American Bully: Muscular Features, Breeds, & Controversies

Dogs are a man’s best friend, and there are many reasons to back this. Every little thing they do is purely joyous to dog parents. These cute little fur babies provide endless happiness and foolish yet adorable entertainment, and their loyalty surpasses all.

Every dog breed has unique characteristics that set them apart and make you want to bring them home. A breed that became extremely popular and loved in the US is the American Bully. These thick babies are playful, loyal, and the finest companion you can have.

Getting a dog home, regardless of the breed, comes with responsibilities. If you plan on getting yourself an American Bully, we have covered everything you need to know to become a better dog parent.

American Bully: Characteristics that Set Them Apart

Owning a dog means you have to deal with numerous of their tantrums and shower them with all the love you have at all times. We truly believe that you are ready to become an amazing dog parent, but knowing the characteristics of an American Bully will make the journey smoother for you, so let’s start.

1. Origin

American bully is a relatively new breed in the dog world and gained much popularity between 1980 and 1990 in the US. A truly amazing mixed breed, the American bully is the finest example of wonders created by mixing breeds. According to studies, they are offsprings of American Staffordshire Terriers, American Pitbull Terriers, and others. To your advantage, American Bully was recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club in the 1980s.

2. Appearance

It’s time to melt your heart by talking about their adorable appearance. Their large head and puppy eyes set them apart and make them truly gorgeous. With a close resemblance to their parents- Pitbulls, pit bulls have loose skin around the mouth.

Additional Info– American bullies with pockets are a subbreed and are worth exploring if you wish to adopt a rare breed.

3. Coat

American Bullies have thin and single-layer coats. The smooth and shiny appearance is because of their gorgeous coat. Depending on the subbreed you go for, there can be minor differences in the shine and layer.

4. Color

A characteristic that sets them apart is the color of an American Bully. You can easily find them in a mixture of two colors, including black, white, brown, grey, tan, fawn, and red. If you are looking for an exotic color, you can find yourself a puppy with three colors, and you would never get enough of their beauty.

5. Powerhouse of Muscles

Be prepared for those little paws to become a powerhouse of muscles soon. They have broad backs and shoulders that make them walk boldly and confidently. It is the torso and limb that holds all the power, making them strong and muscular.

American Bully: Pros and Cons of Adoption

Little paws that you are planning to bring home will come with an abundance of love and loyalty for you. However, it is wise to evaluate all the pros and cons of owning an American Bully as you would want them to adapt smoothly to the living environment. Let’s take a look at all the pros and cons.

Pros

Family Dogs: While deciding to adopt a new puppy, the first question that probably has popped into your head is- Are American Bullies family-friendly dogs? Well, the answer is yes. They are extremely friendly and calm dogs who adapt easily to nuclear and large families. The best part is that they are amazing with kids.
Easy to Train: Studies show that American Bullies are intelligent compared to other dog breeds, which makes it easy for you to train them. They naturally tend to grasp and learn quickly, so you do not have to worry about rigorous training sessions.
Grooming: If you are looking for a puppy that does not require frequent grooming, then an American Bully is your dog. Since they have a single-layer coat with thin skin, you do not need to groom them weekly. In addition, they do not shed, and with simple brushing/combing, your puppy will look groomed at all times.
Loyalty: As strong and muscular as the breed is, you would be surprised to know they have an extreme knack for pleasing their owners. Their loyalty surely makes them stand out. If you want a dog that is both loyal and strong, then they serves you the best.

Cons

Exercise: American Bullies are built differently and naturally tend to be physically active- more work for you. Bringing a puppy home will require spending at least 60 to 90 minutes for exercises and physical activity. Their active energy needs to be channeled properly to avoid destructive behavior.
Body Fat: Another aspect that many consider a con is that American Bullies tend to put on a lot of unhealthy weight easily. As a dog parent, you must ensure a balanced diet with proper exercise to avoid health problems.
Expensive: If spending a big bag concerns you, getting an American Bully might not be a good decision. Apart from the initial cost, you must spare money on monthly expenses, including diet and supplies.

American Bully: Lifespan, Height, and Weight

Just like other dogs, American Dogs have a life expectancy of 10-13 years on average. Interestingly, American Bullies fully grown by the age of 1 year. This does not mean they stop growing after the age of 1 year, but major growth happens between 6 months to 1 year.

If you have been reading about the breed, you probably have come across three broad categories- Pocket, Standard, and Giant.

Breed	Height	Weight
Pocket	14 to 17 inches- Male 13 to 16 inches- Female	50-60 Pounds
Standard	17 to 20 inches- Male 16 to 19 inches- Female	50-70 Pounds
Giant	20 to 23 inches- Male 19 to 22 inches- Female	70 to 130 Pounds

Note: This chart is for a fully grown American Bully dog.

Different Breeds of American Bully with Images

1. Pocket

Standard and American Bully Pocket are similar, with the major difference being their height. A male pocket bully has a height of 14 to 17 inches, and females have 13 to 16 inches.

2. Standard

An American Bully breed standard is the easiest breed to find; you can identify them by height. For a male standard bully, the average height is 17 to 20 inches, and for females, it is 16 to 19 inches.

3. Giant

Giant or XL American Bullies are magnificent, with males 20 to 23 inches in height and 19 to 22 inches in females.

Additional Info: American Bullies come in different sizes and breeds, making it difficult to track their weight. On average, a three-month-old puppy would weigh 20-35 Pounds; by six months, their weight reaches around 50-70 pounds, and by the time they are fully grown, the weight would be 55-75 pounds.

