What is an American Bully? A Comprehensive Guide to the Popular Dog Breed

  • By: Andrew
  • Time to read: 12 min.

The American Bully is a dog breed developed in the United States in the 1980s. It is a medium-sized breed that typically weighs between 30 to 70 pounds and stands around 16 to 20 inches tall. The American Bully was created by breeding American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Bulldog-type breeds.

The American Bully is known for its muscular build and strength, giving it the impression of great power for its size. Despite its intimidating appearance, the American Bully is a friendly and loyal companion dog that is great with children and families. Proper training and socialization are essential for this breed to ensure that it develops a stable and well-rounded temperament.

If you are considering adding an American Bully to your family, it is important to research the breed thoroughly to ensure that it is the right fit for your lifestyle. Understanding the breed’s temperament, exercise needs, and training requirements is crucial for providing a happy and healthy life for your furry friend.

History of American Bullies

The American Bully breed originated in the United States between the late 1980s and early 1990s. The breed was created by crossing American Pit Bull Terriers with American Staffordshire Terriers and other breeds that were chosen for their physical traits and temperament. The goal was to create a companion dog that was loyal, friendly, and had a muscular build.

The American Bully was not recognized as an official breed until 2004 when the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) was created. The ABKC has since published a breed standard that describes the American Bully as a dog that gives the impression of great strength for its size, with a compact, muscular body and blocky head.

The American Bully breed has since gained popularity in the United States and internationally. In 2013, the United Kennel Club recognized the breed, and it has now become one of the fastest-growing dog breeds in the world.

The American Bully breed has several different types, each with its unique characteristics. The different types of American Bullies include Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL. The Standard American Bully is the largest of the four types, while the Pocket American Bully is the smallest.

In summary, the American Bully is a relatively new breed that was created in the United States by crossing American Pit Bull Terriers with American Staffordshire Terriers and other breeds. The breed was recognized as an official breed in 2004 by the American Bully Kennel Club and has since become one of the fastest-growing dog breeds in the world. The American Bully breed has several different types, each with its unique characteristics.

Types of American Bullies

The American Bully is a breed of dog that was developed in the 1990s. This breed is known for its muscular build, short coat, and friendly temperament. American Bullies are classified into different types based on their size and weight. Here are the five main types of American Bullies:

Standard American Bully

The Standard American Bully is the largest of the five types. This type of American Bully can weigh between 70 and 120 pounds and stand between 16 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder. The Standard American Bully is muscular, powerful, and athletic.

Classic American Bully

The Classic American Bully is slightly smaller than the Standard American Bully. This type of American Bully can weigh between 60 and 100 pounds and stand between 14 and 18 inches tall at the shoulder. The Classic American Bully has a muscular build and a broad, blocky head.

Pocket American Bully

The Pocket American Bully is a smaller version of the Standard American Bully. This type of American Bully can weigh between 35 and 60 pounds and stand between 13 and 17 inches tall at the shoulder. The Pocket American Bully is compact, muscular, and agile.

XL American Bully

The XL American Bully is the largest of all the American Bully types. This type of American Bully can weigh over 120 pounds and stand over 20 inches tall at the shoulder. The XL American Bully is muscular and powerful, with a broad, blocky head.

Extreme American Bully

The Extreme American Bully is a type of American Bully that is bred for its extreme features. This type of American Bully can have exaggerated features such as a massive head, wide chest, and thick bone structure. Extreme American Bullies can weigh between 70 and 120 pounds and stand between 16 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder.

In conclusion, the American Bully breed has different types that vary in size, weight, and features. These types include the Standard American Bully, Classic American Bully, Pocket American Bully, XL American Bully, and Extreme American Bully. Each type has its unique characteristics, but all American Bullies are known for their friendly and protective temperament.

Type of American BullyDescription
StandardThe original type of American Bully, also known as the Classic type. They are medium-sized, muscular, and have a blocky head and broad chest. They have a gentle temperament and are known for being good family pets.
PocketA smaller version of the Standard American Bully, with a height between 14-17 inches at the shoulder. They are muscular and compact, with a blocky head and thick bones. They are known for being friendly and loyal companions.
XLA larger version of the Standard American Bully, with a height of over 20 inches at the shoulder. They are muscular and powerful, with a broad chest and heavy bones. They are known for being protective and loyal to their owners.
ExtremeA type of American Bully that is bred for an exaggerated muscular build and a short, wide head. They are very muscular and have a thick bone structure, but they can also have health issues due to their extreme body shape. They are not recognized by all breed associations.
ClassicA type of American Bully that is bred to resemble the original Standard type. They have a medium-sized build and a blocky head and are known for their calm and friendly temperament.

