
The UkC American Bully is a unique breed that originated from the American Pit Bull Terrier. This breed was developed in the 1990s by a man named David Wilson, who aimed to create a muscular and athletic dog with a gentle and affectionate nature.
One of the key characteristics of the UkC American Bully is its muscular build, which is achieved through selective breeding. This breed has a broad chest and well-sprung ribs, giving it a sturdy appearance.
The UkC American Bully comes in a variety of sizes, including pocket, standard, and XL. The pocket size is the smallest, weighing around 30-40 pounds, while the XL size can weigh up to 120 pounds or more.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the UkC American Bully is a family-friendly breed that is known for its gentle and affectionate nature.
History and Origin
The American Bully breed was developed as a natural extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier, with a characteristic appearance and temperament that has remained unchanged for over 100 years.
The breed was subtly influenced by the infusion of several other breeds, including the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge, but it is a breed of its own and should not resemble any one breed in particular.
The American Bully breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club on July 15, 2013.
The breed was developed in the mid-1990s by breeders on both the East and West coasts of the United States, using American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers as foundation stock.
These early breeders aimed to create a dog with a specific build and temperament, which has since been recognized as a unique breed separate from the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The breed was first known as "bully type" American Pit Bull Terriers, and for the past 25 years, these dogs have been bred, bloodlines refined, and promoted across the U.S. and overseas.
The breeders of these dogs have developed this breed for a specific build and temperament so unique that they have been recognized as a breed separate from the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The American Bully breed was first registered with its own kennel club in 2004.
The breed was founded in the United States between 1980 and 1990, using a foundation of American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers bred to several bulldog-type breeds.
It was created with the purpose of being a family companion dog, with the initial desire being to produce a dog with a lower drive and more of the "bully" traits than the American Staffordshire Terrier.
Physical Characteristics
The American Bully breed is a companion breed that exudes confidence and exuberance for life. They are gentle and friendly, making them an excellent family dog.
The breed comes in three distinct sizes: Pocket, Standard/Classic, and XL. The Classic size has a lighter body frame and less overall body mass than the Standard.
Their compact, strong, thick-set structure and build are a result of their American Pit Bull Terrier foundation, blended with stock from other bull breeds. This blend gives them great strength for their size, although they are active and agile.
The American Bully's head is unique and a key characteristic, being large and broad, but never disproportionate to the overall dog. Their muzzle is broad and blocky, or slightly square, with a length of 25 to 35 percent of the overall length of the head.
Their body is close-coupled, appearing square with a broad, deep chest, and well-sprung ribs. The chest may be wider than it is deep, but free from exaggeration.
Characteristics
The American Bully breed is, first and foremost, a companion, exhibiting confidence with a zest and exuberance for life. They are gentle and friendly, making them an excellent family dog.
Aggressive behavior towards humans is uncharacteristic of the breed, and highly undesirable. This means that if you're looking for a breed that's great with kids, the American Bully is a fantastic choice.
The ideal American Bully possesses the athleticism to do well in performance events, showcasing their agility and strength. Their muscular build is balanced with a smooth coat, allowing them to move with ease.
The American Bully breed head is unique and a key characteristic, being large and broad, but never disproportionate to the overall dog.
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.
As you watch an American Bully trot, you'll notice their gait is effortless, powerful, and well-coordinated, showing good reach in front and drive behind.
Their backline remains level with only a slight flexing to indicate suppleness, giving them a smooth and agile appearance.
Legs move diagonally in the same plane with parallel tracking, which means they don't cross over or interfere with each other.
At higher speeds, feet may converge toward the center line of balance, but this shouldn't be a noticeable issue in a well-bred American Bully.
Faults in gait include legs overreaching, crossing over in front or rear, or moving too close together, all of which can affect the dog's balance and overall movement.
American Bully Breed Type
The American Bully breed type is a unique blend of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. This blend results in a dog with essential qualities such as overall balance, health, and soundness.
The American Bully should appear solid, powerful, and heavily muscled with a blocky head and short, wide muzzle. A deep stop and prominent cheeks are also characteristic of the breed.
The dog's ears can be trimmed or natural, but terrier refinement of head or body is undesirable in the American Bully breed. This means that dogs with a more refined head or body should not be used in breeding programs.
The American Bully has a rectangular body shape with wide shoulders and hips, a wide barrel chest, and heavy bone. Compact feet are also a characteristic of the breed.
The breed has a short-coated, smooth, glossy, and slightly bristled coat that comes in any color or combination of colors, excluding the merle color pattern.
Temperament and Behavior
The American Bully is a highly adaptable breed that can thrive in various environments. They often act as laid-back companion dogs in the home, but have a zest for life and energy while outside.
Many American Bullies do well in dog sports such as weight pull and flirt pole, showing their athletic ability. Despite their calm demeanor at home, they can be quite active and playful.
Dog and human aggression is discouraged in the breed, as it's not a characteristic that's desired or expected from an American Bully. With proper training and socialization, they can grow into well-adjusted and gentle companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the UKC recognize American Bullies?
Yes, the UKC recognizes the American Bully breed. The breed was officially recognized by the UKC on July 15, 2013.
Are pocket XL bullies banned?
No, the XL Bully breed itself is not banned, but owning one without a Certificate of Exemption will be a crime in England and Wales starting February 1, 2024.
Featured Images: pexels.com