Personality of The American Bully

Understanding the personality and knacks of a dog you plan to bring home is crucial as you would be parenting them like a kid the whole day. Look at these amazing personality traits of an American Bully that would make you want them even more

1. Temperament

Despite having a strong and muscular build, they do not tend to be aggressive. They are considered a happy, calm, and outgoing dog breed. You would be pleased to see their obedient nature and loving nature.

However, this does not mean that you do not have to train them to exhibit calmness at all times.

2. Social

Considered the friendliest bully dog, they are perfect for your family. American Bullies are social, and they love spending time with their family and kids. They tend to act better when accompanied by people at all times.

3. Loyal and Affectionate

American bullies are anything but “bullies” as they are extremely loyal and affectionate towards their families. In fact, dog breed owners often tell stories suggesting nothing matters to their pets more than making the family happy.

4. Adaptable

Another amazing personality trait is their nature to thrive in any living environment. They do not require special treatment and can easily stay in small houses and apartment rooms. All you have to do is give them a proper diet and suggested exercises.

Additional Tip- American Bullies have a natural tendency to prey, making them unsafe for a house where other pets exist. If you still wish to bring them home, then make sure to mingle them at an early age.

5. Courageous

It is time to appreciate their courageous nature. With strong built and powerful muscles, they have a naturally courageous nature. This also makes them an amazing choice for people who are looking for guarding dogs.

Health Concerns of the American Bully

On average, American Bullies are healthy dogs, making this another positive aspect of them. However, this does not mean they are immune to common dog health issues. Here are all the major health issues that you will have to look out for.

Cherry Eye- Cherry Eye is an extremely common issue with American Bullies. Cherry Eye is a condition where the gland under the third eyelid protrudes. This eventually appears swollen/cherry-like on the corner of their eyes. However, there is a simple surgery for removing the gland that can treat the issue.
Hip Dysplasia- Since your American bully baby will be active and jumpy, the chances of them facing an injury in the backbone increase. In this condition, the thighbone can’t fit into the hip joint. This makes it difficult for your dog to walk or sit properly. Usually, the vet suggests a support belt or scale to help the bone readjust.
Elbow Dysplasia- Now that you know that American Bully is a mixed breed, it becomes evident that they would have increased chances of getting Elbow Dysplasia. There isn’t a particular reason for Elbow Dysplasia, but the condition usually occurs due to slow growth rates.

Tips for Taking Care of Your American Bully

A dog parent is often seen struggling with taking care of their pets. This comes as a result of unwanted tips and techniques that make the job complicated. You can focus on these simple tips to support your dog’s healthy growth-

Diet- Depending on the size and weight of your bully dog, you should make appropriate changes in the diet. While there isn’t a set rule for all breeds, on average, you should feed around 30 calories/pound of your dog’s weight.
Exercise- Your dog needs to exercise and exhale all the energy that is in their body naturally. You can learn everyday exercises online or get suggestions from a vet.
Vet Visits- Your furry friend may appear healthy and fine, but many times, there can be an underlying health issue growing gradually. Therefore, monthly vet visits are always recommended.
Grooming- Contrary to popular belief, grooming is not about making your fur baby look clean. Grooming ensures to keep numerous diseases at bay, especially skin diseases.

Controversies and Myths Surrounding an American Bully

Every dog breed has their stories, controversies, and myths. It is important to understand the thin line of difference between facts and myths. Let’s take a look at common controversies around these little fur babies-

Dangerous- There is a common belief that American Bullies are inherently dangerous and aggressive. In fact, this has also led to many countries making it illegal to domesticate the breed, including Turkey and UAE.
Pitbulls– A rather misconception about American Bullies is that they are pit bulls. This is 100% false, as pit bulls used to be their parents back then. American Bullies have been recognized as a separate breed by AKC.
Inactive– You might have heard that due to their stocky build, American Bullies become inactive and can’t run. This is a myth, as they are extremely active and energetic.
Locked Jaws– It is often believed that American Bullies can lock their jaws and have the strongest bites. While the latter part may be true, there is no truth in the former. No dog breed can lock their jaws. The strength comes from their overall body build.

Different Prices of Getting an American Bully Dog Breed

Considering every aspect of getting a dog is wise if you want to avoid future chaos.

Let’s help you understand the overall price of getting an American Bully breed.

Standard American Bully: $1000- $2,500
Pocket American Bully: $1000- $2,000
Giant American Bully: $2,500- $3,500

Note- Remember that there are price differences because of different factors such as breed, parents, breeder, and so on.

In addition to this initial cost of getting an American Bully, you must also keep in mind that there are monthly expenses as well. On average, it would cost you around $500 and above on supplies, vet visits, and grooming.

Summing Up

An American Bully is a loving, active, and loyal dog breed waiting for you to give them a new family. Reading all these interesting characteristics and personality traits might have made you fall in love with the dog breed. They come as a perfect package of strength and calmness, making them the right choice for family homes. As opposed to common belief, they are not aggressive naturally, and their temperament depends more on the owner than the breed itself.

If you are planning to get yourself an American Bully, make sure to cross the breeder and medical reports to avoid any issues in the future. In addition, with recent changes in law, you should first check if your country allows petting the breed.

We wish you good luck in your journey as a dog parent.

Frequently Asked Question

Is American Bully Safe?

Yes, American Bully is a safe dog breed and is often seen as a pet in many family homes. However, due to improper training, there have been cases of aggressive attacks in many countries, leading to a ban on the dog breed.

Is American Bully Strong?

Yes, American Bullies are naturally strong and muscular. Their build makes them strong, and with the right diet, they can grow powerful limb and torso muscles. Given the right training, they exhibit a perfect blend of strength and softness.

Is American Bully Banned?

American Bully is banned in many countries, including Turkey and UAE. You can check recent updates in your country’s law before planning to bring them home.