American Bully Dog Breed Complete Guide

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Posted Oct 17, 2024

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Blue American Bully Puppy Lying Under Car
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The American Bully dog breed is a relatively new addition to the world of canine companions, developed in the 1990s by breeding Pit Bulls with other breeds.

This breed was created to be a family-friendly, adaptable dog that thrives in a variety of living situations. They're often described as gentle giants, weighing between 70-120 pounds.

Their short coats come in a range of colors, including fawn, brindle, and merle. American Bullies are known for their muscular build and broad chests.

Their friendly, outgoing personalities make them a great choice for families with children or for people who want a loyal companion.

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Characteristics and Temperament

The American Bully is a unique breed that originated in the United States during the 1990s. It was created by crossing various bulldog and terrier breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Bully has a muscular body and a well-defined physique, showcasing its strength and athleticism. Its broad head is one of its defining features, with a Brachycephalic skull anatomy and a short muzzle. The breed's coat is short and glossy, requiring minimal grooming.

Credit: youtube.com, American Bully Dogs 101; Everything You Should Know

This breed comes in different sizes, categorized into Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL sizes. The height and weight of the bullies can vary within each size classification, ranging from 13 to 21 inches in height and weighing between 70 to 120 pounds.

The American Bully is known for its happy and outgoing temperament, with a loyal and protective nature. They are friendly and tolerant towards children, making them an ideal choice for families. However, it's essential to note that human aggression is discouraged in breed standards, and improper breeding or raising can lead to aggressive behavior.

Here's a breakdown of the American Bully's temperament:

  • Exuberant and active, with a thirst for adventure
  • Adaptable and trainable, with a strong desire to please their owners
  • Loyal and protective, with a natural inclination to defend their loved ones
  • Generally calm and balanced, with a good-natured and non-aggressive personality

Characteristics

The American Bully is a unique breed with a rich history and fascinating characteristics. Its muscular body and sturdy structure make it a powerhouse, with a shoulder height of around 50 centimeters and a strong torso and limbs.

One of the most distinctive features of the American Bully is its broad head, which is proportionate to its body size and exudes strength and presence. The breed's head is characterized by a brachycephalic skull anatomy with a broad flat face and short muzzle.

Credit: youtube.com, Temperament & Personality

The American Bully has a short, glossy coat that requires minimal grooming, with a variety of colors including black, white, brown, grey, blue, fawn, and red. This low-maintenance coat adds to their overall appeal and showcases their sleek appearance.

The breed's strong jaw is one of its most daunting features, with an impressive bite force of 305 PSI. This is due to the strong cheek muscles that are characteristic of the breed.

The American Bully comes in different sizes, including Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL, allowing individuals to choose a Bully that fits their living arrangements and lifestyle. The height and weight of the bullies can vary within each size classification, ranging from 13 to 21 inches in height and weighing between 70 to 120 pounds.

Here is a breakdown of the different sizes of American Bullies:

The American Bully is a calm and loyal breed, making it a great companion and family dog. They are naturally friendly and trusting towards strangers, but also have a strong protective instinct, making them a great watchdog.

Temperament and Personality

Credit: youtube.com, Temperament and Personality | Developmental Psychology

The American Bully is a happy and outgoing breed with a loyal and protective nature. They shower their family with affection and are eager to please their owners, thriving on positive reinforcement during training sessions.

These canine companions have a natural inclination to be friendly and tolerant towards children, making them an ideal choice for families. Their protective nature ensures that they will go to great lengths to keep their loved ones safe.

The American Bully is a highly adaptable and trainable breed, exceling in sports like weight pull and flirt pole. However, human aggression is discouraged in breed standards, and breeders have acknowledged that American Bullies can be very dangerous if improperly raised or bred.

With diligent training and responsible oversight, American Bullies can serve as loving pets. However, they can display unexpected aggression, even toward family members, and are involved in a disturbing number of attacks on humans and other animals.

The goal of legitimate breeders is to select against these aggressive tendencies, and the breed was specifically bred to be a companion and family dog with a lower prey drive. This unique breed has gained popularity among dog enthusiasts due to its friendly, gentle, and loyal nature.

Health and Care

Credit: youtube.com, Tips for FIRST TIME American Bully Owners!

Exercise is essential for happy and healthy American Bullies. They need at least three walks a day, each lasting at least half an hour.

Bullies love to swim, which is great for their joints. It's a way for them to move gently and cool off on hot days.

Half an hour of natural sunlight is a must for your Bully. Don't compromise on this, even if you have a busy schedule.

A small city apartment is not suitable for a Bully, as they're sensitive to loud traffic and noises. They need a house with a garden in a suburb to let off steam.

In the first 18 months, your Bully needs to learn how to handle their strength. Socialize them with other dogs, pets, and children early on.

Bullies are people-oriented and good-natured, making them a great fit for families. They're willing to learn and obedient, but consistent and loving training is key.

Regular vet visits are crucial for a healthy Bully. Vaccinations and worming are compulsory, and don't forget about grooming and dental care.

Skin allergies and infections are common in this breed. Regular health visits and a balanced diet can help keep their skin healthy.

The Right Food

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American Bullies can weigh up to 45 kg, so they need a lot of food to maintain their physique.

Their pronounced musculature needs constant replenishment, which is why they require a diet rich in protein.

A young American Bully puppy should eat at least three times a day, and a little "baby fat" is actually beneficial for their growth.

However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much high-energy food can cause your Bully to grow too quickly, putting a strain on their tendons, bones, and joints.

As your Bully gets older, their metabolism changes, so you should adjust their feeding schedule around a year old.

At this point, it's best to give them two meals a day, but make sure not to overfeed them, as being overweight is very harmful for your dog.

