Big Bully Dog: Understanding the American Bully Breed and Its Bloodlines

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Posted Oct 29, 2024

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The American Bully breed has a rich history and a unique appearance. The breed was developed in the 1990s by breeding the American Pitbull Terrier with other breeds.

One of the key characteristics of the American Bully is its muscular build and broad chest. The breed's bloodlines include the American Pitbull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the English Bulldog.

The American Bully's origins are rooted in the United States, specifically in the city of Miami. This is where the breed's founder, John D. Densmore, developed the breed by crossing the American Pitbull Terrier with other breeds.

The American Bully's name is a nod to its powerful appearance and athletic ability.

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Breed History

The American Bully breed has a fascinating history. Established in the mid-1990s, it was developed as the ultimate family companion through selective breeding.

It's worth noting that the American Bully is often confused with the American Pitbull Terrier, but they are actually distinct and separate breeds. The American Bully's origins are rooted in various parts of the United States, particularly in Virginia and Los Angeles, California.

The American Bully has a relatively short history, originating in the United States between 1980 and 1990. They were established as their own breed in the 1980s, with the American Bully Kennel Club founded 20 years later, in 2004.

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Is the Pit?

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The American Bully is often confused with other Pit Bull breeds, but it's actually a distinct breed with its own unique characteristics.

The term "Pit Bull" is 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 has a specific breed origin, having originated in the United States between 1980 and 1990.

This breed was established as its own breed in the 1980s, with the American Bully Kennel Club founded 20 years later.

The American Bully shares ancestry with both Pitbulls and Bulldogs, but has evolved into a breed with its own unique standards.

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History

The American Bully breed has a fascinating history that's worth exploring.

Established in the mid-1990s, the American Bully breed was purposefully developed as the ultimate family companion through meticulous selective breeding.

The American Bully originated in the United States between 1980 and 1990, making them a relatively new breed.

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It's often thought that the American Bully is a type of Pitbull, but this is not true - they are actually completely different breeds.

The American Bully breed was developed by combining the desired characteristics of the UKC American Pit Bull Terrier and the AKC American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the American Bully breed and therefore they do not have a breed standard.

The American Bully Kennel Club was founded in 2004, 20 years after the breed was established.

There are over 20 different Bully breeds, and lots of bulldog mix breeds too, which can sometimes lead to confusion about the breed's identity.

Classic

The Classic American Bully is a distinct type within the breed, known for its leaner build and more traditional look.

This gives them a more agile physique compared to the Standard American Bully.

The Classic Bully shares many characteristics with the Standard, but with a more athletic build.

They are great with their families, friendly to strangers, and in most situations, great with children.

Their friendly nature makes them a wonderful companion for many families.

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Physical Characteristics

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The American Bully has three different sizes: pocket, standard, and giant. These sizes determine their overall height and weight.

Their height typically ranges from 13 to 21 inches, while their weight can vary between 70 and 120 pounds. This size variation is crucial to consider when choosing a breed.

The American Bully's coat is short and smooth, making them a great choice for those with allergies. They don't shed much and require minimal grooming.

Here's a breakdown of the three sizes:

Their appearance is quite distinctive, with a muscular body, large head, and pointed ears. Their muzzle is square-shaped, and they have loose skin hanging down the sides.

Size

The American Bully comes in three sizes: pocket, standard, and giant.

These dogs can weigh anywhere from 70 to 120 pounds.

Their height typically ranges from 13 to 21 inches.

American Bullies are classified into five categories: pocket, standard, extra-large, extreme, and classic.

Maintaining the correct weight proportion to height is more important than adhering to specific measurements.

Appearance

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The American Bully is a breed that's hard to ignore, with their muscular bodies and distinctive features. They closely resemble their Pitbull parent, with a large head and pointed ears.

Their muzzle is square shaped, with loose skin hanging down the sides and a well-defined jaw. Their eyes are oval shaped, which may be dark brown or blue.

The American Bully comes in three different sizes: Pocket, Standard, and Giant. The height of each size is quite distinct:

Males are generally bigger than females, but it's worth noting that the height range for each size is quite broad.

Temperament

The American Bully's temperament is truly one of its best qualities. This breed is 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. In fact, they love all people and will happily show a stranger love rather than aggression.

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The American Bully's friendly and sociable nature is a key characteristic of the breed. They are known for their ability to thrive in various living environments, from urban apartments to larger homes with yards.

Proper socialization and training are crucial to ensure they are well-behaved and well-adjusted pets. This will help them become the loyal and protective companions they were bred to be.

Here are some key temperament traits of the American Bully:

  • Confident and outgoing
  • Stable and loving
  • Highly tolerant of children
  • Eager to please
  • Pleasant temperament
  • Friendly and sociable
  • Loyal and protective
  • Adaptable
  • Affectionate

Health and Care

American Bullies are 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 caused by genetic conditions, improper development, or other factors. It's essential to work with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs. Some breeders even administer steroids to enhance their dogs' muscle size artificially, leading to severe health complications when the drug use ceases.

