How Long Do American Bullies Live? Average Lifespan and Factors That Affect It

  • By: Andrew
  • Time to read: 5 min.

The American Bully is a popular breed of dog that is known for its muscular appearance and gentle temperament. If you are considering bringing an American Bully into your family, one of the things you may be wondering about is how long this breed typically lives.

According to various sources, the average lifespan of an American Bully is between 10 and 14 years. However, with proper care, some American Bullies have been known to live up to 18 years or longer. As with any breed of dog, there are several factors that can impact an American Bully’s lifespan, including genetics, diet, exercise routine, and overall healthcare.

It’s important to note that the American Bully comes in four officially recognized sizes: standard, extra-large, pocket, and classic. Each size has its own unique characteristics, and the lifespan of an American Bully can vary slightly depending on its size. Additionally, like any breed of dog, American Bullies are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and obesity, that can impact their lifespan.

What is an American Bully?

The American Bully is a modern breed of dog that was developed as a companion dog. It was originally standardized and recognized as a breed in 2004 by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC). The breed was created by crossing the American Pit Bull Terrier with other breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bulldog, and Mastiff.

History

The American Bully was created in the 1990s in the United States. It was developed as a companion dog that was smaller and more manageable than the American Pit Bull Terrier. The breed was created by crossing the American Pit Bull Terrier with other breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bulldog, and Mastiff. The breed was recognized by the ABKC in 2004.

Appearance

The American Bully is a medium-sized dog that is muscular and athletic. The breed comes in four sizes: Standard, Pocket, XL, and Classic. The Standard size is the largest, weighing between 70 and 120 pounds, while the Pocket size is the smallest, weighing between 30 and 60 pounds. The breed has a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. The breed has a broad head and a short, thick neck. The ears are usually cropped, and the tail is docked.

Temperament

The American Bully is a friendly, outgoing, and confident breed. The breed is loyal and affectionate to its family and is good with children. The breed is also good with other dogs and pets if socialized properly. The American Bully is an intelligent breed that is easy to train. The breed is also protective of its family and makes an excellent guard dog.

In conclusion, the American Bully is a modern breed of dog that was developed as a companion dog. It has a muscular and athletic appearance and a friendly and outgoing temperament. The breed is loyal and affectionate to its family and is good with children and other pets if socialized properly.

Health and Care of American Bullies

Taking care of an American Bully is crucial to ensuring that they live a long and healthy life. Proper care includes providing them with a nutritious diet, enough exercise, grooming, and regular visits to the vet. In this section, we will discuss the different aspects of caring for an American Bully.

Nutrition and Diet

American Bullies require a healthy and balanced diet to maintain good health. A healthy diet for an American Bully should consist of protein, fat, and carbohydrates in the right proportions. The American Bully Kennel Club recommends a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. It is also essential to provide them with fresh water at all times.

Exercise

Regular exercise is vital for an American Bully’s overall health and well-being. Exercise helps to keep them physically fit, maintain a healthy weight, and improve their mood. American Bullies enjoy activities such as walking, running, and playing fetch. It is recommended that they get at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

Grooming

Grooming is an essential aspect of caring for an American Bully. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat shiny and healthy, and it also helps to prevent skin allergies and other health issues. American Bullies should be brushed at least once a week, and their nails should be trimmed regularly.

Health Issues and Common Problems

Like all breeds, American Bullies are prone to certain health issues. Some of the most common health issues that American Bullies face include hip dysplasia, allergies, cataracts, and congenital heart failure. It is essential to keep an eye out for any signs of health problems and to take your American Bully to the vet regularly.

Vaccinations and Vet Visits

Regular visits to the vet are essential for an American Bully’s good health. Vaccinations are an important aspect of preventative care, and they help to protect your American Bully from diseases. It is recommended that American Bullies receive vaccinations for rabies, distemper, and parvovirus.

In summary, caring for an American Bully involves providing them with a healthy diet, enough exercise, grooming, and regular visits to the vet. By taking good care of your American Bully, you can ensure that they live a long and healthy life.

Lifespan and Age of American Bullies

The lifespan of American Bullies typically ranges from 10 to 14 years, with some living up to 15 years or more with proper care and nutrition. However, larger varieties tend to have a shorter lifespan compared to smaller ones due to the higher likelihood of health issues such as hip dysplasia.

As with any breed, the age of American Bullies can be determined by looking at their physical and behavioral characteristics. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trying to determine the age of an American Bully:

  • Puppies: American Bully puppies are typically born with their eyes closed and will start to open them at around 10 to 14 days old. They will also start to develop their teeth at around 3 to 4 weeks old and will begin to eat solid food at around 4 to 6 weeks old. Puppies are usually weaned by 8 to 10 weeks old and are considered fully grown at around 1 to 2 years old.

  • Adults: Adult American Bullies will have a fully developed muscular physique and will display a confident, loyal, and protective temperament. They may also exhibit some signs of aging such as gray hair, reduced mobility, and decreased energy levels. However, with proper care and nutrition, they can maintain their health and vitality well into their senior years.

  • Seniors: Senior American Bullies may experience a decline in physical and cognitive function, similar to other aging dogs. They may require more frequent vet visits, special diets, and supplements to help manage age-related conditions such as arthritis, cognitive dysfunction, and vision and hearing loss.

In conclusion, the lifespan and age of American Bullies can vary depending on factors such as size, genetics, and lifestyle. By providing proper care and attention, owners can help their American Bullies live long, healthy, and happy lives.