Appearance and Characteristics

The American Bully is a medium-sized dog breed with a compact, muscular body, heavy bone structure, and blocky head. They are a happy, outgoing, stable, and confident breed with a short, tight-fitting coat that is hard to the touch. The following sub-sections will provide more information about the American Bully’s appearance and characteristics.

Size

Male American Bullies must be between 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall at the shoulder, while females must be 16 to 19 inches (41 to 48 cm) tall. To be considered a pocket American Bully, a male must be between 14 and 17 inches (35-43 cm) at the shoulder, and a female must be between 13 and 16 inches (33-40 cm) at the shoulder.

Weight

The American Bully’s weight varies depending on their size. Males typically weigh between 65 and 80 pounds (29-36 kg), while females weigh between 60 and 75 pounds (27-34 kg). Pocket American Bullies weigh between 35 and 60 pounds (16-27 kg).

Coat

The American Bully has a short, smooth, and glossy coat that is easy to maintain. They shed minimally and require weekly brushing to keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Ears

The American Bully’s ears are typically cropped, but they can also be left natural. They are small to medium in size and set high on the head.

Head

The American Bully’s head is one of their most distinctive features. It is large and blocky, with a slightly round to square-shaped muzzle and a well-defined jaw.

Muscular Build

The American Bully has a compact, thickset, and muscular build that is characteristic of the breed. They have a broad chest, strong shoulders, and a powerful back.

Coat Color

The American Bully comes in a variety of coat colors, including black, blue, fawn, brindle, and white. They may also have markings such as patches or spots.

In conclusion, the American Bully is a medium-sized dog breed with a compact, muscular body, heavy bone structure, and blocky head. They have a short, tight-fitting coat, and come in a variety of colors. Their distinctive appearance and muscular build make them a popular breed among dog lovers.

Temperament and Personality

The American Bully is a breed that is known for its friendly and affectionate personality. They are loyal and devoted to their owners, making them excellent family dogs. Here are some of the key traits that describe the temperament and personality of the American Bully:

Loyal and Affectionate

American Bullies are highly loyal and affectionate dogs. They form strong bonds with their owners and are always eager to please. They thrive on human interaction and enjoy being part of a family.

Gentle and Loving

Despite their muscular build, American Bullies have a gentle and loving nature. They are known for their kind and patient temperament, and are great with children. They are also very social and enjoy spending time with other dogs.

Agile and Energetic

American Bullies are agile and energetic dogs. They require regular exercise and playtime to keep them happy and healthy. They enjoy running, playing fetch, and going for walks.

Socialization and Obedience

Socialization and obedience training are important for American Bullies. They need to be exposed to different people, animals, and environments from a young age to help them develop into well-rounded and confident dogs. They are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement.

Guard Dog

While American Bullies are not aggressive by nature, they can make good guard dogs. They are protective of their owners and will bark to alert them of any potential danger. However, they are not suitable for guarding purposes as they are not aggressive and tend to be friendly towards strangers.

In conclusion, the American Bully is a friendly, affectionate, and gentle breed that makes an excellent family pet. With proper socialization and training, they can develop into well-behaved and obedient dogs. They are highly loyal to their owners and are always eager to please.

Training and Exercise Needs

American Bullies are energetic and athletic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They need daily physical activity to prevent boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior. In addition to exercise, training is essential to ensure that your Bully is well-behaved and obedient.

Exercise Needs

The amount of exercise your American Bully needs depends on its age, size, and activity level. On average, an adult Bully needs at least 60 minutes of exercise every day. This can include brisk walks, jogs, or running in a fenced yard. Puppies and younger dogs may need more exercise to burn off their excess energy.

It’s important to note that American Bullies are prone to obesity if they don’t get enough exercise. Obesity can lead to various health problems, including joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor your Bully’s weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly.

Training

Training is an essential part of owning an American Bully. These dogs are intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train. However, they can also be stubborn and independent, so it’s essential to establish yourself as the pack leader early on.

Obedience training is the foundation of all other training types. This type of training involves teaching your Bully basic commands, such as sit, stay, come, and down. It helps to establish a line of communication between you and your dog, making it easier to manage their behavior.

