Real American Bully: Everything You Need to Know About This Breed

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Posted Oct 14, 2024

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

The Real American Bully is a breed that's often misunderstood, but I'm here to give you the lowdown.

The Real American Bully was developed in the 1990s by breeding the American Pitbull Terrier with other breeds.

This breed is known for its athletic ability, with adults reaching speeds of up to 25 miles per hour.

They're also highly intelligent, ranking 78th in Stanley Coren's book "The Intelligence of Dogs".

Physical Characteristics

The American XL Bully is a robust breed with a distinctive appearance. Males weigh between 110 to 150 pounds, while females are slightly lighter, weighing in between 100 to 140 pounds.

Their athletic build is hard to miss, with males standing tall at 20 to 23 inches and females at 19 to 22 inches. This blend of physical might and gentle demeanor makes them unique among bully breeds.

The American XL Bully has a short, glossy coat in various colors such as chocolate tri, fawn, blue, and tri-color variations. Their coat requires minimal grooming due to its low maintenance needs.

A unique perspective: Tri American Bully

Credit: youtube.com, How to know if you have a REAL American bully!

Here's a breakdown of the breed's size and weight:

This breed's striking physical presence is undeniable, with a muscular and strong build that gives it an imposing look. Despite its robust appearance, the breed is known for being calm, confident, and loyal to its family.

Broaden your view: American Bully Facts

Health and Wellness

American Bullies are generally healthy animals, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for monitoring and managing potential health complications.

Hip dysplasia is a significant concern for XL Bullies, so preventing it should be a top priority. Proper management of heart conditions through vigilant monitoring is crucial for maintaining canine health.

American Bullies can also suffer from skin issues, including allergies and Seborrhea, which can cause itchiness, red skin, or patches of hair loss. This is a common affliction that can be passed down from their ancestors, the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

Credit: youtube.com, You Won't Believe The Brand!! | American Bully XL

To increase the chances of a robust American Bully, it's essential to work with reputable breeders who carry out screening on their animals and remove those affected by certain genetic conditions from the breeding pools.

Here are some common health risks associated with American Bullies:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Skin Issues
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome

Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help manage these health concerns and ensure the overall health and happiness of American Bullies.

A unique perspective: American Bully Health Issues

Care and Maintenance

American Bullies are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only a firm bristle brush several times a week to keep their short coat clean.

They generally keep themselves pretty clean and don't need regular bathing unless they get into something messy.

Regular brushing of teeth, clipping of nails, and checking of ears for signs of infection are essential tasks that all American Bully parents should carry out.

American Bullies need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy, with a daily hour of activity and 16 miles of walking a week being a good starting point.

Maintenance

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 is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They only need brushing with a firm bristle brush several times a week.

Their short coat makes them pretty easy to keep clean, but they do need regular bathing if they get into something messy.

American Bullies need regular dental care, so brush their teeth at least once a week.

Their nails need to be clipped regularly to keep them from getting too long.

Checking their ears for signs of infection is also important for their overall health.

This breed needs a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy, with at least an hour of activity a day.

American Bullies with short muzzles need to be careful not to overexert themselves, as they can get easily breathless or overheated.

Basket Muzzle

The basket muzzle is a crucial product for American XL Bully breeds, serving as a canine restraint and complying with the legal requirement effective December 31, 2023.

Credit: youtube.com, Basket Muzzle Training - Flash class

This muzzle is designed to improve dog safety by providing bite prevention without compromising their ability to breathe.

The basket muzzle plays a critical role in pet obedience tools and canine control measures, ensuring that your XL Bully remains safe and comfortable during walks or public outings.

It's essential to note that this muzzle meets the legal regulations, making it a must-have for responsible dog owners.

The use of this muzzle supports responsible dog ownership and protection equipment for canines, giving you peace of mind when taking your dog out in public.

Training and Behavior

The American XL Bully is a powerful breed that requires a strong and durable lead for training and walking. The Front Range Dog Lead is a great option for its strong connection and elegant design.

To ensure the happiness and well-being of your XL Bully, it's essential to meet their physical and mental needs. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for their overall health, and a lead can play a vital role in achieving those goals.

Dogs are happiest when they're well-exercised, and a lead can provide security and control while engaging in outdoor activities with your XL Bully.

Physical and Mental Stimulation

Credit: youtube.com, Physical and Mental Stimulation: Giving Our Dogs What They Need!

Regular exercise is crucial for the American XL Bully's overall wellbeing. It's essential to engage them in activities like walks, fetch, and agility training.

Be careful not to exert them excessively due to their sturdy build, as overexertion can be harmful.

Puzzle toys and interactive games are great for providing mental enrichment activities.

