Last Updated on August 16, 2023 by Pets Feed
The American Bully is considered the bodybuilder among dog breeds. With a relatively small size, its muscles are striking by their size. Its appearance is frightening, a huge mouth can scare anyone.
American Bully is gentle and loving towards people. This dog is confident in his abilities and is able to protect his family. You cannot call him aggressive; viciousness manifests itself exclusively in dangerous situations.

American Bully photos
Physical characteristics
An ignorant person can easily confuse the American Bully with the American Pit Bull Terrier. Indeed, the breeds are very similar in appearance, there is a kinship between them, but they are completely different in character.
American Bully is an independent species that has its own standard. Average size of mature individuals: weight about 30-50 kg., Height about 32-52 cm.
According to their height, intra-breed American Bully dogs are divided into 4 different types:
- Classic – from 43 to 51 cm.
- XL – from 51 to 57 cm.
- Pocket (pocket) – no more than 43 cm.
- Standard – from 43 to 51 cm. This type is similar to the classic one, but noticeably heavier and more powerful.

Distinctive features
- Head: the head is square in shape and medium length. Visually, it seems massive and heavy, has clear contours. Compared to the body, it always seems proportional. The skull is wide with a well -defined forehead. Dense skin hides muscles in relief. In the cheeks region, the muscles are particularly developed.
- Eyes: medium size, wide cut. Compared to the skull, they are located in depth and relatively low. Can be almond or oval. The iris can be of any color, with the exception of blue and blue, if it is in harmony with the color of the dog.
- Ears: target slightly forward, tied high. Cupping is authorized to create one of the following four forms: Combat (Battle Crop), short (short crop), exhibition (show crop) or long (long crop). Natural ears are not considered a disqualifying defect, so that a large number of owners refuse mooring.
- MUSEAU: Large, square -shaped. Its length is lower than that of the skull, it is not less than ¼ and not greater than ⅓ of the total length of the head. The stop is deep and distinct. The nose has a wide and straight back, “passes” gently in a large lobe with well developed nostrils. Lips well adjusted, possibly sagged at the corners of the mouth.
- Jaws: Strong with a scissor articulated. The lower jaw is stronger and more “intimidating” with respect to the superior. A complete dental formula is required.
- Legs: previous limbs. Strong, muscular, slightly turned towards the forearms. The humerus are elongated, connected to long and large shoulder blades at an angle of 35-45 ° C. The elbows are firmly pressed against the chest, a small space is authorized. The fingers covered with dew should preferably be removed.
- Posterior limbs. Large, strong. Seen from back, right and parallel. The muscle system is well developed, especially in the thighs. Compared to the previous limbs, they seem proportional. The hocks are well arched and attached low. Derogations are only authorized for people in the XL category.
- Body: massive but compact. Has a square shape. The distance from the tourniquet to the elbows and the elbows on the legs is the same. It is not desirable that the second value is slightly lower than the first. The chest is made up of slightly rounded ribs. Due to the long distance between the previous limbs, it seems very wide. The back is strong and short, and can be slightly raised compared to the rump. The kidney is short and wide. The underline is moderately raised.
- Tail: Most often in the shape of a hook, but a straight tail is acceptable.
- Pelage: short, moderately hard, close to the body, no bald plates. The hairs have a brilliant shine that is noticed in any light. There is no sub-point.
- Color
- All color combinations and points forms are allowed. An exception is the color of the marble (Merle).
Character and behavior
The American Bully is very intelligent and is considered an excellent pet dog. Such an animal is sincerely happy each time it manages to please its owner.
Once in a new family, in a new house, the American Bully quickly joins the team, just as friendly, even with tenderness towards all the members of the house. But among all, the master considers only one.
Prolonged loneliness seriously affects both its character and its health. After seeing the owner work, he will patiently wait for his return, but if he is absent and does not come back to the usual time, the dog is stressed.
Despite their friendly character, the American Bully tends to dominate. If the owner is weak, the dog, taking advantage of the moment, will try to take the main place in the house. As a result, he will become mean and uncontrollable. He needs a master with will.
With children
The representatives of the race get along well with the children. They are able to endure children’s singeries for a long time. They play outdoor games for hours. For a child, he is a great friend and at the same time a goalkeeper. But it is strongly not recommended to leave the children alone with the American Bully. The dog is strong, it can therefore harm inadvertently.
With other animals
Well socialized dogs get along well with other pets. An exception may be the males that are involved in a fight for any reason – from the territorial to the sexual. Cats, decorative rodents and birds are not the best company for these dogs. If possible, limit the contact of the American Bully with these pets.
Health
The owner of the bully should know what diseases the indicated breed is predisposed to:
- Cataract is an eye disease that, if left untreated, leads to significant visual impairment.
- Joint dysplasia – characterized by severe pain at the initial stage, at the last stage, the pain becomes intolerable, the dog partially or even completely loses its ability to move.
- Demodectic mange is one of the most common parasitic diseases. The causative agent is the Demodex canis mite
- Optic atrophy is an inherited disorder characterized by multiple retinal disorders that lead to blindness.
- Diseases of the cardiovascular system.
- Dental problems.
Life expectancy
The average lifespan of the American Bully is 9-12 years.
Care
Taking care of an American Bully is not very different to take care of another short -haired breed.
- Just comb the coat every week.
- The eyes are cleaned daily.
- The ears are cleaned 2 to 3 times a week.
- Cut the claws 3 times a month.
- Bathe the animal once a month
Fun facts
- The American Bully is a fearless, powerful fighter, but only on condition that he is provoked to aggression.
- Bully is on the list of the most daring dogs in the world.
- American Bully has a very high pain tolerance.
History of the breed
The homeland of the American Bully is the United States of America. The appearance of the breed dates back to the nineties of the twentieth century. The main purpose is an exemplary family companion.
The American Bully originated from the crossing of American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers.
The breeders have set themselves a seemingly impossible task. They had to create a friendly, non-aggressive, companionable breed from the genes of two fighting, pickling, aggressive dogs.
At the same time, the terrifying appearance, overdeveloped muscles, power, huge mouth should have remained the same as in the original breeds.
The beginning of the formation of the bully is recorded in California and Virginia. It was from these states that the new species of dogs spread throughout America, and then to the countries of Europe and Asia.
Over time, genes of other breeds were also involved in breeding work: French Bulldog, American Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Old English Bulldog, English Bulldog.
These strong dogs were used to make the bully more physically bulky.
The breed was officially recognized in America in 2004. Internationally, American Bully remains unrecognized as an independent species to this day.