Vitamins and minerals are crucial for your American Bully's lifespan, which is approximately 10 years, so choose high-quality dog food that covers all the essential nutrients.

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Exercise and Training

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Exercise is essential for American Bully dogs. They have moderate exercise requirements, so regular walks are a must to maintain their overall mental and physical stimulation.

You should take your dog for daily walks, allowing them to burn off energy and stay fit. Indulge in playful activities like fetch ball play to provide them with opportunities for mental stimulation and to strengthen the human-dog bond.

Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Start with regular walks and gradually increase the duration and intensity.
  • Make exercise a fun and engaging experience for your dog.

Training is also crucial for American Bully dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, making training sessions enjoyable and effective.

Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training. Use rewards such as treats, praise, and playtime to motivate your Bully and reinforce good behavior.

Here are some essential training tips:

  • Start training early and establish routines and boundaries from the start.
  • Be patient and consistent in your approach to help your Bully understand what is expected of them.

Grooming and Living Conditions

The American Bully dog breed is a low-maintenance companion when it comes to grooming. Regular brushing sessions can help keep their short, glossy coat looking its best.

Credit: youtube.com, ALL ABOUT LIVING WITH THE AMERICAN BULLY

To prevent matting, occasional brushing with a bristle brush is essential. You can also bathe your American Bully as necessary to keep them clean and hygienic.

Dental care is also crucial for this breed, and regular brushing can help prevent the buildup of plaque that can create tartar. Ear cleaning once a month can also help prevent infection by keeping the ear clear of excessive wax.

Here's a quick rundown of the grooming tasks to keep your American Bully clean and healthy:

  • Brush their coat regularly
  • Bathe them as necessary
  • Brush their teeth regularly
  • Clean their ears once a month

Grooming

Grooming is an essential part of caring for your bully. Regular brushing sessions can minimize grooming needs.

The short coat of this breed requires low maintenance, but occasional brushing can help prevent matting. A bristle brush is perfect for the job.

Bathing your bully as needed will keep them clean and hygienic. This is especially important when they get dirty.

Ear cleaning once a month can help prevent infection by keeping the ear clear of excessive wax.

Regular dental care is crucial to prevent the buildup of plaque that can create tartar. Brushing your bully's teeth regularly can make a big difference.

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Living Conditions

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This breed is adaptable and can thrive in various living conditions, including urban apartments and large living spaces with yards. They can even do well in smaller spaces if provided with regular exercise and attention.

However, they tend to thrive best in warm climates, so provide them with suitable living conditions accordingly. This means ensuring they have access to plenty of sunlight and warmth, especially during colder months.

To create a comfortable living space for your pet, consider the following:

  • Urban apartments
  • Large living spaces with yards

By providing suitable living conditions, you'll help your pet feel happy and healthy.

Origin and History

The American Bully dog breed has a rich and fascinating history. The breed's ancestors date back to the 17th century, when English Bulldogs were used to fight bulls in the USA.

These powerful animals were initially kept as farm dogs to guard livestock and protect against uninvited guests. In the 17th century, they were used to fight bulls, which is where the name "bulldog" or "bull biter" originated.

Credit: youtube.com, AMERICAN BULLY: A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BREED

The Bully was bred in America around 40 years ago from established bulldog breeds, with the aim of creating a family-friendly companion dog. Some faults occurred in the early years of breeding, but the breed has since become relatively healthy.

In the USA, American Bulldogs are still sometimes used to hunt wild boar, showing their enduring utility and strength.

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Types and Variations

The American Bully dog breed has several types and variations. The most common types are the Classic, Standard, and Pocket American Bully.

The Classic American Bully is known for its athletic build and muscular physique. It's a versatile breed that excels in various dog sports and activities.

The Standard American Bully is slightly larger than the Classic, with a more muscular build and a broad, flat head. This variation is often considered the ideal representation of the breed.

The Pocket American Bully is the smallest of the three, with a compact and athletic build. It's perfect for city living due to its smaller size and energetic personality.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Pocket Bully Pups

Pocket

Credit: youtube.com, Exotic Bully vs. Pocket Bully: What’s The Difference

The pocket type is a smaller variant, with full-grown males 14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 cm), and females 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 cm), at the withers.

These smaller dogs can make great companions for city dwellers or those with smaller living spaces, as they require less room to roam.

Full-grown males of this type can range from 14 to 17 inches in height, while females typically top out between 13 to 16 inches.

Classic

The classic variety of American Pit Bull Terrier is a lighter-framed dog than the standard.

These dogs fall within the same height range as the standard variety.

They don't display the exaggerated features often found in other varieties, making their lineage clearer.

Their appearance is more refined, with a focus on the breed's original characteristics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Bully a pitbull?

While American Bullies and Pitbulls share some ancestry, they are distinct breeds with different origins and characteristics. American Bullies are a mix of breeds including Pitbulls, but are not a direct type of Pitbull.

Is American Bully aggressive?

American Bullies can be aggressive towards other animals if not properly socialized, but with training, they can learn to coexist peacefully. Proper training and socialization are key to unlocking this breed's full potential.

What 4 breeds make an American Bully?

The American Bully breed is a mix of four breeds: American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge. These breeds combine to create a unique and distinctive breed.

What two breeds make an American Bully?

The American Bully is a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, among other breeds. These breeds were combined to create the unique characteristics of the American Bully.

What are the 4 sizes of American bullies?

American Bullies come in four sizes: Standard, Pocket, Classic, and XL. Each size has its unique characteristics, making them a diverse and interesting breed.

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Sem van der Velden

Writer

Sem van der Velden is a writer with a passion for storytelling and a knack for crafting compelling narratives. With a background in creative writing, Sem has honed their skills to weave engaging tales that captivate readers of all ages. As a seasoned wordsmith, Sem has had work published in various literary magazines and anthologies.