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To ensure your American Bully stays healthy, provide a nutritious diet tailored to their age and activity level, and access to fresh water. Regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, keeps them mentally and physically stimulated. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, grooming, and dental care are also necessary to monitor and maintain their health.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for:

  • Hip Dysplasia: This genetic condition involves improper hip joint development, which can lead to arthritis and mobility problems.
  • Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a developmental disorder of the elbow joint that can potentially cause lameness and pain.
  • Cherry Eye: This is when the gland under the third eyelid protrudes and looks like a cherry in the corner of the eye.

By being aware of these potential health issues and taking proactive steps to prevent and address them, you can help your American Bully live a happy and healthy life.

Health

American Bullies are 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.

Elbow Dysplasia is a common condition in large breed dogs, similar to hip dysplasia, and can cause lameness and pain. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring your dog's health can help catch these issues before they become untreatable.

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Some American Bullies may be prone to skin allergies, which can lead to itching, rashes, and skin infections. Skin allergies can be managed with proper care and treatment, but it's essential to catch them early.

Heart Disease is a potential health issue in American Bullies, including cardiac issues like heart murmurs and valve problems. Regular check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage heart disease.

Bloat is a potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off blood supply to vital organs. Monitoring your dog's eating habits and providing a balanced diet can help prevent bloat.

Here are some common health issues that can affect American Bullies:

  • Hip Dysplasia: improper hip joint development
  • Elbow Dysplasia: developmental disorder of the elbow joint
  • Cherry Eye: gland under the third eyelid protrudes
  • Skin Allergies: itching, rashes, and skin infections
  • Heart Disease: cardiac issues, including heart murmurs and valve problems
  • Bloat: potentially life-threatening condition
  • Hypothyroidism: underactive thyroid gland
  • Eye Problems: cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)

To maintain your American Bully's health, it's essential to provide a nutritious diet tailored to their age and activity level, with access to fresh water. Regular exercise, such as daily walks and playtime, keeps them mentally and physically stimulated.

Early socialization and consistent, positive reinforcement-based training help them become well-adjusted and obedient companions. Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, grooming, and dental care are necessary to monitor and maintain their health.

Grooming

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The American Bully's short, smooth coat is a blessing for busy owners, as it requires minimal grooming. They only need to be brushed once a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Regular nail trimming is essential to maintain their comfort, and it's best to have a professional groomer or your vet handle this task. Brushing their teeth every day or as often as you can manage is also crucial for good oral health.

Bathing should only be necessary when they get dirty or develop an odor, and a mild dog shampoo should be used to avoid skin dryness. You can also give your pup dental sticks to chew on if brushing their teeth daily is not feasible.

It's essential to regularly check their ears for dirt and wax buildup and clean them as needed to prevent infections. Introducing your American Bully to grooming tasks at a young age will help them become accustomed to the process and make future grooming sessions smoother.

Children and Pets

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If you're considering getting an American Bully, it's essential to think about how it will interact with your kids. They are generally patient and gentle with children when raised together and taught to respect each other.

Supervising interactions between American Bullies and young children is crucial to ensure playtime is safe for both the dog and the child. Teaching children how to interact with the dog, such as not pulling on ears or tails, is essential.

Socialization is key when it comes to American Bullies getting along with other pets. Early exposure to other dogs and animals can help your American Bully develop positive relationships.

American Bullies can coexist with other dogs in the household when introduced gradually and under supervision. However, some may have a strong prey drive, so they might not be the best fit for homes with small animals like rabbits or rodents.

Ultimately, American Bullies' compatibility with children and other pets depends on their individual temperament and upbringing.

Cost

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An American Bully puppy can cost between $2000 and $5000 each.

If you're on a tighter budget, consider checking your local shelter or reaching out to rescue groups like the American Bulldog Rescue or the Brave Bully Rescue.

You should certainly ensure you're buying from a reputable breeder to avoid any potential health issues.

If you do decide to adopt, you'll be giving a loving home to a dog in need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are XL bullies aggressive?

XL Bullies are not inherently aggressive, but rather known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are a loving breed that requires proper socialization and care.

What dogs are in a XL Bully?

The XL Bully is a crossbreed of the American Pit Bull Terrier, Olde English Bulldogge, English Bulldog, and American Bulldog. It can also be a mix of the American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier, depending on the breed association.

Are XL Bully banned in the US?

No, XL Bully dogs are not banned in the US, but their breeding, sale, and rehoming are restricted as of December 31, 2023.

Wallace Adams

Lead Writer

Wallace Adams is a seasoned writer with a passion for sharing knowledge with others. With a keen interest in the world of dogs, he has established himself as a go-to expert on the Chinook breed. His articles on Chinook breeders and information have been widely read and appreciated by dog enthusiasts and owners alike.

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