American Bully Muscle Dog Breed Overview and Information

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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 Muscle dog breed is a unique and fascinating companion. They originated from the American Pit Bull Terrier and were developed to be a more muscular and athletic breed.

Their short coats come in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, and white. They are a relatively small breed, typically weighing between 70-120 pounds.

The American Bully Muscle breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality. They are highly social and love to be around people.

With proper training and care, they can make great family pets and companions.

Physical Characteristics

The American Bully breed is known for its sturdy build and athletic ability. They have a heavily muscled, massive bulky body type that gives the impression of great power for its size.

Their forelegs are strong and muscular with large or round bones, and their elbows are set close to the body. The distance from the withers to the elbow is equal to the distance from the elbows to the bottom of the feet.

Credit: youtube.com, 5 American Bully Exercise MUSCLE training tips that will get your dog SWOLE!!

The American Bully's chest is broad, deep, and well filled in, but should not be exaggerated as to interfere with normal movement. Their ribs are well-rounded, creating a barrel chest with all ribs close together.

The ideal height range for American Bullies typically ranges from 13 to 21 inches, while their weight can vary between 70 and 120 pounds. This size variation is classified into five categories: pocket, standard, extra-large (XL), extreme, and classic.

Body

The body of an American Bully is a sight to behold - heavily muscled and massive, with a compact/medium length that exudes power.

A broad, deep chest is a must, with well-rounded ribs that create a barrel shape. The rib cage should extend to the elbow or slightly below.

The forelegs are set rather wide apart to allow for chest development, and the chest itself should be broad, deep, and well-filled in, but not exaggerated.

The back is wide, strong, and firm, with a level and straight topline. The croup slopes slightly downward to the base of the tail.

The loin is wide and short, and the distance from the withers to the elbow should be equal to the distance from the elbows to the bottom of the feet.

A weak topline, roached back, or rear that's higher than the withers are all faults.

Head

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The American Bully breed head is a unique and distinctive feature, characterized by being large and broad, but never disproportionate to the overall dog.

The top skull is flat without a dome between the ears, and there's a well-defined, moderately deep stop. This gives the head a square appearance from the front and side.

The flews are always clean with tight lips, and the cheek muscles are prominent and free of wrinkles. This muscular build helps to give the head a strong and defined appearance.

The muzzle is broad and blocky, or slightly square, with a length that's shorter than the length of the skull. It's usually around 25 to 35 percent of the overall length of the head.

The top of the muzzle is straight, and the lower jaw is well-developed, wide, and deep. This helps to ensure that the muzzle is not too short or blunt, which can interfere with normal breathing.

The nose is large, with well-opened nostrils, and all colors of nose pigment are acceptable.

The Neck

Credit: youtube.com, Physical exam tutorial. Neck.

The neck is a moderate length and muscular, with a slight arch at the crest.

It widens gradually from where it joins the skull to where it blends into well laid-back shoulders.

The skin on the neck is without excessive dewlap.

A short neck can be a very serious fault, as it would interfere with functional ability.

A neck that's too long can be out of proportion with the body, making it a very serious fault.

Height & Sizes

American Bullies come in a variety of sizes, with height ranges that vary depending on the category. The height for American Bullies typically ranges from 13 to 21 inches.

For Pocket American Bullies, the ideal height range for mature males is under 17 inches and no less than 14 inches at the withers. Pocket females should be under 16 inches and no less than 13 inches at the withers.

Standard and Classic American Bullies have slightly larger height ranges, with mature males measuring from 17 to 20 inches at the withers. Mature Standard females should be from 16 to 19 inches at the withers, while Classic females also fall within this range.

Credit: youtube.com, "Shapes and Sizes: Describing People's Height and Build"

XL American Bullies are the largest of the breed, with mature males measuring over 20 inches to 23 inches at the withers. Mature XL females should be over 19 inches to 22 inches at the withers.

Dogs that are too far from these desired heights can be disqualified due to health, structural, or movement issues.

Gait

The American Bully breed moves with a jaunty, confident attitude, conveying the impression that he expects any minute to see something new and exciting.

Their gait is effortless, powerful, and well-coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind. This makes them a pleasure to watch in action.

The backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness, showing that they're agile and flexible. This is especially noticeable when they're moving at a moderate pace.

Legs move diagonally in the same plane with parallel tracking, which means they don't cross over each other or interfere with each other's movement. This is a hallmark of a well-coordinated dog.

Credit: youtube.com, Gait Cycle (Mechanism of Walking) - Dr. Ahmed Farid

As speed increases, feet may converge toward the center line of balance, which means they don't get all wobbly or unsteady. This is a testament to their athleticism and balance.

Legs overreaching is considered a fault, so it's essential to look for dogs that move with a smooth, even stride.

Breed Information

The American Bully is a distinct breed within the Pit Bull spectrum, sharing ancestry with both Pitbulls and Bulldogs, but evolving into a breed with its own unique characteristics and standards.

Reputable breeders are crucial in producing healthy, well-socialized puppies, whereas backyard breeders prioritize profit over the well-being of their dogs.

American Bullies are known for their friendly disposition and eagerness to please their owners, making them loyal and protective of their families, and effective watchdogs.

