Understanding American Bully Classes and Breeds

Author

Posted Oct 20, 2024

Reads 1.3K

Close-Up Shot of an American Bully Dog Sitting on Green Grass
Credit: pexels.com, Close-Up Shot of an American Bully Dog Sitting on Green Grass

The American Bully breed has undergone significant development over the years, with various classes emerging to distinguish their characteristics.

The American Bully breed was developed from the American Pit Bull Terrier, and it's essential to understand the differences between these breeds.

The American Bully breed has four main classes: Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. Each class has its unique characteristics, such as size and muscle mass.

The Pocket American Bully is the smallest of the four classes, weighing between 30-50 pounds and standing 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder.

For your interest: Bull Terrier Breed

Breed Standard and Classification

The American Bully breed standard is a crucial aspect to understand when deciding on a class. The standard American Bully is a medium-sized dog with a compact, bulky muscular body, heavy bone structure, and blocky head.

Males must be 17 to 20 inches tall at the withers, while females must be 16 to 19 inches tall. The breed should give the impression of great strength for its size, with a muscular body and blocky head.

Credit: youtube.com, ABKC classes: Determine what class your bully belongs in

The American Bully comes in four different classes: Standard, Pocket, Classic, and XL. The difference between these classes is mainly in height, with the exception of the Classic class, which has a lighter body frame and less overall body mass.

The Classic Bully variety follows the same standard as the Standard American Bully, but with a lighter body frame and less substance. This class is determined by its body structure and build.

The Standard and Pocket classes are not penalized for dogs carrying more mass as long as they are correct and balanced. This means that dogs in these classes can have a more muscular build without being penalized.

The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) Registry and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognize these four classes. The ABKC got rid of the Extreme class, which was initially allowed due to its large bloodline within the breed.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Classic American Bully Size

Size and Types

American Bullies typically range in height from 13 to 21 inches, while their weight can vary between 70 and 120 pounds.

Credit: youtube.com, 5 Different Types of American Bully Which One is Yours

The American Bully breed is classified into five categories: pocket, standard, extra-large (XL), extreme, and classic.

XL dogs are simply taller than the Standard American Bully, with males over 20″-23″ and females over 19″-22″ at the withers.

The Exotic Bully breed has four size categories: Micro, Pocket, Standard, and XL. Micro Exotic Bullies are the smallest, with a height of 10–12 inches and a weight of 25–45 pounds.

Pocket Exotic Bullies are slightly larger, with a height of 12–14 inches and a weight of 40–55 pounds. Standard Exotic Bullies have a height of 14–16 inches and a weight of 50–80 pounds.

XL Exotic Bullies are the largest, with a height of 16–20 inches and a weight of 80–150 pounds.

If this caught your attention, see: American Bully Dog Weight

Personality

The American Bully is a confident and outgoing breed known for its stable and loving nature towards people, making it an affectionate family pet that’s almost always obedient.

They are highly tolerant of children, eager to please, and generally have a pleasant temperament.

Credit: youtube.com, The American Bully Breed: History, Temperament, Personality & Traits

The American Bully is physically impressively muscular and agile, suitable for various tasks.

Effective ownership involves establishing clear rules and boundaries to achieve pack leader status, as dogs naturally seek a pack order in their human family.

They are courageous and protective of their owners and property but require thorough socialization to manage any potential dog-aggressive tendencies.

Choosing and Understanding Classes

The American Bully breed comes in four different classes: Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL. Each class has its own unique characteristics, such as height and weight.

The size of the American Bully can vary greatly, with the Standard class being 17-19 inches tall and weighing between 70 and 120 pounds. The Classic class is shorter, with a height of 16-20 inches and a weight of 50 to 90 pounds.

Here's a quick reference guide to the different classes:

It's essential to consider your lifestyle and preferences when choosing an American Bully class, as it will impact the dog's size, energy level, and grooming needs.

Highlights

An American Bully Walking on the Shore of the Beach
Credit: pexels.com, An American Bully Walking on the Shore of the Beach

The American Bully breed is a relatively new development, emerging in the 1990s in the United States.

They come in a range of sizes, from the Pocket American Bully, which stands at 14-17 inches tall and weighs 30-45 pounds, to the XL American Bully, which can reach heights of 20-23 inches and weigh 85-150 pounds.

These dogs have a short, smooth coat that requires minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.

Their temperament is one of their standout features - they're known for being friendly, affectionate, loyal, and protective.

In terms of exercise needs, American Bullies require moderate exercise, which can be achieved with daily walks and playtime.

Their training needs are also important to consider - they require early and consistent training to ensure they're well-behaved and well-adjusted pets.

Here are the four size categories of American Bullies:

American Bullies are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and eye problems.

Their lifespan is typically between 8-15 years, making them a long-term companion for many families.

