Storm City Kennels: Pocket and Micro Bully Breeder in Canada

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

Our names are Kareem Evans and Dayna Nelson, and we are the owners of Storm City Kennels. Our kennel is located in Toronto, Ontario in Canada. 

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

The types of dogs we breed are Pocket and Micro Bullies. I first saw this breed back in 2013 when I was walking home from the gym. The most impressive dog across the street had a head the size of a watermelon. I remember saying to myself, “Wow, there’s no way that's a dog.” So I crossed the street to check him out and ask the owner about the breed. He told me his dog was a Lilac Tri Standard American Bully. 

I was so impressed and honestly at a loss for words, so I went home and started researching them for almost four years before breeding. My extensive research was about the breed, discovering pocket bullies, and looking into micro bullies. Finally, after four years of research, I decided to get a pocket bully for my family because of their amazing temperament and the perfect size. 

Like many, I fell in love with the breed, and became obsessed when we got ours, so by the end of that year, we purchased another pocket bully and haven’t stopped growing our family of bullies since. 

What is your favorite bloodline?

My favorite bloodline would have to be, hands down, the Gottiline bloodline. That bloodline created one of my favorite studs, Dax, who has helped create many more amazing studs like Daxline Primo, Louis V, and Lucky Luciano. Each of these dogs plays a major role in my kennel.

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

In my opinion, a responsible breeder is someone who puts the breed before themselves. You have to ensure the breed continues to strive positively, and you need to be someone who does extensive research on each breeding process. We want every kennel to have the best results possible and be extremely thorough and selective about their program as a breeding community. The best breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the bullies to help positively impact the community.

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

My dogs have continuously been fed raw food throughout their lives. They eat a premium raw blend of chicken, beef, pickerel, green tripe, and eggs. 

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?

Our dogs eat two times a day, usually in the mornings at 9 am and then in the evenings at 4 pm.

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

All of our dogs are active. We go to the park frequently throughout the week, play fetch games, tug of war, flirt pole, and they even enjoy the spring pole.

Walk us through the process of purchasing a pup from Storm City Kennels from start to finish.

1. To purchase a pup from our kennel, reach out to us on Facebook or Instagram. 
2. When we receive a message from you, we will ask you about yourself or your family. Our short questionnaire is to make sure our puppy is going to a responsible owner, that you are familiar with the breed, and answer any of your remaining questions.
3. After those questions and concerns are addressed, we will show you the available puppies, and you can choose the one you’d like. 
4. Once you’ve made your puppy choice, I will send you our puppy contract.
5. After the puppy contract is read over and signed, we require a deposit to be sent to secure your puppy selection. 
6. Over the weeks, all new owners will be sent pictures and videos of their chosen pup until they are ready to go to their new homes. 
7. At eight weeks old, the pups will be able to go home with you. They will be ABKC registered, vaccinated, dewormed, and ears cropped if the new owners request. 

Note: All of our puppies go home fully potty trained. We also include a ‘Puppy Package’ with each puppy containing a travel crate, blankets, collar, leash, pee pads, and a week's worth of their food for a smooth transition to their new diet.

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

Unfortunately, we are not currently showing any of our dogs due to COVID restrictions and obstacles. Therefore, it has made it almost impossible for us to show any of them at this time.

What advice does Storm City Kennels have for any upcoming breeders?

The best advice I have for upcoming breeders is not to cut any corners. You shouldn’t be scared to ask for help. And lastly, make sure you have a passion for the breed so you can be selective over which dogs you add to your program.

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

The most challenging thing for people to overcome in the bully game is staying consistent and true to their vision. Unfortunately, many people get overwhelmed with so many beautiful and well-put-together bullies that their vision goes out the window.

How do you think they can overcome this thing?

To overcome this, you have to stay consistent and true to your vision. You have to be very selective on which dog you add to your program. Do extensive research on the individual dog, look at the dog’s temperament, structure, movement, pedigree, etc. That dog should contribute to the vision you have in your head so you can achieve your end goal.

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

I look up to a good friend of mine, Chromebullycanada. He has been breeding American bullies for over a decade. I purchased my first pocket bully from him after being referred to him by a mutual friend. He took me under his wing, mentored me, and helped me understand the ins and out of the bully game.

Tell us about one of Storm City Kennels main goals for 2022.

Our main goal for 2022 is to get out and start showing our dogs and producing the best dogs possible.

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

I would like things to be more consistent. There are a lot of inconsistencies in this breed because everyone has their variation of what an American bully should look like, which is fine. However, we should start by looking at the breed standard and putting your personal touches to enhance the breed.

What separates Storm City Kennels from the competition?

What separates me from my competition is that I’m my only competition. So I’m just striving to improve my program with every breeding I do until I decide what a perfect pocket and micro bully should look like.

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?

My other hobbies and interests include crypto and stock trading. It takes patience and a certain amount of calculated risk to make a good decision, just like breeding. 

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?

Bully Girl Magazine is an amazing platform for people worldwide, apart from the bully community. It’s nice to come together in one place and read about our similarities and differences regarding the bully breed.