American Bully Dog Breed Overview Characteristics History

The American Bully dog breed is a relatively new addition to the world of purebred dogs.

It was developed in the 1990s by breeding Pitbull-type dogs with other breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Bulldog.

This breed was created to be a companion dog, not a fighting dog.

Worth a look: Whats an American Bully

The American Bully is a sturdy breed with impressive physical characteristics.

Their height can range from 13 to 21 inches (33 to 53 cm), and their weight can vary between 70 and 120 pounds (31 to 54 kg).

American Bullies are classified into different categories based on size, including pocket, standard, extra-large (XL), extreme, and classic.

The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) breed standard recognizes four varieties of size based on height.

These varieties are separated by height without specification of weight, which means that all dogs within each variety will have a similar height but not necessarily the same weight.

All dogs are classified and shown as Standard until they reach a year of age.

You might enjoy: Standard Size American Bully

The American Bully's size can vary significantly, with heights ranging from 13 to 21 inches (33 to 53 cm) and weights between 70 and 120 pounds (31 to 54 kg).

To break it down further, there are different categories of sizes within the breed, such as pocket, standard, extra-large (XL), extreme, and classic. The crucial factor is maintaining the correct weight proportion to height rather than adhering to specific measurements.

Males can reach an adult height of 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm) at the withers, while females typically range from 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm).

The American Bully breed has five distinct classes: Classic, Standard, XL, Pocket, and Extreme.

Each class has its own unique characteristics, with some being larger than others. The Classic type is a good starting point for those looking to get into the breed.

In terms of size, the Classic and Standard types are relatively similar, with both being smaller compared to the XL and Extreme classes. These two larger classes have more muscle mass and a broader build.

Additional reading: Classic American Bully Dog

The Pocket class, as its name suggests, is the smallest of the five American Bully classes. This tiny but mighty breed is perfect for those who live in apartments or have limited space.

Extreme is the largest of all the American Bully classes, with an even more muscular build than the XL type.

Intriguing read: American Bully Classes

The American Bully is a highly adaptable and trainable breed.

They can do well in sports such as weight pull and flirt pole, showing their athleticism and agility. Their stable and loving nature towards people makes them an affectionate family pet that's almost always obedient.

This breed combines the loyalty and stability of the American Pit Bull Terrier with the sociable and amiable temperament of the American Staffordshire Terrier, resulting in a highly tolerant dog that gets along well with children. Effective ownership involves establishing clear rules and boundaries to achieve pack leader status.

The American Bully is courageous and protective of their owners and property but require thorough socialization to manage any potential dog-aggressive tendencies. They are eager to please and generally have a pleasant temperament, making them suitable for various tasks.

Discover more: How to Breed an American Bully

The American Bully breed was purposefully developed in the 1980s with the majority of the final behavioral and aesthetic product being completed in the 1990s.

This development and popularity are commonly tied to the growth of hip-hop culture, which played a significant role in shaping the breed's identity. The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) was the foundation used to create the American Bully, with some breeding lines introducing bully and non-bully breeds into the mix.

The APBT has maintained a characteristic appearance and temperament for over a century, but certain strains were crossbred to create a stockier physique that breeders originally misrepresented as purebred APBTs. This eventually led to the recognition of a new breed altogether.

The American Bully was first recognized by its breed club, the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC), in 2004, which acted as a means to document pedigrees and show the breed against its written standard. The initial desire for this breed was to produce a dog with a lower prey drive and more of the "bully" traits and characteristics than the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The breed's development achieved its distinctive traits by combining the desired characteristics of the UKC American Pit Bull Terrier and the AKC American Staffordshire Terrier, resulting in a unique physical appearance. This distinctiveness has led to some confusion with the American Pitbull Terrier, but they are indeed separate breeds.

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The American Bully is a unique breed that originated in the United States. They come in various sizes, including Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL.

Their lifespan ranges from 8 to 15 years, making them a relatively long-lived companion. With proper care, they can thrive in different living environments, from urban apartments to larger homes with yards.

The American Bully has a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming. They are known for their friendly, affectionate, and loyal nature, but may look intimidating due to their muscular appearance.

