Church of Bulls: Pocket and Standard American Bully Breeder in New York

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

My name is David Iglesias, and I own Church of Bulls located in Bay Shore, NY.

What type of dogs do you breed, and what inspired you to get involved with that particular breed?
I breed American Bully Pockets and Standards. I was inspired to go into this specific breed because I had a desire to have healthy, well-structured, good-looking dogs.

What is your favorite bloodline?
My favorite bloodline would have to be between Phenom and Locco Lotto.

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

A characteristic that I think is important is to be knowledgeable when it comes to the dog's health and knowing how to whelp. It’s also really important to know the market that you’re getting in to. 

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

I follow a raw diet and use acana beef and pumpkin kibble. I include supplements such as Alaskan salmon oil.

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?
I feed my dogs two well-balanced meals a day.

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

In the winter time, I have a dog-led treadmill for indoor exercise. In the warmer months, I try to walk them often. I use toys and ropes to engage them outdoors when we are not going for a walk.

Walk us through the process of purchasing a pup from Church of Bulls from start to finish.

• I use Instagram and other dog friendly sites (Hoobly, Petfinder) to advertise, and I take the parents out often to promote the litter. 
• Potential customers will be interviewed to see if they are ready and committed to take on the responsibility of a puppy. I like to build a relationship with the family who will be purchasing a puppy from my kennel. 
• The pups are brought to my veterinarian for health check-ups and immunizations. The buyer is provided with the health records.
• I like to remain in contact with families while their pup is being raised under my care.
  

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

I’ve brought them to fun shows when I have the time to do so.

What advice does Church of Bulls have for any upcoming breeders?

• Have patience!
• Be dedicated and motivated to be the best. 
• Invest in the dog's health and be ready to spend money! 
• Limit shortcuts and do your research on the bloodline that you want to start breeding. 
• Have a vision on what outcome you are looking for.

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

One of the most difficult things I’ve gone through is the loss of a pup from one of my litters.

How do you think they can overcome this thing?
Find out what you could’ve done differently, and understand that sometimes things are out of your control. Learn from it, and focus on what you can do to prevent this from happening in another litter.

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

I look up to Mike Diego from Showtime Bullies. He’s educated in the breed and he goes out of his way to inform and educate upcoming breeders with his experience. His Instagram handle is: @STB_mikediego

Tell us about one of Church of Bulls main goals for 2022.

My main goal is to attain more space for my kennel, I would like a larger set-up than what I currently have. I’m looking forward to doing my last breeding with my girl Kanji. 

Describe how you would want things, in the bully breed Community, to be 10 years from now.
I would want there to be more consistency with breeding towards health instead of clout, and not for what’s behind the pedigree. Functionality is key!

What separates Church of Bulls from the competition?

I sell puppies to pet-homes only; I don’t sell to other breeders. I want my pups to go to a family-based home. I like to interview potential customers and see if they are ready and committed to take on the responsibility of a puppy. I like to build a relationship with the family who will be purchasing a puppy from my kennel.

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?

I help others with basic training for their dogs. I like to take my dogs on trails and to be outdoors.

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?
Bully Girl Magazine is an awesome source to learn about other great dogs that are out there. It can bring positive exposure to a kennel and its local! Based in Long Island, I’m proud to say it’s close to home!