Craig did for us in helping us establish our yard. He has guided me along the way and filled my head with so much knowledge about this breed. He is always there to answer my questions and to give me advice. Craig never hesitates on telling me exactly what he thinks, whether I want to hear it or not. 

All 3 of these guys will forever have an impact on me, what I do and how we run our program. They all played a huge role in helping me develop my vision and will forever be a part of everything here at Archangel Bullies.

Tell us about one of Archangel Bullies main goals for 2022.

My main goal for 2022 is to produce the other half of what will initially begin our line of the XL American Bully. I plan to be in this game for many years to come and want everyone out there to know who we are how we strive to do our best at bettering this breed. Our goal is to produce legends that people will remember for years to come.

Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.

Ten years from now I want the Bully Community to be more united and unified. I would love to see this community come together and work as a whole in bettering the breed and sticking to the breed standards. Instead of always competing against each other, I want to see people working together. After all, this is about the dogs at the end of every day, not about us as breeders.

One thing that we want to be unmatched at is customer service. We want our customers to know that once they purchase a pup from us, they become part of the Archangel family. We work hard on our program and devote so much of ourselves into it that we love sharing it with others. My dogs are my life. I'm proud of them and I'm proud of what we are doing here within our program.

What other hobbies or interests does Archangel Bullies take part in?

We are a very active family. So in our spare time, if there ever is such a thing, we love being outdoors. Whether it be cooking, beaching, fishing, or hunting, we almost always find a way to incorporate being outside amongst nature into what we do. The best part of it all is that we can normally still involve our dogs in one way or another!

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?

I love Bully Girl Magazine! I love the idea behind it and the way it is bringing people amongst the community together, especially the female breeders within it. I hope that I am able to be involved in many ways moving forward, as I love lending a helping hand and being active within this community.