Here's a breakdown of the American Bully sizes:

Despite their size and appearance, American Bullies are not recognized by the American Kennel Club as a distinct breed. However, they have become increasingly popular as companions due to their friendly and affectionate nature.

The American Bully is generally a robust and healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health issues.

Some common health concerns associated with the American Bully breed include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, heart disease, bloat, hypothyroidism, and eye problems. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 43 percent of tested American Bullies have hip dysplasia and 38 percent have elbow dysplasia.

To minimize the risk of these health issues, it's essential to provide your American Bully with a nutritious diet tailored to their age and activity level, as well as regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime. This will help keep them mentally and physically stimulated, reducing the likelihood of developing certain health problems.

Some things to consider when caring for an American Bully include:

By following these guidelines and being aware of the potential health concerns, you can help ensure your American Bully lives a happy and healthy life.

Rescue Groups are a vital part of providing a loving home to an American Bully in need.

Many American Bullies in rescues and shelters are well-behaved and affectionate pets just waiting for the right home to offer them love and care.

You can check out a few reputable rescue groups below:

Rescuing an American Bully can be a rewarding experience, providing a second chance at a happy life for these wonderful dogs.

The Health of American Bullies is generally a robust and healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health issues.

Some common health concerns associated with the American Bully breed include hip dysplasia, which involves improper hip joint development that can lead to arthritis and mobility problems. Elbow dysplasia is also a concern, as it's a developmental disorder of the elbow joint that can potentially cause lameness and pain. Skin allergies are another issue some American Bullies may face, leading to itching, rashes, and skin infections.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for monitoring and maintaining their health. It's essential to provide a nutritious diet tailored to their age and activity level, as well as access to fresh water. A secure yard, proper identification, and protection from extreme weather conditions can help ensure their safety.

For more insights, see: How to Treat American Bully Skin Problems

American Bullies need regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, to stay mentally and physically stimulated.

It's essential to provide a securely fenced yard for your American Bully to exercise in, supplemented with leash walks and engaging activities like backyard games and obedience training. This will help keep them happy and healthy.

You'll also want to establish a consistent feeding schedule, typically offering meals twice daily for adult American Bullies, with more frequent meals for puppies. Be mindful of treats and adjust your dog's diet as needed to maintain a healthy body weight.

American Bullies can be prone to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, so it's crucial to feed them a well-balanced and nutritious diet that slows their growth rate, especially if they're from larger varieties. This will help lessen the risk of developing these conditions.

Coat care for American Bullies is minimal, requiring only occasional bathing and brushing. However, they do not like extreme cold or heat, so be sure to provide them with a comfortable living space.

If this caught your attention, see: What to Feed American Bully

Regular veterinary check-ups are also vital to monitor your American Bully's health and catch any potential issues early on. This includes vaccinations, dental care, and overall health checks.

By following these care tips, you can help ensure your American Bully lives a happy, healthy life as a cherished family member.

Take a look at this: American Bully Dog Health Problems

The American Bully's coat type can vary among individuals within the breed.

Their coats can be short and smooth, requiring only occasional brushing with a soft bristle brush to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Bathing should be done sparingly, using a mild dog shampoo to avoid skin dryness. Regular nail trimming is essential for their comfort.

Some American Bullies may have finer, stiffer coats that need more frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

Regardless of the coat type, it's crucial to regularly check their ears for dirt and wax buildup and clean them as needed to prevent infections.

Dental care should also be a part of their routine, with regular teeth brushing to maintain good oral health.

Worth a look: American Bully Coats

The Golden Line Bloodline is famous for its well-mannered dogs with short frames, thick bones, and wide builds.

These dogs are great for homes and families, offering some of the best looks in the Bully breeds.

In contrast, the Kurupt line is known for their freakishly large size - a standout feature that can be intimidating at first glance.

Despite their imposing appearance, Kurupt Bullies have calm dispositions and loving mannerisms, making them wonderful companions.

It's worth noting that some breeders don't consider Kurupts part of the American Bully breed, but they are still considered an ethical bloodline.

For your interest: Good Companion Dogs