Paragons Kennel | American Bully, French Bulldog and German Rottweiler Breeder

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

We are Paragons Kennel, located in New York, and my name is Melonie.

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

The types of breeds we have available in our program are American Bullies, French Bulldogs and German Rottweilers. Each breed is unique in its own way, and we want to break any stigmas by providing families with lovable companions.

What is your favorite bloodline?

There are so many popular bloodlines, it is difficult to narrow down to a favorite one. Our main priority is ensuring healthy quality dogs.

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

A responsible breeder always makes sure his dogs are kept up to date on vaccinations, well groomed and socialized. Knowing how to manage time properly is important, in order to keep tight routines and keep up with training schedules. For the most part, breeders have families, so making sure both your business and personal life mesh well is essential. 

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

Our dog's diet consists of Victor Hi-Pro Plus kibble. However, we also add meat, fruits, vegetables and other supplements like: Dyne, omega oil, coconut oil, olive oil, yogurt and goat milk.

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?

We feed our dogs twice a day, and usually give a homemade frozen treat. We call them “PowerBars”. If we have a female in heat or with a confirmed pregnancy, we will add another smaller meal in the middle of regular feedings.

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

Besides a nutritious diet, in order to keep our dogs in shape throughout the year, we walk adults for about 45 minutes to an hour and puppies for about 15 minutes until they are fully developed.

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

• Once you have decided to purchase a puppy from Paragons Kennel you will be given an application. 
• Upon approval of your application, a 20% deposit of the purchase price will need to be made to reserve the puppy until pick up. 
• If there are no deposits, then puppies will be sold on a first come first served basis. 
• When picking up your puppy, you will be given a welcome folder with any vaccination records and other documents pertaining to the puppy.

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

Paragons Kennel is currently showing dogs in local events, as well as with reputable registries. 

What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?

Advice that I would have for upcoming breeders is to make sure you can financially afford the costs incurred in breeding. Research the breed and learn the risks that can occur. It is also important to network with experienced reputable breeders, who are humble enough to give some guidance. Your dog's health should be your priority.

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

One of the most difficult things for most people to overcome in the bully game is greed. Unfortunately, there are breeders that are unethical, which can lead them to over breeding.

How do you think they can overcome this thing?

To overcome greed in the bully game we need to wean the unethical breeders out. This can be done by not supporting unhealthy breeding programs.

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

There are many breeders in the bully game, but only a few are true to the craft and have the dogs best interest at heart. I look up to anyone that respects their dogs and doesn’t exploit them. Some breeding programs that have caught my attention would be Crayola Kennel, Fear Kennel and Clutch Kennel. 

These kennels have always been helpful and humble throughout our communications. Through their social media content they show the pros and cons of the bully game. Their dogs are always well kept, and they carry themselves in a professional manner.

Tell us about one of Paragons Kennel main goals for 2021.

Paragons Kennel has one main goal, and that is to be successful by continuing to produce healthy well structured canines, with great temperaments.

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

In ten years, I would love to see the bully community focus on producing more functional and athletic bullies. I hope to see  breeders show more pride in themselves and their dogs. More dog shows and networking events to bring other kennels together would also be great for the industry.

What separates Paragons Kennel from the competition?

Paragons Kennel strives for excellence. We have a clear vision and will accomplish this through selective breeding. We don’t see competition, we see future business partners. 

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?

Other interests I partake in include day trips with my family. We enjoy spending time at theme parks or arcade centers. Our children are involved in soccer and baseball, so depending on the season we are pretty busy with their activities.

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?

Bully Girl Magazine is an essential publication in the breeding industry. Bully Girl Magazine provides an outlet for kennels and the best bullies, allowing its readers to become familiar with our world. I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to be featured in Bully Girl Magazine. I am hopeful this exposure will allow positive growth for Paragons Kennel.