Think Big Kennels | English Bulldog and Pocket Bully Breeder in Pennsylvania

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

My name is Tony, CEO of Think Big Kennels. We are located in the ABE area of Pennsylvania.

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

Our kennel specializes in breeding English Bulldogs and American Pocket Bullies. I’ve been a dog lover for ever, but for the last 4 years I’ve started to get involved with these particular breeds. This is due to their good temperament and how cuddly and friendly they could be with adults and children. It’s amazing how they can be so small and compact, with such a beautiful muscular build.

What is your favorite bloodline?

For the English Bulldogs, we like direct son of Sheldon, and Sheldon son of Czar. For the American Pocket Bully, we like 4x Miagi, 3x Dax , 1x Bape direct son of Griz. We love these bloodlines and will be staying within the bloodline. 

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

A responsible breeder will be attentive to all of the dogs specific needs and holds high standards when it comes to care-taking. A responsible breeder will continuously seek knowledge throughout the lifetime and beyond of their litters. 

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

Throughout the year, we like to make sure the dogs are getting a well maintained and balanced diet. The diets vary for each type of breed. Some are on a high performance diet, and some are on a more restricted diet due to their eating sensitivities. 

How many times a day do you feed your dogs?

We feed our dogs two to three times a day.

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

We take them for long walks, weather permitting. We also are mindful to help them maintain a well balanced diet with proportioned servings at each meal. We make sure they are going out in the yard as much as possible, which allows them to run freely for frequent exercise. 

With the English Bulldogs, we have a variety of dog toys, including balls and stretchy ropes. For our more functional dogs like the American Pocket Bully’s, we let them out frequently as well, in addition to running them on treadmill’s at less two to three time a week for short time periods.

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

• First, there is a thorough screening of the potential new owner including a background check. We look to test their knowledge on the dog breed they’re looking to purchase by asking a variety of questions related to health, care, maintenance, etc. 
• After careful consideration should the new owner be chosen as a match, we then proceed to make sure the potential owner is aware of the specific maintenance required by the pups. We make sure they are able to provide an adequate and suitable living environment to match the pups needs, such as having a yard with space for the pups to run. 
• After the eight week whelping stage, we then allow the pup to meet with its new potential parents, before sending them off to the approved new owner. 

Do you currently show any of your dogs?

In regards to showcasing, yes. We showcase them on all social media platforms, as well as attending public and private dog shows. 

What advice do you have for any upcoming breeders?

Research! Research into all aspects of taking care for, breeding, feeding, housing, and special needs of the breed. The more knowledgeable you are, the better you can care for the pups, and be ready for anything. This isn’t a laid back hobby. It’s a profession, and should be valued as such. 

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

The loss of pups would have to be the most difficult part. You spend so much time with the pup's parents and caring for the pup during the pregnancy period, that naturally a bond forms for the offspring as well. 

How do you think they can overcome this thing?

By educating themselves thoroughly before attempting to breed or continue breeding. They need to be prepared for the reality of possible challenges ahead.

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

Ally with Bold North Frenchies. What we find admirable about Ally, is that she’s extremely knowledgeable of the breed. Ally voluntarily offers tips and pointers about the breed, and also helps when asked in regards to maintenance and care for the french bulldogs. She is very well spoken and organized when it comes to the kennel world.

Tell us about one of your main goals for 2021.

Our main goal is to breed award winning pups, and re-home them successfully as well as grow the name of our kennel to be a respected business in this arena.

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

Ten years from now the biggest change I hope to see is the bully breed grow into becoming a recognized class on all registries. As of right now, there is no section or title for them. I want to see more responsible and passionate breeders within the community, that not only educate themselves, but also those around them.

What separates your kennel from the competition?

We are very big on bloodline origination and maintaining it. We don’t just mix breeds of dogs together. We specifically choose features and characteristics to breed with. This way by the time breeding comes around, our results are strong in bone, head, structure and lastly color.

What other hobbies or interests do you take part in?

I’m not sure about hobbies, but I do love motorcycles, ATVs, and dirt bikes.  I say not sure about hobbies because this is a lifestyle for me, not a hobby. The dog lifestyle and bike lifestyle mean something different to me. We do it for the love, and not just because.