The Coastal Kennel | Pocket American Bully Breeder in Delaware

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

My name is Kristen. My husband Nick & I own The Coastal Kennel, which is located in Delaware.

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

Currently, we breed American Bullies (pocket class). We have always had some type of bully breed. The overall confirmation and temperament of the American Bully amazes us. After my husband’s endless hours of research, and with my degree in Animal & Nutritional Science, we decided to move forward with a kennel displaying our own vision.

Our overall goal at The Coastal Kennel is to consistently produce dogs that define the standard of an American Bully, while adding Tri Merle coloring to well known bloodlines. We also focus on minimizing flaws that are commonly associated with the Merle coloring.

What is your favorite bloodline?

All things Bully Market. In fact, our upcoming male stud “Dr. Manhattan” is 2x GrCh Beastro, and is GrCh Loki’s grandson.

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

Responsible breeders are dedicated, goal oriented, true animal lovers.  Responsible breeders are not just in it for the money. They have patience.

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

Our dogs are currently in transition to eating 100% raw food. They started out eating kibble, with added toppers such as: egg, bone broth, coconut oil, etc., along with their daily vitamins/supplements. With this transition, we do expect better performance, and physical results from eating a strictly raw diet.

Once they’re on that raw diet, they will be getting freshly ground fowl (chicken, turkey, duck), beef & lamb - containing the perfect meat:bone:organ ratio. Those meals will be made right here in our kitchen. All the while, still adding the necessary supplements/vitamins to complete their diet, and makesure they’re consuming 3-4% of their body weight per day.

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?

They get fed twice (morning & night). They eat between 730-830 am, and between 5-6 pm. Funny, they will let you know if you’re late by clanking their bowls around in the stand, basically saying “why is my bowl still empty?”

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

All year we run them outside in our yard.  If you throw the ball for them, your arm will tire out before they do.  Where we live, the dogs are pretty blessed. We have about 3 acres of woods, and an open yard that overlooks our own personal beach. In the summer, on warmer spring days, they swim and run the beach. Normally no matter what they’re doing, they always seem to end up in a game of tag, running laps around the yard.

Walk us through the process of purchasing a pup from The Coastal Kennel from start to finish.

• Message us using email or social media.
• We then answer any questions, and send all info pertaining to price, pedigrees, etc. We will also ask if the customer has a specific color/gender in mind.
• Contracts are sent out, signed by the customer and sent back.
• Deposits are taken.
• Final payments are made at the time of pickup.
• Customers will be given shot records, and health check paperwork from the vet.

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

Dr. Manhattan aka “Manny” started training to stack at 3-4 months of age. He is also learning to walk on a lead, and he soon was able to find his perfect gait. In February, Manny will actually start confirmation and handling classes at a local kennel club, to get him ready for ABKC shows in the near future. He is only 8 months old, but we plan to start grooming him into becoming a Champion, eventually a Grand Champion like many of the other dogs in his pedigree.

What advice does The Coastal Kennel have for any upcoming breeders?

We are still upcoming breeders ourselves. I would say don’t give up, be patient, never stop educating yourself and get in the show ring ASAP. Most importantly, make friends in the industry. There are really nice people in the bully world, that would be more than happy to help and mentor you when needed.

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

Building a following/client base.

How do you think they can overcome this thing?

Stay persistent. Never stop advertising/promoting your kennel. Make figuring out how to stand out from the other breeders a priority.

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

Okalani Hawai’i for producing some of the most compact, sought after merles the world has to offer. Lenei and her husband worked together to create their kennel, which is now a successful well-known business. This really hits home for me. My husband and I, collectively have put so much time, money and effort into making our dream a reality these last few years. How could I not look up to that? They are the definition of goals and partnership.

We also look up to The Bully Market, for having such a great yard overall. Their dogs truly meet the criteria for what an American Bully should look like. Almost all of their dogs are Champions or Grand Champions, and that is one of the major keys of the industry, when getting in the show ring. That is a huge way to show the world what you got, and make a name for yourself while doing it. 

Tell us about one of The Coastal Kennel main goals for 2021.

Our main goal is getting Dr. Manhattan into his first ABKC show. This is one of the top priorities for this year, and I can’t wait to make it happen!

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

Ten years from now I would like to see kennels around the world producing beautiful bullies of all sizes and colors, without the defects that some people are now believing to “look good”.

What separates The Coastal Kennel from the competition?

We try to form relationships with our “competition”, giving and receiving helpful knowledge. Truthfully, we just try to do everything to the best of our ability. We strive to offer breedings that have that “wow factor”, simply something you don’t see everyday, with a strong pedigree to back the dog as well.

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?

Skiing, horseback riding and traveling with our pups.

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?

I think Bully Girl Magazine is awesome! It’s a great way for the women of the bully world to get some of the spotlight. I will definitely be signing up for a yearly subscription!