Is the Pit Bull?

The Pit Bull is a term that can be confusing, especially when you're trying to figure out what breed you're dealing with. The term "Pit Bull" is often used loosely to encompass various breeds.

Credit: youtube.com, Pitbull - Dog Breed Information

The American Bully, for example, is a distinct breed within the Pit Bull spectrum. It shares ancestry with both Pitbulls and Bulldogs.

The American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier are also often referred to as Pit Bulls. They all have some common ancestry, but each breed has its own unique characteristics and standards.

The Bull Terrier is another breed that's sometimes lumped into the Pit Bull category, but it's actually a distinct breed with its own set of characteristics.

Overview

The American Bully is a relatively new dog breed developed in the United States in the 1990s.

Their friendly and loyal nature makes them great companions, but socialization and upbringing are key factors in how they show affection. Positive reinforcement training is always the best approach when raising your puppy.

American Bullies typically have a muscular and stocky build, a broad head, and a short, glossy coat.

They may look intimidating, but they are known for their friendly disposition and eagerness to please their owners. They're loyal and protective of their families, making them effective watchdogs.

Proper socialization and training are essential to ensure that American Bullies grow up well-behaved and well-adjusted pets.

History

Credit: youtube.com, History of Dog Breeds: Pitbulls

The American Bully breed has a fascinating history that's worth exploring. It was established in the mid-1990s, making it a relatively new breed.

Developed as the ultimate family companion, the American Bully was purposefully bred through meticulous selective breeding. This careful process allowed breeders to combine the desired characteristics of the UKC American Pit Bull Terrier and the AKC American Staffordshire Terrier.

The breed's origins are rooted in various parts of the United States, particularly in Virginia and Los Angeles, California. It's since spread across the country and can also be found in Europe and Asia.

Some people often confuse the American Bully with the American Pitbull Terrier, but they are distinct and separate breeds. The American Bully has its own unique appearance and temperament.

The breed was subtly influenced by the infusion of several other breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge. This mix of breeds helped shape the American Bully into a breed of its own.

The American Bully breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club on July 15, 2013.

Care and Feeding

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Providing a nutritious diet tailored to your American Bully's age and activity level is essential for their overall well-being.

Choose a high-quality commercial dog food that lists meat as the primary ingredient, and avoid fillers and artificial additives. Prioritize brands that meet your dog's specific needs, such as their size and activity level.

Regular exercise, like daily walks and playtime, keeps your American Bully mentally and physically stimulated. This should be balanced with a consistent feeding schedule, typically offering meals twice daily for adult American Bullies.

Always provide fresh water for your American Bully to stay well-hydrated, and be mindful of treats to ensure they align with your dog's nutritional needs.

Care

To ensure your American Bully's well-being, it's essential to provide a nutritious diet tailored to their age and activity level. Regular exercise is crucial, including daily walks and playtime to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Fresh water is always a must, and you should aim for high-quality commercial dog food with meat as the primary ingredient. Protein content should be around 20-30% to support muscle development and overall health.

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

Establish a consistent feeding schedule, typically offering meals twice daily for adult American Bullies. Be mindful of treats and use them primarily for training or occasional rewards.

Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, grooming, and dental care are necessary to monitor and maintain your American Bully's health. A secure yard and proper identification will help ensure their safety.

Above all, shower your American Bully with love, attention, and companionship to nurture their affectionate nature and ensure their happiness as a cherished family member.

Coat Color and Grooming

American Bullies have relatively low-maintenance coats that require minimal grooming. They typically have short, smooth coats that are easy to care for.

Occasional brushing with a soft bristle brush can help remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny. Brushing can also help prevent matting and tangling, especially in dogs with finer, stiffer coats.

Bathing should only be necessary when your American Bully gets dirty or develops an odor, and a mild dog shampoo should be used to avoid skin dryness. Regular nail trimming is also essential to maintain their comfort.

Credit: youtube.com, Grooming environment Coat care 101 Course

Dental care is crucial for American Bullies, with regular teeth brushing necessary to maintain good oral health. Regular ear cleaning is also important to prevent infections, especially in dogs with dirt and wax buildup.

Introduce your American Bully to grooming tasks at a young age to help them become accustomed to the process. This will make grooming a smoother and less stressful experience for both you and your dog.

Breed Specific Conditioning

Some breeds are naturally more active than others, so it's essential to tailor your dog's exercise routine accordingly. For example, high-energy breeds like Border Collies require at least an hour of exercise per day.

Dogs like Bulldogs and Pugs, on the other hand, need shorter, more gentle exercise sessions due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) skull structure.

Breed-specific traits can also affect your dog's dietary needs. For instance, large breeds like Great Danes may require joint supplements to support their massive frames.

Feeding high-quality food and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent joint issues in large breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get my American Bully muscular?

To build a muscular American Bully, feed a balanced diet rich in Omega-3s and consider supplements that promote muscle and joint development. Regular, gentle exercise every day is also essential for achieving and maintaining a strong, healthy physique.

Is American Bully hard to train?

American Bullies are intelligent and quick learners, but their independent nature can make them stubborn and challenging to train. With the right approach, however, they can become highly trainable and loyal companions.

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.

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