Pearl River Bullies: American Bully Breeder in Mississippi

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

My name is Kayla Bell. My kennel is called Pearl River Bullies because I am close to the Pearl River. We are located in a small community in Mississippi called Branch.

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

I train, breed, and raise American Bullies, and my friend Diana Perez does. I owned American Pit Bull Terriers as pets in high school. So when I saw them, I just knew I had to have one, but I wanted one that was show quality, and she had exactly what I was looking for.  That’s when I got my first American Bully, Tank, who will be four years old this year. He’s the one that started me on this wild journey.

What is your favorite bloodline?   

I honestly don’t have one favorite. Some of my favorites are GrCh Rickey Ricardo (owned by Jose Gorriz), GrCh Jaws ( owned by Ju Ammons), and GrCh Jaws 2 (owned by Josh Crane).  Rickey is 100% Edge and a Lock N Load grandson, while Jaws and Jaws 2 are GrCh Chumper bloodline, with Jaws 2 having Heatwave in his pedigree. I love Razors Edge and Daxline when they are done right. 

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

There are so many. I probably can’t name them all. I have worked for a vet clinic for several years, seeing many irresponsible breeders. Not just in the Bully breed community but others as well.  Having healthy dogs is definitely at the top of the list.  Have your dogs checked annually, at least, for heart murmurs, heartworms, intestinal worms, any issues that could be genetic or contagious? If you are selling puppies, be sure to do your part and have them vet checked and up to date on vaccines at the age-appropriate time before going to their new homes. I also fit into the purchasing puppies from me and have them sign a puppy contract. 

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

It depends on the dog. If they are actively in the show ring, they get high-quality kibble along with satin balls the week of a show.  If they are retired from the ring, they still get high-quality kibble. 

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?  

I only feed once a day, in the evenings.  Unless it’s puppies under a year old, they get provided twice a day.

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

They get a lot of flirt pole work and fetching exercise, especially if I have them in the ring.  They also have 5 acres to run and play on, keeping each other busy.

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

• I will advertise breeding once it’s confirmed. 

• Once the puppies are born and all of them are healthy, I will start taking deposits. 
• I sell my picks, so 1st pick female, 2nd pick, etc. Same for the males. 
• I let owners make their picks when the puppies are seven weeks old.  
• When you purchase a puppy from me, you are part of the family for life. 

Do you currently show any of your dogs? 

I do. I usually always have something in the show ring. If it’s not a personal dog, it’s a client's dog.

What advice does Pearl River Bullies have for any upcoming breeders?  

Do your homework before just buying a puppy. Research the bloodlines and the standard for the breed and register; make sure that’s exactly what you want to produce. And don’t think this is a quick way to make money, it takes money, time, and patience, and we are lucky if we break even sometimes. Also, have a mentor to ask questions and go to for advice.

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

To me, it would be purchasing a dog, having this fantastic idea of how it’s going to look, and it doesn’t turn out to be what you were expecting.

How do you think they can overcome this thing?  

Nothing is ever promised when purchasing a puppy. You never know what it’s going to look like or how it will turn out. So do the right thing, neuter or spay the dog and start over if it’s a genetic issue or breed it to something to produce what you want as long as it’s a healthy dog with no health issues.

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

I have so many people that I look up to and respect. My amazing friends Diana Perez, Jose Gorriz, Liz Holland, Ju Ammons, and Nhi Pham have supported me since day one. Lance Lee and I started at the same time and has been one of my best friends since. I have an incredible amount of respect for these people.

Tell us about one of Pearl River Bullies main goals for 2022. 

My main goal is to showcase my client's dogs to the best of my ability and get them that champion or grand champion title. 

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

I’d like to see more breeders come together to better the breed standard instead of always being against each other.   

What separates Pearl River Bullies from the competition?  

I wouldn’t say it separates my kennel from others because there are a lot of amazing groups out there, but my kennel is just a small piece of the group called BWO (BULLY WORLD ORDER). We are a group of kennels that participate in shows. We are more like family and support each other through our chapter.

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?  

If I’m not traveling to an ABKC show, I’m spending time with friends and family. 

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine? 

I love Bully Girl Magazine and love what they are doing for the community.