American Bully

If the American Pit Bull Terrier is the lean athlete, the American Bully is the heavyweight bodybuilder. With their massive heads, wide chests, and thick bone structure, they look like they could tow a truck.

But looks are deceiving. The American Bully was created specifically to be a companion. Breeders took the Pit Bull’s loyalty and removed the high prey drive and dog aggression, mixing in Bulldog breeds to create a mellower, thicker dog.

The result is a large, stable-tempered dog with high tolerance for children and a strong preference for close contact with its family.

History and Origin: A Modern Creation

The American Bully is a young breed, developed in the 1990s in the United States. Breeders wanted to create the ultimate family dog that retained the “tough” look of the Pit Bull but with the laid-back personality of the English Bulldog.

They crossed American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers with various bulldog breeds (American Bulldog, English Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge).

The breed gained rapid recognition, with the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) founded in 2004. In 2013, the UKC recognized the breed. It has since become one of the fastest-growing breeds globally, celebrated for its unique look and family-friendly nature.

Physical Characteristics

The Bully comes in four distinct sizes (varieties), but they all share the same “Bully” type: blocky head, heavy bone, and muscular body.

The 4 Classes

1. Pocket: Males under 17 inches. Small but heavy.
2. Standard: Males 17-20 inches. The most proportionate size.
3. Classic: Same height as Standard but lighter frame (more terrier-like).
4. XL: Males over 20 inches. Massive, powerful dogs that can weigh 120+ pounds.

The Look

• Head: Broad and blocky with pronounced cheek muscles.
• Body: Ribs well-sprung (barrel-chested) and very wide.
• Coat: Short, smooth, and glossy.
• Color: Any color is allowed except merle. Blue (grey) is particularly popular.

Temperament: The Gentle Bodybuilder

The American Bully is defined by its stability.

Zero Aggression

The breed standard explicitly states that aggressive behavior toward humans is uncharacteristic. A well-bred Bully is confident, not fearful. They rarely bark and generally let strangers approach without issue (though their appearance is usually enough to deter anyone).

Low Prey Drive

Unlike the APBT, the Bully generally has a low prey drive. They are less likely to chase cats or squirrels. They are “hangout” dogs, not hunting dogs.

Good with Kids

They are exceptionally tolerant of children. They are sturdy enough to handle rough play and patient enough to endure ear-tugging (though this should never be allowed).

American Bully vs. English Bulldog

They share DNA but are very different.

• American Bully: More athletic, less breathing trouble (if bred well), taller, and more trainable.
• English Bulldog: Lazier, more stubborn, prone to severe health issues, and often has a much shorter lifespan.

Energy Level and Exercise

American Bullies are moderate-to-low energy.

• Daily Exercise: A leisurely 30-45 minute walk is usually enough. They are not marathon runners. The Bulldog influence means they can overheat easily and don’t have endless stamina.
• Play: They love short bursts of tug-of-war or fetch, but they will happily nap for the rest of the day.
• Heat Sensitivity: Be careful in hot weather. Their heavy muscle mass and shorter muzzles make it hard for them to cool down.

Training: Gentle Leadership

Bullies are sensitive dogs.

1. Socialization: Even though they are naturally friendly, their scary looks mean they must be well-behaved ambassadors. Socialize them with everyone to prevent fear-based reactivity.
2. Positive Reinforcement: They love food. Training with treats is easy. Harsh words will just make them sad.
3. Leash Manners: An XL Bully can pull a grown man off his feet. Teach loose-leash walking early.

Health and Lifespan

American Bullies generally live 10 to 13 years. However, the focus on extreme physical traits can lead to issues.

• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: The heavy weight on their joints causes problems. Always keep your Bully at a lean weight; obesity is a joint-killer.
• Heart Issues: Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis.
• Skin Issues: Allergies, hot spots, and eczema are common.
• Cherry Eye: Prolapse of the third eyelid gland.
• Breathing Issues: Some “extreme” Bullies with very short muzzles suffer from Brachycephalic syndrome. Stick to breeders who prioritize breathing ability.

Famous Bullies

• Hulk: A viral sensation, this “world’s biggest Pit Bull” (technically an XL American Bully cross) weighed over 175 pounds and became an internet celebrity for his massive size and gentle nature with his owner’s children.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the American Bully the same as a Pit Bull? No. While the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a foundational breed used to create the American Bully, they are now distinctly separate breeds with different physical structures and, most importantly, different temperaments. The APBT is typically a high-energy, prey-driven working terrier, whereas the American Bully was intentionally bred to remove those terrier drives, prioritizing a much lower energy level and a strictly companion-oriented temperament.

Are American Bullies banned in certain places? Unfortunately, yes. Because they closely resemble APBTs and share some ancestry, American Bullies are frequently caught up in Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). Many countries, states, cities, and apartment complexes that ban “Pit Bull type dogs” will often interpret their definitions to explicitly include the American Bully. Always double-check your local laws and housing agreements before bringing one home.

Why do so many American Bullies have cropped ears? Ear cropping in the American Bully is a cosmetic procedure that is traditionally done to enhance the breed’s “tough” or alert appearance, closely mimicking historical bulldog and terrier styles. However, this is entirely an aesthetic choice. It is rarely medically necessary, and a growing number of owners and breeders are choosing to leave the ears natural (floppy), as the procedure is highly controversial and currently illegal in several countries.

Is an American Bully Right for You?

Yes, if:

• You love the “bully” look but want a calm, lazy temperament.
• You have a family and want a sturdy, tolerant dog.
• You want a dog that doesn’t require hours of running every day.
• You want a loyal companion who wants to be with you 24/7.

No, if:

• You want a running partner (they can’t handle long distances/heat).
• You want a fierce guard dog (they are too friendly).
• You cannot handle a strong dog (even though gentle, they are physically powerful pullers).
• You are not prepared to deal with breed discrimination (they are often mistaken for Pit Bulls).

The American Bully was developed to combine a compact, muscular build with a stable family companion temperament, offering a distinct alternative to the working terrier lines from which it partially descends.