Training Lead

The training lead is an essential tool for American XL Bully owners. It offers versatility for training, walking, and safety in crowded places.

A heavy-duty dog lead provides the strength needed to handle large, powerful breeds like the American XL Bully. This is especially important for their safety during walks and training sessions.

Dogs are always happiest when they're well exercised, and their mental stimulation contributes to their overall wellbeing. Meeting their physical and mental needs is crucial.

The Front Range Dog Lead is highly recommended for its strong connection and elegant design. It's a valuable piece of equipment for handling strong and energetic dogs like the American XL Bully.

Here's an interesting read: American Bully Dog Training

Training and Behavior

Credit: youtube.com, The 80/20 rule in dog training / obedience vs behavior / Ian Grant Podcast

XL Bully dogs require a customized approach to socialization with other dogs, taking into account their unique temperament.

Positive experiences in puppyhood are crucial for socialization, and exposing puppies to various environments and other dogs helps promote adaptability.

Early puppy socialization can shape an adult dog's temperament and their ability to interact with other dogs, making it a pivotal role in canine social development.

Canine socialization is a core factor influencing XL Bully behavior and adaptability, and reactions of adult dogs vary based on their early socialization experiences.

The key to well-adjusted adult behavior is emphasizing positive experiences during puppyhood, which can lead to a more adaptable and socialized adult dog.

Extreme

Extreme dogs are a force to be reckoned with, and it's essential to understand their unique characteristics. Extreme Bullies have higher rear ends and tighter lips than the other lines.

Their muscular build makes them incredibly compact, with large skulls that command attention. This physical presence demands respect and can be intimidating to others.

Training an Extreme dog requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. They thrive on structure and clear boundaries, which helps them feel secure and focused.

Temperament and Personality

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

American Bullies are known for their affectionate temperament, which makes them a great companion for families. They are good-natured and form strong bonds with their loved ones.

Males typically weigh between 110 to 150 pounds, while females are slightly lighter, weighing in between 100 to 140 pounds. Their athletic build is hard to miss, with males standing tall at 20 to 23 inches and females at 19 to 22 inches.

Despite their imposing size, American Bullies are friendly and display a gentle demeanor towards people they know. Their broad heads and well-defined muscles adhere strictly to breed standards, highlighting their strength and physical prowess.

American Bullies are intelligent and will need plenty of toys to keep their brains occupied, as unstimulated dogs have the tendency to become a little destructive. They are also loving and loyal, making them a great addition to many families.

However, it's essential to note that American Bullies can be powerful animals if not trained properly, and some governments have banned or are considering banning the breed due to high-profile incidents.

See what others are reading: Great Dane American Bully Mix

Breed Standards and Classification

Credit: youtube.com, ABKC classes: Determine what class your bully belongs in

The American Bully breed has undergone some changes over the years. The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) initially recognized four basic types: Classic, Standard, XL, and Pocket.

The ABKC later added a new type, Extreme, but it's since been removed from the breed standards. This leaves us with four recognized classes.

The 5 Classes

The American Bully breed has undergone significant development, resulting in five distinct classes. The Classic Bully is a leaner build, giving it a more traditional look and increased agility compared to the Standard.

Their characteristics are very similar to those of the Standard, making them great with families, friendly to strangers, and generally great with children. The Standard Bully is a versatile class with a sturdy build, suitable for various living situations.

The XL (Extra Large) Bully is a larger version of the Standard, with a more massive build. The Pocket Bully is a smaller class, often preferred by those with limited space. The Extreme Bully is a newer addition, with a more muscular build than the Classic.

A fresh viewpoint: Standard Size American Bully

Standard

Credit: youtube.com, What is Breed Type and How Do Breed Standards Change for Dogs?

The Standard Bully is a muscular and thick dog with a compact body, broad chest, and large head, giving them a powerful look. They are officially known as the show dog version of an American Pit Bull Terrier.

They were born in the 1990s and are known for being very affectionate dogs that are great for companionship. Families with Standard Bullies should keep their eyes open for injuries, however, as these dogs have high tolerances for pain.

Standard Bullies are great with their families, but it's essential to be aware of their potential for injuries. Their high pain tolerance can sometimes lead to unnoticed injuries.

In terms of their behavior, Standard Bullies are very affectionate and great for companionship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is American Bully a pitbull?

American Bullies are a distinct breed that shares ancestry with Pitbulls, but they are not the same breed. While they share some similarities, understanding the differences between these breeds requires a closer look at their history and characteristics.

How to tell if a dog is an American Bully?

The American Bully is recognizable by its compact, strong build and thick-set structure, reflecting a mix of American Pit Bull Terrier and other bull breeds. Look for a sturdy, muscular dog with a distinctive appearance that sets it apart from other breeds.

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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