Socialization training is also crucial for American Bullies. This type of training involves exposing your Bully to different people, animals, and environments. It helps them become well-adjusted and confident dogs that can handle new situations without fear or aggression.

In addition to obedience and socialization training, you can also train your American Bully for specific activities, such as agility, weight-pulling, or protection work. These types of training can provide mental and physical stimulation for your Bully, helping to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.

Overall, American Bullies need regular exercise and training to stay healthy and happy. By providing them with the right amount of physical activity and mental stimulation, you can ensure that your Bully is a well-behaved and well-adjusted member of your family.

Health and Care

When it comes to caring for an American Bully, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and happy. In this section, we will discuss some of the most important aspects of caring for an American Bully, including health problems, lifespan, grooming, hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and steroids.

Health Problems

Like all dog breeds, American Bullies are susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health issues that American Bullies face include hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and heart disease. Regular vet check-ups are essential to catch any potential health problems early on.

Lifespan

On average, American Bullies have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, with proper care and attention, some American Bullies have been known to live up to 15 years.

Grooming

American Bullies have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush can help keep their coat shiny and healthy. Additionally, regular baths and nail trims are important to keep your American Bully clean and comfortable.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common health problem in American Bullies. This condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain. To prevent hip dysplasia, it’s important to feed your American Bully a balanced diet, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid over-exercising.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. This can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and other health problems. Regular vet check-ups can help catch hypothyroidism early on, and treatment typically involves medication.

Steroids

Steroids are sometimes used to treat certain health problems in American Bullies, such as allergies or inflammation. However, it’s important to use steroids only under the guidance of a veterinarian, as they can have side effects and should not be used long-term.

In conclusion, proper care and attention are essential to keeping your American Bully healthy and happy. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and regular grooming can all help ensure your furry friend lives a long and healthy life.

American Bully Kennel Clubs

There are several kennel clubs that recognize the American Bully breed. These kennel clubs set standards for the breed and provide guidelines for breeding and showing American Bullies. In this section, we will discuss the three main kennel clubs that recognize the American Bully: the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), and the American Kennel Club (AKC).

American Bully Kennel Club

The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) was founded in 2004 and is the primary registry for the American Bully breed. The ABKC’s breed standard describes the American Bully as a companion breed that exhibits confidence, a zest for life, and an exuberant willingness to please and bond with their family. The ABKC’s breed standard also describes the American Bully’s appearance, temperament, and physical attributes. The ABKC provides guidelines for breeding and showing American Bullies, and they hold shows and events throughout the year.

United Kennel Club

The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the American Bully in 2013. The UKC describes the American Bully as a breed that is first and foremost a companion dog, exhibiting confidence with a zest and exuberance for life. The UKC’s breed standard also describes the American Bully’s appearance, temperament, and physical attributes. The UKC provides guidelines for breeding and showing American Bullies, and they hold shows and events throughout the year.

American Kennel Club

The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not currently recognize the American Bully as a breed. However, the AKC does recognize the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, which are both breeds that are closely related to the American Bully. The AKC describes the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier as breeds that are loyal, courageous, and intelligent. The AKC provides guidelines for breeding and showing these breeds, and they hold shows and events throughout the year.

In conclusion, the American Bully is recognized by several kennel clubs, including the American Bully Kennel Club, the United Kennel Club, and the American Kennel Club (indirectly). Each of these kennel clubs provides guidelines for breeding and showing American Bullies, and they hold shows and events throughout the year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the American Bully is a modern breed of dog that was developed as a companion dog. They are medium-sized dogs that can weigh between 30 to 65 pounds and stand at about 16 to 20 inches tall.

While there are some misconceptions about the American Bully being a dangerous breed, it is important to note that aggression is not a trait that is encouraged or accepted in the breed standard. With proper training and socialization, American Bullies can make excellent family pets.

It is important to note that some cities and countries have breed-specific legislation that may classify the American Bully as a dangerous breed, and muzzle laws may apply. It is essential to research and understand local laws and regulations before considering bringing an American Bully into your home.

When it comes to caring for an American Bully, they require regular exercise and a balanced diet to maintain their athletic build. They also require regular grooming, including brushing and bathing, to keep their coats healthy and shiny.

Overall, the American Bully is a breed that has gained popularity in recent years, and with the right care and training, they can make loyal and loving companions.