American Bully: Your Complete Guide
The American bully is an aptly named breed with a deeply muscled, strong frame and a face that could melt the stoniest dispositions. The stout canine has developed a reputation for its gentle, friendly demeanor and prodigious ability as a watchdog. Unfortunately, across the pond, they have been banned in several countries.
While most owners of the bully are quick to point out that early training and attention can work out bad habits, the breed has been responsible for over a dozen deaths in the UK. Because of their massive size and athletic ability, they can prove very dangerous if not properly trained.
You are not alone if you are on the fence about bringing in an American bully; they are a big dog and a bigger responsibility. To give a better picture of a breed that has been misunderstood far too much, let’s go over the American bully in its entirety.
Quick Look at the American Bully
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 50 – 130 pounds, 13 – 23 inches |
| Coat Type | Short, Shiny, Soft |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Devoted, Diligent, Affable |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence |  |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 8 – 15 years |
What Is the History of American Bullys?
The history of the American bully is short, with breeding for the canine beginning in the 1980s. The dominant ancestral breed used to create the bully was the American pit bull terrier, though five breeds were used to get the bully’s iconic size and width. In 2004, It became acknowledged by its breed club, the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC).
The original goal of the American bully was to create a breed similar to the American Staffordshire terrier with a milder prey response and a more filled-out physique. This has resulted in the broad physique that the American bully is known for today.
In certain countries in Europe, the breed has been banned or heavily regulated due to numerous attacks on people, leading to serious injuries and, in some cases, death. Unfortunately, The American bully is a breed that has been heavily involved in illegal dog fighting since its inception, which may explain why certain dogs tend towards violence.
What Do American Bullys Look Like?
An American bully is commonly associated with strength, power, and athleticism because of its intimidating appearance. The bully is a stoutly built breed with a thick frame and short hair that runs tight to the body. They have a broad, squared head with a short snout and small, upturned ears.
Regarding their coat, the breed can come in a wide range of colors. They can come in black, brown, fawn, red, blue, and white coats and will usually have a combination of two colors. Most bullies will have a large white patch from the chest into their stomach, with a dominant color running across the top of their body.
What Size Is an American Bully?
Owners can get American bullies of different sizes and shapes, from a forty-pound lap dog to an XL breed that can get well over a hundred pounds. They are classified into four sizes: pocket, standard, XL, and classic. While sizes outside these classifications exist, they are not recognized by any organized kennel club.
The smallest of bullies sit in the pocket size, which contains any male dog between fourteen and seventeen inches, while females must sit between thirteen and sixteen inches. Standard varieties are male bullies between sixteen to nineteen inches, while females are thirteen to sixteen inches.
XLs, the largest of all accepted varieties, will be between twenty-one to twenty-three inches for males and nineteen to twenty-two inches for females. The classic variety is the exact measurements as standard bullies, with a thinner, less muscular physique.
What Is an American Bullys Coat Type and Length?
The breed has a very low-maintenance coat that is short, straight, and almost glossy in sunlight. Some variants have longer coats, though these are not considered American bullies by most kennel clubs. The canines sometimes have looser skin around the neck or face, though the fur rarely goes beyond a half inch.
What Is an American Bully Temperament?
While a person might think that the American bully spends its day strutting around stealing labrador’s lunch money, they are an incredibly sweet and affectionate breed. A well-raised bully with proper training, socialization, and a fair bit of exercise will spend more time tucked next to an owner than bothering the neighbors.
They are natural guard dogs, however, and should be owned by those with enough time and attention to ensure they do not pose a risk to their family, strangers, or other animals.
Are American Bullys Good With Kids?
Natural people pleasers, the American bully is unusually patient with children and can become a fantastic companion for any adolescent. They are also among the most powerful dog breeds in the world and should only be owned by people who are certain they can devote the time to training them well.
Socialization is a necessity for the American bully, whose protective nature could result in unwanted tension when new people or children arrive at the house.
Are American Bullys Good With Other Animals?
They are not a lost cause for a house with other animals, though they are less keen on other dogs than they are towards humans. Getting them around other dogs while young is important to lessen aggressive responses. They do have a prey response, though it is not as severe as other similar breeds, making coexistence possible for the breed and smaller animals.
Are American Bullys Aggressive?
They have the potential to be aggressive, which has been recorded all too often in dog attack statistics. Because of this, it is recommended that prospective owners get bullies from reputable breeders. While the breed is not known for its aggression, they do not always get the best luck with certain owners who adopt them for their ability in illegal dog fighting.
Buying a full-grown American bully can be risky for someone who is not prepared, and reigning in an aggressive dog as big as the American bully can be very dangerous. If you do adopt an adult bully, ensure that you know its history and how the previous owner raised it.
With those disclaimers out of the way, if you adopt a young American bully and raise it well in a loving environment, you will have a beautiful, well-behaved dog that is gentle and kind. Most American bullies are affectionate and docile, though their troubled history has hurt their reputation amongst some owners and organizations.
Do American Bullys Bark?
Being natural protectors, an American bully may tend to bark at passing neighbors and cars when initially adopted. However, they are not a yappy breed and can comfortably exist in most living situations without causing a noise complaint. Training and familiarity with their environment will make them far less vocal going forward.
