Culture Shock Kennels LLC: XL American Bully Breeder in California

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

Our names are Daren & Felicia Ochoa. We are the owners of Culture Shock Kennels LLC located in Antioch, California.

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

We breed American XL Bullies. I was inspired to get involved with this breed after purchasing my first American Staffordshire Terrier in 1993 at the age of 15. I fell in love with this breed's amazing temperament, gentleness, and structure.

What is your favorite bloodline?

Primeyard bloodline is my favorite bloodline . I purchased my boy Maximus in 2013 from Allen Whitten, owner of Primeyard Bullies. Max was from the Hatfield’s Monster Mutt X Primeyard’s Akeena iconic litter that also produced Primeyard’s Butterscotch of Royal Blueprint Bullies, Coleone’s King, Mocha of Cali Bred Bullyz, and some other amazing dogs that changed the game for many breeders in the Bully Community.

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

I believe a responsible dog breeder will put the highest quality of care and well being into their dogs. This means feeding quality food, having proper shelter for dogs, always having clean water, proper exercise, socialization, and giving dogs the proper vet care when needed.

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

We alternate between raw and kibble throughout the year.

Are there any specific brands of dog food that you recommend?

Yes, we recommend Victor High Pro dog food.

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?

We feed our dogs once a day in the morning.

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

We exercise our dogs for 30 minutes a day by either letting them run our property, play with the flirt pole, or play fetch with the ball.

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

• First, we will talk with parties interested in purchasing a pup from us. This is to ensure that our puppy is a good fit for the new family and that it will be going to a good and loving home with proper living conditions where it can thrive and enjoy the good life our puppies deserve.
• Next, a puppy contract will be sent out for review and once the contract is agreed upon and signed a deposit will be received for the pup.
• Once the puppy has received all its required vaccinations and reaches at least the age of 8-12 weeks, the remainder of balance due will be received and the puppy will then be sent to its new home.

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

Yes, we do show our dogs occasionally.

What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?

Stay true to your vision, don’t cut corners, and trust the process.

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

In our opinion, the most difficult thing is kennel blindness. Sometimes it can be hard to see and admit that our dogs have flaws, temperament issues, or health issues.

How do you think they can overcome this thing?

Be knowledgeable of breed type standards and breed styles, knowledge is everything. Breeders must be able to have the ability to admit to the failings in our own line of dogs and then make the necessary adjustments to better the breed.

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

I would have to say I look up to both Dustt Mundrick and Oscar Tamayo of Scorpion Kennels . These guys both have an amazing eye for dogs. Both are super humble, knowledgeable, and all around nice guy’s that produce in my opinion some of the best looking and functional dogs on earth.

Tell us about one of your main goals for 2022.

Our main goal for 2022 was to establish our LLC and website to create an online presence for the world to see our amazing dogs. In 2023 we will be dropping some amazing litters!

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

In 10 years from now I would like to see the bully community with more available mentorship, positive collaborations, and professionalism.

What separates your kennel from the competition?

I think what separates our kennel from our competitors is that we don’t see anyone as competition. We learn and grow from other breeders and want to see everyone living blessed and thriving in the bully community. 

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?

I enjoy spending time with my wife and children, driving my muscle car, and going to meets.

What do you think of Bully Girl Magazine?

I think Bully Girl Magazine is amazing and is exactly what the bully community needs to highlight our amazing breed in a positive way, all while offering marketing exposure to breeders and their kennels. Keep up the amazing work!