Breed Organizations

Credit: youtube.com, Help for Choosing the Best Breed for you to Show

Reputable breed organizations are essential in ensuring the health and well-being of a dog breed. They screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide lifetime support.

Backyard breeders, on the other hand, prioritize profit over the health and well-being of their dogs. They often don't screen their breeding stock for health problems or socialize their puppies properly.

Reputable breed organizations make a significant difference in the lives of dog owners. They help produce healthy, well-adjusted dogs that make great companions.

Additional reading: Bull Terrier Types

Abkc 2014-Present

The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) has a clear standard for determining the height of a Pocket Bully, which is based on its adult height. This standard was established in 2014 and has been in place ever since.

The ABKC's standard for Pocket Bullies was amended in 2014 to focus on adult height.

Here's an interesting read: American Bully Standard Abkc

Choosing a Class

The American Bully breed comes in four main classes: Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL. These classes are determined by a dog's height and weight.

A Brown American Bully
Credit: pexels.com, A Brown American Bully

Each class has its own unique characteristics, with the Standard class being the largest, the Pocket class being the smallest, and the Classic class falling somewhere in between.

The XL class is for dogs that are 20 inches or taller at the shoulder and weigh 85 pounds or more.

The Classic class is similar to the Standard class, but with a lighter body frame and less overall body mass.

To determine which class is right for you, consider factors such as your living situation, exercise habits, and personal preferences.

Here's a brief overview of each class:

Ultimately, the choice of class will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Pit Bull Connection and Controversy

The American Bully's Pit Bull connection is a topic of much debate.

The American Bully is often lumped in with other breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier, due to shared ancestry.

These breeds, including the American Bully, are often referred to as "Pit Bulls" in a loose sense, although they have distinct characteristics and standards.

History

Credit: youtube.com, The Dark History of Pitbulls

The American Bully breed has a fascinating history that's deeply rooted in the 1980s and 1990s. Established in the mid-1990s, the breed was purposefully developed as the ultimate family companion through meticulous selective breeding.

The breed's development and popularity are commonly tied to the growth of hip-hop culture. The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) was the foundation used to create the American Bully, with different strains emerging within the breed, each with different physical attributes.

At least five other breeds were used to attain the physical traits desired, including the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge. The breed was first recognized by its breed club, the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC), in 2004.

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. Mass and heavy bone was prioritized to ensure such a look, and due to this many of the dogs shown today display the wide front for which they were originally bred.

Is the Pit Bull?

Credit: youtube.com, Watch this entire video before getting a Pit Bull

The term "Pit Bull" is often used loosely to encompass various breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bully, and Bull Terrier.

The American Bully is a distinct breed that shares ancestry with Pitbulls, but has evolved into a breed with its own unique characteristics and standards.

Show and Competition

To compete in an American Bully class, you'll need to understand the show and competition rules. A minimum of two dogs are required in a class or variety to participate.

Competition classes are divided by age, with categories for Pre-Novice, Novice, Puppy, Junior, Adult, and Senior dogs. For example, a Pre-Novice dog is between 3-6 months old and does not earn points.

To earn points, your dog must win Best Female/Male against one or more dogs of its breed. If you receive a Best in Breed without other class dogs, you'll need to win at least Reserve Best in Show to earn competition points.

Discover more: Rat Terrier Dog Show

Credit: youtube.com, ABKC PURINA FARMS BULLY CONVENTION 2023 STANDARD AMERICAN BULLY CLASS

Here's a breakdown of the points system:

You'll also need to earn a total of 150 points to achieve an EBKC Conformation Championship title. This requires earning at least three major wins under two different judges as Best Male/Female of Variety, and having attained all required points and majors under three different judges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best training for American Bullies?

For effective training, American Bullies respond best to positive reinforcement methods that use rewards like treats, praise, and play to encourage good behavior. This approach helps build trust and fosters a strong bond between dog and owner.

What classes as an XL bully?

To be classified as an XL bully, your dog must meet the height requirement of 20 inches for males and 19 inches for females, measured from the ground to the top of their shoulders. If your dog meets this height, they'll be assessed against other specifications to confirm their XL bully status.

What is the height class of an American Bully?

American Bullies typically range from 16 to 20 inches in height at the withers, with males being slightly taller than females.

What is the difference between classic and XL bully?

The XL Bully is larger and more muscular than the Classic Bully, with a blocky head and greater strength for its size. This size difference is a key distinction between the two breed types.

What are the 4 sizes of American bullies?

American Bullies come in four sizes: Standard, Pocket, Classic, and XL. These sizes offer a range of options for dog owners to choose from.

Toni O'Reilly

Writer

Toni O'Reilly is a passionate and dedicated writer with a keen interest in animal welfare and health. With a strong foundation in research and storytelling, she has established herself as a reputable voice in the pet care industry. Her articles have covered a range of topics, including the beloved Rough Collie breed, providing readers with valuable insights and information on their care and well-being.