Are American Bullys Affectionate?
Whether you get the standard class or the XL, you can expect them to try and wrestle their way onto your lap on a daily basis. The American bully is a very sweet, loving dog that will regularly spend the better part of a lazy afternoon cuddled up next to their family and friends. Their appearance may make them appear standoffish, though they are intensely tender companions.
Are American Bullys Intelligent?
They are considered to have an average aptitude for a dog, though they show remarkable potential in many different roles. They are vigilant animals, particularly if trained to be, and can make incredible guard dogs should the need arise. They also love praise and will work hard to understand and accomplish any trick or task their owner desires.
Are American Bullys Energetic?
Any dog with as much muscle as the American bully will require some exercise. They have a high amount of energy and will need daily time outside to prevent weight gain and health issues down the road. They aren’t as endlessly agile as a border collie, but a bully owner should set aside an hour or so a day to allow them to expend their energy.
Are American Bullys Easy to Train?
They have a natural eagerness to accomplish tasks and will strive to please their owners, though it may take some time for them to catch on to specific commands or tricks. Training should begin early and continue until they are fully obedient and capable of socializing with people and pets.
The bulky breed is naturally athletic and can prove very capable of agility training along with other sports. If you are looking for a reliable training program, Dog Academy has several affordable options.
Are American Bullys Good Watchdogs?
They are exceptional watchdogs with an intimidating bark and an imposing build. They are deeply devoted to protecting their family and can be trained to be diligent guard dogs. Their natural alertness, bravery, and physical strength make them an obvious stand-out for anyone needing a watchdog.
As a disclaimer, it is essential that if you do train your bully to be a watchdog, it knows the difference between someone who is a threat and your local UPS driver.
Are American Bullys Good Service Dogs?
While they have the strength to be a physical support dog and the disposition to thrive in many service roles, the breed has a lot of critics who may not feel comfortable around the breed. Because of this, those looking for an emotional support dog may have difficulty in public.
Outside of this, the breed can excel in both service and support positions and can even prove useful as a psychiatric service dog. If you have an American bully that fits the description of a good service dog (focused, diligent, patient), they should be considered for the role.
How to Care for an American Bully?
An American bully is a more significant responsibility than most dogs a person will own simply because of their size and natural physical ability. Because of this, owners should set aside a fair amount of daily time to play with their bully and offer attention. A daily walk, exercise, and some quality time will help their personality, as well as their overall health.
Early training and socialization are essential for them to be well-behaved and compliant. Focusing on enforcing good habits and positive reinforcement will help ease the adaptable breed into most situations. They are suitable for apartments, houses, and rural areas as long as they have a secure area to play in.
Do You Need to Groom an American Bully?
They will need to be looked after like any dog, though they are one of the more low-maintenance breeds for grooming. They do not tend to get tangles and knots in their hair like longer-haired breeds, and their coat will stay clean with a monthly bath.
Their ears may seem like an afterthought for germs because of their small size, though they should still be checked after the dog goes in for the day. Look for any dirt, grime, or collections of debris. Similarly, clip their nails once they have grown too long, or you start to hear clicking when the dog walks on harder surfaces.
Do American Bullys Shed?
While they will require infrequent brushing, their coat will never be a point of frustration with owners. They shed minimally, most of which can be contained with a weekly brushing. They are not hypoallergenic, however, and should be avoided by those with severe canine allergies. They are an excellent companion if you want a clean house and fur-free laundry.
What Health Problems Do American Bullys Have?
There is a big problem in American bullies where some less-than-stellar breeders will give steroids to their dogs to enhance their physical characteristics. This can wreak havoc on the dog’s long-term health and can transmit the issues from a mother into a litter of puppies. Because of this, ensure that the breeder you use is trustworthy.
They are typically a very healthy, active breed outside of external factors. They have some medical issues that can happen over time, though a good diet, exercise, and a good pedigree can minimize the risk of health problems down the line.
The most common health problems American bullies suffer from are:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Heart Disease
- Hypothyroidism
- Allergies
- Bloat
- Cataracts
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
How Long Do American Bullys Live?
The average American bully will live between eight and fifteen years. Their longevity depends on the owner’s care, diet, preexisting medical issues, and daily exercise. The smaller classifications of the American bully will usually have a longer lifespan than the larger breeds, typically hitting the higher ends of the average life expectancy.
What Should an American Bully Eat?
They require a nutritious diet of vitamin and protein-rich food that will shift in serving and size depending on the exercise level and size of the individual dog. Pocket-sized American bullies will require much less than the daunting XL breeds that can get over a hundred pounds.
To get a comprehensive diet personalized around an individual dog, consult a veterinarian or an experienced American bully breeder.
Is an American Bully the Right Dog for Me?
The American bully is not a breed that will work for everybody, and some places may restrict a person’s ability to own them. However, they are far from lost causes and make phenomenal companions for owners who can put in the time required to train them properly. First-time owners can excel with them, though they must set aside ample time before adoption.
They will not be fit for those with allergies, people with limited time, or those intimidated by larger animals.
If you are looking for a guard dog, companion, or bulky couch potato, the American bully will make you a delighted owner. They will need constant attention as they grow into adulthood, and socialization is required to ensure they can get along with neighbors and other pets.