A Comprehensive Guide to American Bully Types

The American Bully is a versatile breed with a rich history, and understanding its various types is essential for anyone considering bringing one home. The breed originated from the American Pitbull Terrier.

The American Bully is a relatively new breed, developed in the 1990s by breeders like David and John D. Johnston. They aimed to create a more muscular and compact dog with a friendly temperament.

There are four main types of American Bullies: Classic, Standard, Pocket, and XL. Each type has its unique characteristics, which we'll explore in more detail.

The Classic American Bully is the original type, known for its athletic build and broad head.

A unique perspective: Classic American Bully Dog

The American Bully is a medium-sized dog with a compact, bulky muscular body, heavy bone structure, and blocky head. Their size can vary depending on the category, with the standard American Bully type being 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder for males and 16 to 19 inches for females.

Their weight also varies, but a standard American Bully typically weighs between 50-85 pounds, while an XL American Bully can weigh 85 pounds or more. Despite their size, American Bullies have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and white.

Here's a breakdown of the different size categories for American Bullies:

Their height can range from 13 to 21 inches, and their weight can vary between 70 and 120 pounds. However, the crucial factor is maintaining the correct weight proportion to height rather than adhering to specific measurements.

The American Bully is a sturdy breed with a short, smooth coat that's relatively low-maintenance. They come in a variety of colors, including black, blue, brown, fawn, red, and white.

Their size can vary depending on the specific type, ranging from 14-20 inches (36-51 cm) tall at the shoulder and weighing between 30-85 pounds (14-38 kg).

The breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but they do have a distinct temperament - friendly, affectionate, loyal, and protective. They require early and consistent training to develop good behavior.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of American Bullies and their corresponding sizes:

The American Bully's appearance is a crucial aspect of their physical characteristics. They come in a variety of sizes, ranging from 13 to 21 inches in height and 70 to 120 pounds in weight.

Their coat is typically short and smooth, requiring minimal grooming. However, some individuals may have finer, stiffer coats that need more frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling.

The American Bully's size classification varies, with the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) recognizing four varieties based on height: pocket, standard, extra-large (XL), and classic. In contrast, the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognizes only one standard size.

Here are the specific height and weight ranges for each size category:

The American Bully's head is blocky, and their body is compact and muscular, with a broad chest and heavy bone structure.

The American Bully has five breed types, which were formed from its initial four basic types: Classic, Standard, XL, and Pocket. A new type, Extreme, has been added since then.

The Classic Bully is similar to the Standard, but with a leaner build, giving them a more traditional look and more agility. They are great with their families, friendly to strangers, and in most situations, great with children.

The Classic Bully's characteristics are very similar to those of the Standard, but with a slightly leaner build.

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The American Bully has five breed types, each with its own unique characteristics. The Classic, Standard, XL, Pocket, and Extreme types make up the different classes of this breed.

The Classic type is not specifically described in the article, but it's worth noting that the Standard type is similar to the Classic, except for its height.

The Standard type is similar to the other Bully types except for its height, with males reaching 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) at the withers. This height range is not mentioned in the article, but it's a general fact about the Standard type.

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The XL type is mentioned as one of the four basic types of the American Bully, but no specific height range is provided. It's likely that the XL type is taller than the Standard type.

The Pocket type is a smaller variant of the American Bully, with males reaching 14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 cm) and females 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 cm) at the withers. This compact version of the breed was originally bred for pet owners who wanted a Bully breed in a smaller size.

The Extreme type is the newest addition to the American Bully breed, making it one of the five classes.

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The Classic American Bully is a leaner-framed dog compared to the Standard, but still falls within the same height range. This breed type is known for its traditional look and increased agility.

They display characteristics very similar to those of the Standard, making them a great companion for families. Classic Bullies are friendly to strangers and generally get along well with children.

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These dogs don't exhibit the exaggerated features often found in other varieties, and their lineage is arguably clearer than other breeds. The American Bully is bred to be a companion dog, not to be confused with other bulldog-type breeds.

Classic Bullies are often sought after for their unique characteristics and standards, which set them apart from other breeds.

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The American Bully is a highly adaptable and trainable breed, making it a great companion for many families.

Many dogs, despite acting as lapdogs in the home, do well in sports such as weight pull and flirt pole.

American Bullies are exuberant, active, adventurous dogs, and they can, with diligent training and responsible oversight, serve as loving pets.

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

The breed combines the loyalty and stability of the American Pit Bull Terrier with the sociable and amiable temperament of the American Staffordshire Terrier.

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However, the breed is based on the American Pit Bull Terrier and crossed with various bulldog breeds, which were originally bred for blood sports such as baiting and dog fighting.

Human aggression is discouraged in breed standards, but breeders have acknowledged that American Bully dogs can be very dangerous if improperly raised or bred.

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

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

Of course, the behavior of any individual dog may differ from those discussed here, and a percentage of pit bulls may display unexpected aggression, even toward family members.

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The American Bully is generally a robust and healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health issues. Some common health concerns include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, skin allergies, heart disease, bloat, hypothyroidism, and eye problems.

These health issues can be exacerbated by poor breeding practices, such as administering steroids to enhance muscle size. This can result in temporary gains followed by severe health complications. It's essential to seek out reputable, drug-free breeders when considering adopting an American Bully.

Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, grooming, and dental care are crucial to monitor and maintain the health of your American Bully. They also need a nutritious diet tailored to their age and activity level, access to fresh water, and regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Some American Bullies may be prone to skin allergies, which can lead to itching, rashes, and skin infections. They may also experience breathing problems associated with brachycephalic airway syndrome, which is common with short-nosed dogs.

Here's a list of common health issues in American Bullies:

Health is a top priority when it comes to American Bullies. They're generally a robust and healthy breed, but like all dogs, they can be susceptible to certain health issues.

Hip Dysplasia is a genetic condition that involves improper hip joint development, which can lead to arthritis and mobility problems. This can be a significant issue for American Bullies, as it can impact their quality of life.

Elbow Dysplasia is similar to hip dysplasia, and it's also a developmental disorder of the elbow joint. It can potentially cause lameness and pain, making it essential to monitor your dog's joint health.

Some American Bullies may be prone to skin allergies, which can lead to itching, rashes, and skin infections. This can be uncomfortable for your dog, and it's crucial to address the issue promptly.

Heart Disease is another potential concern for American Bullies, including cardiac issues like heart murmurs and valve problems. These issues can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Bloat is a serious condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to vital organs. It's essential to monitor your dog's eating habits and watch for signs of bloat.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones, leading to various health issues. Some American Bullies may develop this condition, which can be managed with medication.

Eye Problems are also a concern for American Bullies, including conditions like cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early on.

Here are some common health concerns associated with American Bullies:

Regular exercise is crucial for American Bullies, with daily walks and playtime keeping them mentally and physically stimulated. This can be supplemented with backyard games, obedience training, and scent work.

To prevent hip dysplasia, it's essential to feed your American Bully a large breed puppy food, which slows down their growth rate and reduces the risk of developing this condition. This is especially important for puppies of larger varieties.

American Bullies need access to fresh water at all times to stay well-hydrated. Be mindful of toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, and xylitol-containing items, as these can be hazardous to their health.

Coat care is minimal for American Bullies, requiring only occasional bathing and brushing. However, they do not like extreme cold or heat, so it's essential to provide a comfortable living environment.

Routine veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are necessary to monitor and maintain your American Bully's health. Regular dental care is also crucial to prevent oral health issues.

To ensure your American Bully's safety, provide a securely fenced yard and proper identification. You should also be aware of their strength and potential aggression, especially around children and other pets.