American Bully Growth Stages: From Puppyhood to Adulthood

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Posted Oct 11, 2024

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A Brown American Bully
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The American Bully breed is a unique and lovable companion, but understanding their growth stages is crucial for any new owner. They typically reach their full height by 12-18 months of age.

As a puppy, an American Bully will go through a series of rapid growth spurts, with some growing up to 2 inches per month. This can be overwhelming for their developing bones and joints, making proper care and nutrition essential.

Their adult weight can vary greatly, ranging from 70 to 120 pounds, depending on the individual dog's lineage and exercise habits.

American Bully Growth Stages

American Bully puppies don't grow at an equal rate throughout their lifetime. Their growth is typically faster during puppyhood, when most changes appear and they gain the most weight.

Between 1-2 months, Bully puppies start becoming more curious about the world, mimicking their siblings' playful antics. Their eyes and ears kick into gear, so they can soak up all the new sights and sounds.

Credit: youtube.com, American Bully Growth Stages: Understanding Size and Development

Here's a rough idea of what to expect in terms of weight and height during the first year:

Keep in mind that every dog is different, and some may grow faster or slower than others. If you have concerns, it's always best to consult with your vet.

0-4 Weeks

At 0-4 weeks, American Bully puppies are in the delicate neonatal phase. They fully depend on their mother for support and feeding.

Pups are almost entirely blind until they reach 3 weeks of age. This isn't the right time for socialization.

Your Bully puppy is likely going to be sleeping and eating most of the time. Not much activity to report at this age.

Their permanent coat colors start emerging during this time. It's a fascinating process to watch.

This is a fragile period for your puppy, so be sure to handle them gently.

1-2

At 1-2 months old, American Bully puppies are becoming more active, with their eyes opening and hearing improving. They'll likely move their ears towards you when you speak or call them.

Credit: youtube.com, Watch My American Pocket Bully Grow: A 1-Year Transformation

This is a crucial time for socialization, where your puppy should be introduced to other animals and humans to get accustomed to various creatures, signs, and activities from an early age. No reputable breeder will allow you to take your new puppy home before this development stage is over.

Your puppy's curiosity is kicking into high gear, with them becoming more interested in the world around them. They'll start exploring and mimicking the behaviors of their littermates.

Here's a rough guide to what you can expect at this stage:

As they grow, their ears and eyes are fully developed, allowing them to take in all the new sights and sounds. This is also when you should start transitioning them to solid puppy foods.

2-3

At 2-3 months, your American Bully puppy is growing fast. They should weigh between 8-15 pounds and stand 6-9 inches tall.

As a new owner, it's essential to expose your Bully to various sounds and situations to prevent aggressive tendencies or behavioral problems. By this time, they should have completed their first set of vaccines and be ready to socialize outside of the kennel.

Credit: youtube.com, American Bully Puppy Transformation | Pocket Bully PupDate 3 to 9 Months Old Growth Stages

Take it slow with play sessions and walks, as their joints aren't fully developed yet. Overexertion can lead to serious injuries and growth problems.

By 8 weeks, you should be able to guess your American Bully's color. This is also prime time for socialization, getting them used to new people, animals, and environments.

Here's a rough idea of what to expect at 2-3 months:

Remember, their growth and development are crucial during this period, so be gentle and patient with your furry friend.

Factors Affecting Growth

Your American Bully puppy's growth rate can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, diet, and overall health.

Genetics play a significant role in determining your puppy's growth rate, with some breeds maturing faster than others.

A healthy diet is essential for your puppy's growth, and a lack of essential nutrients can slow down their development.

Your puppy's growth rate can also be affected by their overall health, with any underlying medical conditions potentially impacting their progress.

A fresh viewpoint: Bully Dog Health Issues

Credit: youtube.com, Understanding the Growth Phases of an American Bully Puppy

Contact your vet to see if they perform tests that can help identify any potential health issues affecting your puppy's growth.

Here are some key factors that can affect your American Bully puppy's growth rate:

Keep in mind that every puppy is different, and their growth rate may vary depending on these factors.

Growth Chart and Development

American Bully growth stages can be tracked using a handy chart that maps out the typical weight and height for Bully puppies month-by-month.

