The American Bully is a beloved breed, known for its gentle and affectionate nature. They typically weigh between 70-120 pounds and stand 17-20 inches tall at the shoulder.
Originating from the United States, this breed was developed in the 1990s by breeding the American Pitbull Terrier with other breeds. They quickly gained popularity as a family pet due to their friendly and outgoing personalities.
American Bullies are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and heart problems. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help prevent these issues, but it's essential to work with a reputable breeder who has health-tested their dogs.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
Check this out: How to Breed a American Bully
Breed and Behavior
American Bullies are often misunderstood due to their powerful build and strong jaw.
The breed's behavior is not inherently aggressive, as a study on 61 shelter dogs found that "pit bull types" showed no more aggression over food or handling than non-pit dogs.
However, American Bullies can be easily aroused, which may lead to a protective instinct.
In fact, a study compared the behavior of banned dogs with that of Golden Retrievers and found no statistically significant difference in aggressive behavior.
This suggests that environment and upbringing play a larger role in shaping a dog's behavior than its breed.
Every dog is unique, and individual personalities should be evaluated rather than making assumptions based on breed.
As one expert noted, even breeds like Golden Retrievers can be incredibly aggressive, and it's essential to consider each dog's individual temperament.
For another approach, see: American Bully Dog Aggression
Upkeep
The American Bully's coat is a breeze to maintain, requiring only regular brushing with a light bristle brush.
Their smooth, glossy coat is also a moderate shedder, so be prepared for some regular cleaning up after your furry friend.
A light bristle brush is the perfect tool for the job, as it won't scratch their skin and will keep their coat looking its best.
Regular bathing is also a must, but don't worry, it's not a daily task - just do it as needed.
The American Bully's muscular body and broad, deep chest make them a handsome breed, but they do shed a bit.
In the colder months, they may get chilly, so be sure to dress them up in some comfortable canine apparel to keep them warm and toasty.
Their short coat is usually no longer than a half-inch in length, so they don't need a lot of grooming, but they still appreciate a good brush session.
Health
American Bullies are generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, and demodicosis (mange) are major concerns for this breed.
Some American Bullies may also experience autoimmune reactions to mange and hypothyroidism, which are minor concerns. It's essential to keep an eye out for these potential issues.
Consider reading: American Bully Health Problems
Reputable breeders and owners can help prevent these health problems by providing proper care and attention. Always verify that a kennel is reputable to avoid potential health risks.
Here are some suggested tests to monitor your American Bully's health:
- Orthopedic testing
- Eye examination
It's also crucial to note that American Bullies typically live between 8-12 years.
Size and Development
American Bullies come in various sizes, with four recognized types by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC): Pocket Bully, Classic Bully, Standard Bully, and XL Bully. Some breeders also recognize Extreme Bullies, XXL Bullies, or Micro Bullies, but these sizes aren't officially recognized.
All dogs are initially listed as Standard until they reach one year of age, when they're placed in a specific size category. Keep in mind that different kennel clubs may recognize different breed variations, such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) which only recognizes one American Bully size.
Here's a breakdown of the average weights and heights for American Bullies at different ages:
Information and Pictures
Have you ever wondered how to find reliable information about size and development? Start by checking out the pictures and diagrams in reputable sources, like scientific journals or educational websites.
The human brain, for instance, is made up of billions of neurons that work together to process information. This is evident in the brain development section of the article, where it's explained that the brain grows and matures at an incredible rate during the first few years of life.
A baby's brain is about 25% of its adult size at birth, but it will triple in size by the age of 2. This rapid growth is due to the formation of new neural connections and the development of existing ones.
Research has shown that the size and development of the brain are closely linked to cognitive abilities, such as memory and problem-solving. This is why it's essential to provide children with a stimulating environment that encourages learning and growth.
The size of the human body also undergoes significant changes during development, with the average adult height being around 5 feet 9 inches. This is a result of the growth and development of bones, muscles, and other tissues during puberty.
If this caught your attention, see: American Xl Bully Size
4-6 Months
Your American Bully is likely to become a little menace around 4-6 months old, as their curiosity is at its peak and they'll see what they get away with.
This is an important development period, so it's essential to continue socialization and training to prevent bad habits from forming.
At this age, many Bullies will reach sexual maturity, with female dogs potentially having their first heat and male pups starting to look for females.
It's also time to start switching to adult food, and checking out the American Bully feeding chart can give you a better idea about feeding your puppy and the transition process.
By around this time, your dog should already be close to the ideal weight and height.
They'll still have some growing to do, but by the time they turn one year old, your pup should reach the average American Bully size according to the breed standard.
Differences in Sizes
The American Bully comes in four recognized sizes according to the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC): Pocket, Classic, Standard, and XL. These sizes are determined by the dog's weight and height.
All American Bullies are initially listed as Standard until they reach one year of age, at which point they're placed in a specific size category.
The ABKC recognizes four main sizes, but some breeders may include additional sizes such as Extreme Bullies, XXL Bullies, or Micro Bullies, which aren't recognized by the ABKC.
The United Kennel Club (UKC) only recognizes one American Bully size, considering all other sizes to be faulty.
Here's a breakdown of the four recognized sizes:
- Pocket Bully
- Classic Bully
- Standard Bully
- XL Bully
XL Bullies are the largest of all types of American Bullies, with females weighing between 100 to 140 lbs and standing at around 19 – 22 inches in height. Males can reach 23 inches in height and typically weigh between 110 and 150 lbs.
Similar Breeds
If you're looking for breeds that share similarities with the American Bully, you're in the right place. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a close relative, often mistaken for the American Bully due to their similar appearance.
One of the most notable similarities is their physical stature, with both breeds typically standing between 17 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder.
The American Bulldog is another breed that shares many characteristics with the American Bully, including their muscular build and broad chest.
Their short coats also make them a great choice for owners who don't want to deal with excessive grooming.
The Pit Bull breed is often confused with the American Bully due to their similar build and energetic personalities.
Here are some breeds that share similarities with the American Bully:
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Bulldog
- Pit Bull
The English Bulldog is also a breed that shares some similarities with the American Bully, although they have a more laid-back temperament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Bully XL aggressive?
American Bully XLs have a higher aggression rate compared to other breeds, with some estimates suggesting they are 270 times more deadly in dog attacks. Their ancestry may contribute to this increased aggression, making it essential to research and understand their needs and temperaments before bringing one home.
Sources
- The American Bully XL and the problem with dog bans (bigthink.com)
- The American XL Bully Dog (doglistener.co.uk)
- American Bully Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
- American Bully Dog & Puppy Breed Information (petfinder.com)
- American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) (abkcdogs.net)
Featured Images: pexels.com