Today we’d like to introduce you to Felix Espino
Hi Felix, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up, pit bulls were a central part of my family life. They were always my favorite breed, a love passed down from my uncles and dad, who always had pit bulls around. Most of my early dogs came from them, and I was fascinated by their strength, loyalty, and heart. In 2013, when I was finally ready to get my first dog as an adult, I knew breeding was something I wanted to explore, aiming to make better dogs with each pairing.
The American Bully breed caught my attention as it started developing more, so I bought my first Bully in 2015. My fascination grew with the breed, but it wasn’t until 2021 when my cousin gifted me my first exotic Bully that my vision for the future of my kennel truly took shape. Initially, I wasn’t sure if I liked the exotic type, but the more time I spent with the breed, the more it became my favorite.
Attending my first exotic Bully show opened my eyes to the community and culture surrounding these dogs. I loved the family-like atmosphere and the variety of people brought together by this breed. That event inspired me to try my hand at exotic Bully breeding, and to my surprise, I produced quality dogs on my first attempt—something that often takes others much longer to achieve. With this success, I felt confident in my vision of what I wanted my dogs to be.
My cousin and I then founded Real One Kennels. Our kennel grew quickly through dedication and producing some of the finest dogs in San Diego, who became a key part of our success. As we expanded, we committed fully to our vision, investing in high-quality dogs, and now we own 10. My family and I regularly attend dog shows in and outside of San Diego, where our dogs consistently stand out. Winning multiple awards and trophies, Real One Kennels has become a respected name in the bully community throughout San Diego and beyond.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Breeding exotic bullies has been far from an easy journey. It takes a real commitment to caring for the dogs, understanding their needs, and dedicating both time and money to produce quality results. This isn’t a hobby where you can cut corners—everything from the dogs’ health, living conditions, and nutrition to the breeding process itself demands attention and investment.
Even with all the effort, things don’t always go as planned. Sometimes, despite pouring money into a breeding, it can still be unsuccessful. There’s a level of unpredictability in breeding, and you’ve got to be prepared for the ups and downs. On top of that, working with other kennels can be risky. Not everyone in the industry operates with the same level of integrity, and you quickly learn that some kennels aren’t as reliable as they seem, whether it’s broken promises or poor business practices.
To survive in the dog breeding world, especially when the tough times hit, you need to have thick skin. There will be setbacks and challenges, but if you truly believe in what you’re doing, you’ve got to stay strong and push through.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve been in the Navy for almost 16 years, and throughout that time, I’ve remained dedicated to dog breeding, even during my deployments. It’s not easy balancing both, but I’ve been able to rely on my family and friends to keep things running smoothly when I’m away. I take a lot of pride in being a good father and husband, and professionally, being selected for Chief and serving as a rescue swimmer for the Navy are some of my biggest accomplishments.
What sets me apart from other kennels is that I’m not just a dog breeder—I’m also someone who serves my country. The honor, discipline, and integrity that the Navy has instilled in me flow into how I run my business. Whether it’s caring for my dogs or interacting with clients, I hold myself to the same high standards I do in my military service. It’s this commitment that makes my kennel stand out in the community.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about San Diego is the diversity, the good vibes, and, of course, the amazing Mexican food. The mix of cultures here makes the city vibrant and unique, and there’s always something to enjoy, from the beaches to the different communities that come together. But what I like least is when people become too competitive, to the point where they lose sight of the bigger picture. Instead of supporting each other, some get caught up in rivalry, when we should all be showing love and lifting each other up.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @realonekennels_sd