A Bully puppy's weight can range from 5-8 pounds at 1 month old, and their height can range from 4-6 inches. By 6 months old, they can weigh anywhere from 30-60 pounds and be 14-18 inches tall.

Here's a breakdown of the growth chart:

It's essential to remember that every dog is unique, and their growth rate may vary. If you notice any significant discrepancies from this chart, consult with your vet to rule out any underlying health issues.

Growth Chart

Credit: youtube.com, Tracking Growth in Children – Pediatric Endocrinology | Lecturio

At just one month old, your Bully puppy will weigh between 5-8 pounds and stand 4-6 inches tall.

By three months, your pup will have reached 12-25 pounds and 8-12 inches in height, making them resemble a small dog rather than a helpless puppy.

This growth spurt will slow down after three months, but your pup will still seem to grow rapidly.

By four months, your Bully should have developed all of their senses and their temperament will start to show.

Here's a rough idea of what to expect in terms of weight and height:

By six months, your Bully will have reached a significant portion of their adult weight and height, and will continue to grow gradually until they're around 12-14 months old.

6-12

Between 6-12 months, your American Bully puppy's growth rate will slow down significantly. This is a critical period where proper nutrition and exercise become essential to prevent weight gain and ensure they reach their ideal size.

Credit: youtube.com, Tracking Growth in Children – Pediatric Endocrinology | Lecturio

At 6 months, your puppy can weigh anywhere from 30-60 pounds and stand between 14-18 inches tall. By 12 months, they can weigh between 80-150 pounds and stand around 21-23 inches tall.

During this final stretch, keeping up a nutritious diet and ample exercise becomes crucial for achieving their ideal size and preventing weight issues. A well-balanced diet and regular exercise will help your puppy reach their full potential.

Here's a rough idea of what to expect during this period:

Proper Development

As you track your American Bully's growth, it's essential to remember that their development unfolds at a unique pace. Their growth rate can be influenced by various factors, such as genetics, nutrition, and exercise.

A growth chart can provide a general idea of what to expect, but it's just a guide. The American Bully growth chart shows that puppies typically reach their adult weight and height between 6-12 months, with some reaching full-grown size by their first birthday.

Additional reading: Maltipoo Growth Chart

Credit: youtube.com, Growth & Developmental Milestones | Pediatric Nursing Stages of Development

Proper development is crucial for your Bully's overall health and well-being. Overfeeding, overexercising, or rushing major life events can disrupt their biological development, leading to conformational issues, joint problems, and behavioral issues.

To ensure your Bully grows into a healthy adult, trust the process and follow your vet's guidance. This means monitoring their growth, providing a balanced diet, and keeping them active through play and exercise.

Here's a breakdown of the critical growth stages for American Bullies:

By understanding these growth stages and factors that influence development, you can provide the best possible care for your American Bully and ensure they reach their full potential.

Size and Coat Types

The Pocket Bully's coat is a key aspect of their overall appearance. It's glossy and smooth to the touch, with an undercoat that doesn't leave much hair.

They shed a considerable amount, which can be a challenge for pet owners with allergies. This is especially true for those who suffer from allergies, so it's essential to consider this when deciding to bring a Pocket Bully into your home.

Their short coat is usually less than half an inch in length, making it relatively easy to manage. This short coat doesn't provide much protection from the elements, so Pocket Bullies need to wear clothing to stay warm in winter.

What Size is?

Brown American Bully Standing Near Trees
Credit: pexels.com, Brown American Bully Standing Near Trees

The American Bully comes in a range of sizes, each with its own unique characteristics. There are four official size categories recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC): Pocket Bully, Classic Bully, Standard Bully, and XL Bully.

All dogs are initially listed as Standard until they reach one year of age, at which point they are placed in a specific size category.

The Pocket Bully is the smallest of the bunch, standing between 13 and 17 inches tall, weighing 10-20 pounds.

The Classic Bully is not specifically defined in terms of height or weight in the provided article sections.

The Standard Bully and XL Bully sizes are not explicitly defined in terms of height or weight in the provided article sections.

Here's a breakdown of the four official size categories:

It's worth noting that different kennel clubs may recognize different size categories and may not recognize all of the sizes listed above.

