Familia Legacy Kennels: Standard, Pocket and Micro Bully Breeder in New Jersey

We sat down with Jorge Arbelo of Familia Legacy Kennels to talk about bullies, breeding, and the beauty of a family business! 

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

My name is Jorge Arbelo, and my partner's name is Myra Torres. We are both the owners of Familia Legacy Kennels, in New Jersey.

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

We breed standard, pocket, and micro-sized bullies. American Bullies in particular have always intrigued us. This breed is known for their structure, strength, and loving nature. In that way, they’re a lot like our own family. 

What is your favorite bloodline?

Currently, we don’t have a favorite bloodline, but we do like the Gottiline and Razors Edge bloodlines. These bloodlines have accomplished great structure and have made an impact in the bully world.

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

A responsible dog breeder provides their dogs with quality food, clean water, proper shelter, exercise, socialization, and professional veterinary care. They also ensure that all pups are weaned and sent home to their new families no earlier than 8 weeks of age with proper vaccinations. 

Additionally, a line of communication between breeder and buyer is necessary. Here at F.L.K., we love to receive updates and we’re always available to answer any questions or concerns. 

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

Our bullies eat a combination of raw diet and kibble. This combined with regular exercise, keeps them looking great. At F.L.K., we believe a good portion of the dog’s structure is genetics. The rest is about nutrition.

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?

We feed our adult bullies 2x a day and puppies 3x a day once they are of age. This includes plenty of easily accessible water to keep them hydrated. 

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

During spring, summer, and fall, our dogs go hiking with us at least 2-3 times a week. They often spend the rest of the days swimming in their doggy pool. During winter months, they take a break and enjoy being cuddled and spoiled with all the holiday festivities.

Walk us through the process of purchasing a pup from your kennel from start to finish.

When purchasing a pup from our kennel, we ask first and foremost that all our dogs be treated responsibly. By our definition, that means they are not to be used for any other purpose than as a loving addition to their family. 

• Once a prospective buyer agrees to that, then a contract agreement is made. This contract will reflect their intentions, specifically whether they are looking for a pet only or for a show/breeding quality dog. 
• After we have mutually agreed to the contract, all F.L.K. pups will go to their new homes after 8 weeks of age with proper vaccinations. 
• Finally, after pickup or delivery, we strongly urge communication between the buyer and our kennel. We love to see the progress our puppies are making in their new homes and we don’t mind answering questions. 

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

At this moment we are not showing any of our dogs, but we do attend the ABKC shows from time to time. We look forward to showing our own productions in the near future.

What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?

Our advice to breeders would be to stay focused on why we love the Bully Breed, and not on each other’s success. Progression is the key that can be used to learn and educate one another, not tear each other apart. We are all striving for the same goal, and that goal is to better the breed in general. 

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

I would say it’s probably the fear of interacting with one another and the fear of criticism, because of our differences.

How do you think they can overcome this problem?

Reaching out to other breeders, and attending shows are always a good start. As far as criticism, that just comes with the territory, but it’s not a bad thing. Criticism is what keeps you focused on future goals, so it can sometimes be helpful.Just don’t let it blind your own vision. 

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

Honestly, we look up to all the bully breeders out there who have made an impact to improve the quality of the breed.  It takes a lot of time and effort to build an empire. That’s something you can’t take away from just one person. 

Tell us about one of your main goals for 2022. 

We would love this breed to become normalized as an amazing companion, not just as a show dog. The misconception that this breed is only a décor piece or a status symbol to be addressed. Our focus is to correct functionality and overall health. If we are successful in doing this, we can right all the wrongs and win at creating an amazing breed that can survive for years to come. 

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

In one word, we’re hoping for unity! We would love for the bully world to push each other towards a better future, because money isn’t everything. The dogs play an important role in this future goal; they are our pets, friends, and family.

What separates your kennel from the competition?

That would be our love and dedication for the bully breed and our family. Familia Legacy Kennels is a family-owned kennel. For as long as we can remember, dogs have always been our passion. They show pure intentions, unconditional love, and loyalty. All these characteristics are also a part of who we are. So, when people say don’t ever mix business with family, we say family is forever our business.

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?

We love taking vacations with our dogs. Whether it’s camping or just simply walking around the park and having a barbecue. It’s just a lifestyle that brings good vibes.

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?

We absolutely love Bully Girl! Bully Girl Magazine has done an amazing job at being supportive, interactive, and informative. If you want the public to know what you’re about and what you’re bringing to the table, Bully Girl is it! Big Thanks to Bully Girl Magazine for always keeping us in mind!