Coat Types and Lengths

Side View of a Brown American Bully
Credit: pexels.com, Side View of a Brown American Bully

The pocket bully's coat is a smooth, glossy coat that's easy to manage. It's similar to that of hypoallergenic dogs, but they still shed a considerable amount.

Their coat is short, typically less than half an inch in length. This makes it easy to take care of.

If this caught your attention, see: Are Maltese Dogs Easy to Train

Do Shed?

The pocket bully's coat is relatively low-maintenance, shedding minimally throughout the year.

Regular brushing can help manage shedding effortlessly, making it a breeze to keep your pocket bully's coat looking its best.

The pocket bully sheds moderately in spring and fall, but this can be easily managed with regular grooming.

Despite shedding minimally, the pocket bully is not considered a hypoallergenic breed and can trigger allergic reactions more frequently and severely than some other breeds.

A fresh viewpoint: Yorkshire Terrier Coat Type

Temperament and Training

Pocket bullies are intelligent and want to please their owners, making them very easy to train. They learn new things fast and work hard to perform commands to get their owner's approval.

Credit: youtube.com, American Bully Pros And Cons

Using harsh corrections can actually have a negative impact on their training, so it's best to use lots of praise and appropriate rewards like treats or playtime. This approach will make training a pocket bully feel like a walk in the park.

Pocket bullies are affectionate dogs that bond strongly with their people and are rarely aggressive, especially with proper upbringing and socialization. They crave love and approval from their owners, which makes them highly trainable.

Trainability

Pocket bullies are highly trainable dogs that can learn anything. They are intelligent and want to please their owners, making them easy to train.

Their trainability is due to their desire to gain the love and approval of their owners, which they can achieve by performing commands and pleasing them. This level of trainability makes pocket bullies ideal for Obedience Trials and Rally.

Pocket bullies learn new things fast and work hard to perform commands, but they don't respond well to harsh corrections. Instead, they thrive on praise and rewards such as treats or playtime.

Following this approach, training a pocket bully can be a breeze, and they can finish basic obedience in just a few weeks. With patience and positive reinforcement, you can teach your pocket bully to be a well-behaved and loyal companion.

Handling Children

Credit: youtube.com, Temperament Training

Pocket bullies are patient dogs with a sweet temperament, making them excellent companions for families with children.

They tolerate rowdy behavior, but children in the family should be taught how to interact with dogs.

A well-socialized pocket bully will get along well with children of all ages.

With enough space and a ball, you've got entertainment for hours.

Are Energetic?

Pocket bullies have a medium to high energy level, with some being more energetic than others. Their parents play a big role in determining their energy level.

Daily walks of half an hour are enough to keep pocket bullies in shape, thanks to their stocky build. They can tire easily, but they're suitable for strength-demanding dog sports like weight pull.

You should never walk a pocket bully in the summer heat, as they're prone to heat exhaustion.

Care and Maintenance

Pocket bullies are low-maintenance dogs that don’t demand much from their human partners.

Regular vet visits are a must for any dog breed, including pocket bullies. They need to stay up-to-date on their vaccinations and check-ups to ensure they're healthy and thriving.

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

A high-quality diet is essential for your pocket bully's overall health and well-being. They require a well-balanced and nutritious food that meets their specific needs.

Lots of love and attention are crucial for a pocket bully's emotional and psychological well-being. They thrive on interaction and affection from their human family.

How to Care for a Pet

Caring for a pet is a big responsibility, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Regular vet visits are a must to keep your pet healthy and happy.

A balanced diet is key to your pet's development, and feeding them a high-quality diet full of essential nutrients is crucial for achieving healthy growth rates.

Pocket bullies are low-maintenance dogs that don't demand much from their human partners, but they still need regular grooming to stay clean and healthy. They need weekly brushing to remove dead hair, and more often in spring and fall when they shed more.

Expand your knowledge: Raw Food for American Bully

Credit: youtube.com, How to TAKE CARE of a PUPPY 🐶 Complete Guide to Puppy Care

Too many calories can be just as bad as not enough, potentially leading to obesity and all the health issues that come with it. So, it's essential to strike a perfectly-balanced diet tailored to your pet's age, activity levels, and individual needs.

Pocket bullies should eat dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity levels, which can be in the form of kibble or canned food. The amount should be between one and one and a half cups, depending on their weight.

Bathing your pet every other month is usually sufficient, unless they get dirty more often. Nail trimming, regular ear, eye, and teeth cleaning, and occasional bathing will keep your pet looking and feeling their best.

Physical Activity

Providing your American Bully pup with enough exercise is crucial for their growth and health.

All creatures need physical activity to grow tall and stay fit, and American Bullies are no different.

Credit: youtube.com, Here’s Why YOU Should Care About Your Child’s Physical Activity

Too much exercise can be detrimental, so it's essential not to overdo it. Forcing your dog to go on too many long exercise sessions can negatively affect their growth rate.

By giving your pup just the right amount of exercise, you can ensure they reach their healthy weight and height on time.

A sedentary pup is a sorry sight, missing out on achieving their full size potential.

Health and Longevity

American Bullies can live a long, happy life of 10 to 14 years with proper care and attention.

Regular vet checkups are crucial, especially during the early stages of growth, to catch any health issues that might affect your pup's development.

Growth disorders such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and muscle wasting can hinder your American Bully's growth, so it's essential to monitor their development closely.

These growth-related disorders can also cause walking difficulties, bowed legs, and abnormal posture, so keep an eye out for any signs of these issues.

Here are some common growth-related disorders to watch out for:

  • Hip/elbow dysplasia
  • Muscle wasting
  • Bowed legs
  • Abnormal posture
  • Difficulty walking

Health

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

Health is a top priority for your American Bully, and growth is a key aspect of their overall well-being. Your pup's growth rate can be affected by nutrient deficiencies and developmental problems, which is why regular vet checkups are crucial.

Some health conditions can halt your puppy's development, so it's essential to catch any issues early. If you notice your pup isn't growing at the proper rate, take them to the vet right away.

Growth disorders can be a concern, especially if your American Bully grows too fast. These disorders include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, walking difficulties, muscle wasting, bowed legs, abnormal posture, and obesity.

Too much high-impact activity before their growth plates close can actually stunt your pup's growth. So, moderation and low-impact play are best for the first year.

Staying on top of vet checkups is vital, especially during the critical early stages. Catching any issues early can help get your pup's growth back on track.

Here are some common growth-related disorders to watch out for:

  • Hip/elbow dysplasia
  • Muscle wasting
  • Bowed legs
  • Abnormal posture
  • Difficulty walking

How Long Do They Live?

Blue American Bully Puppy Lying Under Car
Credit: pexels.com, Blue American Bully Puppy Lying Under Car

Pocket bullies have a life expectancy between 10 and 14 years. They are generally healthy dogs that can live a long, happy life – provided with enough care and attention.

Their lifespan is influenced by regular veterinary check-ups and proper care. Regular exercise and a balanced diet also play a significant role in their overall health.

Pocket bullies can live a long and healthy life if given the right care and attention.

Here's an interesting read: Yorkshire Terrier Care

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know my American Bully size?

To determine your American Bully's size, measure its height at the withers: males should be between 17-20 inches, while females should be between 16-19 inches. If your dog falls within these ranges, it's likely a standard American Bully.

How much bigger will my 4 month old puppy get?

At 4 months old, your puppy has likely reached 60% of their adult height, but they can still gain weight and muscle mass. Expect your puppy to continue growing, but their skeletal growth will slow down significantly after this stage.

Sources

  1. American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) (abkcdogs.net)
  2. American Bullies (myamericanbully.com)
  3. Pocket Bully Breed: Your Complete Guide (dogacademy.org)
  4. Pit Bull Head Growth Stages: From Playful Puppies to ... (sparkpaws.com)
  5. Venomline’s Blog (texassizebullies.blog)
  6. Swizz (texassizebullies.blog)
  7. american bully puppies (texassizebullies.com)
  8. produced several ABKC Pocket Champions. (texassizebullies.com)
  9. How our Stud Service works (texassizebullies.blog)
  10. Available Studs (texassizebullies.blog)
  11. HOW AMERICAN BULLY STUD SERVICE (SHOULD) WORK (texassizebullies.blog)
  12. females (texassizebullies.com)
  13. Pocket Bully Females (texassizebullies.blog)
  14. Venomline Breedings (texassizebullies.com)

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.