American Bully-Bullies

The American Bully is a recently developed breed, created as a companion dog and show version of the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Mastiffs, Bull Mastiffs, Dogue de Bordeaux, Neapolitan Mastiffs, American Bandogge Mastiffs, English Bulldogs, and American Bulldogs. First appearing in the 2000s, the American Bully has rapidly gained popularity, outpacing many other rare breeds both in the United States and internationally.

Known for its tough, intimidating appearance, the American Bully also possesses a friendly yet protective nature. While the breed is not yet recognized by major canine organizations, a few smaller registries have acknowledged them, and there are several breed-specific clubs dedicated to the American Bully. The American Bully is typically classified under the general category of Bully Breeds, referring to the broader group of breeds rather than a specific one.

Razor Edge, Gottiline, Red Lion, RockLines, GrayLines, KingPinlines, Camelot, Castillo, Chevy, Gaff, Watchdogs, Dangerzonelines, Rynoline, RedRacelines, Shockerlines, SharkLine, Gargoyle, Poole, XL, XXL, XXXL, BlueLines, Red Rum, Redlined, Monster G Line, Remyline, Marcuslines, and many others are not American Pit Bull Terriers (APBTs) or Pit Bulls. This is a fact.

Country of Origin:United States

Size: Large 35-55 lb. X-Large 55-90 lb. XX-Large 90-120 lb+

LifeSpan: 10 to 12 Years

Trainability: Moderate Effort Required

Energy Level: Varies From One Dog To The Next

Grooming: Brushing Once a Week or Less

Protective Ability: Varies From One Dog To The Next

Hypoallergenic Breed: No

Space Requirements: House with Yard

Compatibility With Other Pets: May be okay with other pets if raised together. May have issues with other dogs. Not recommended for homes with existing dogs or small animals.

Litter Size: 4-10 puppies
HEIGHT/WEIGHT
Males: (Standard)-Weight Based On Build, 17-19 inches

Females: (Standard)-Same, 16-18 inches
Males: (Classic)-Weight Based On Build, 30-55lbs 18-19 inches

Females: (Classic)-Same, 30-55lbs 17-18 inches
Males: (Pocket)-Weight Based On Build, less than 17 inches

Females: (Pocket)-Same, less than 16 inches
Males: (Extra Large)-Weight Based On Build, over 20 inches

Females: (Extra Large)-Same, over 19 inches
HISTORY:

Until the 1990s, the American Bully did not exist. However, its ancestors had been well-known in the United States for nearly two hundred years. For centuries, blood sports were immensely popular in England. Two of the most prominent were bull-baiting, where an Old English Bulldog was pitted against a chained bull, and rat-killing, where a Terrier-type dog would be placed in a pit with numerous rats until either all the rats were killed or a set amount of time had passed.

By 1835, social attitudes had changed, and bull-baiting was made illegal. However, dog fighting was not banned and became highly popular. The dogs used in dog fighting were crosses between Old English Bulldogs and Rat Killing Terriers, known as the Bull and Terrier mix. Over time, Bull and Terriers bred true, resulting in two distinct breeds: the Staffordshire Bull Terrier and the Bull Terrier.

Staffordshire Bull Terriers were imported into the United States in the early 1800s, quickly gaining popularity across the country. In America, these dogs came to be known as American Pit Bull Terriers, named after the fighting pits where they battled.

American Pit Bull Terriers were not only used for dog fighting in the United States; they also served as hog hunting dogs, vermin eradicator, and catch-dogs. After a day of work or fighting, they would return home to be beloved family pets. As a result, the breed developed a unique set of physical and temperament traits. They were highly driven, eager to please, extremely pain-tolerant, determined, and dog-aggressive, often willing to fight to the death. At the same time, American Pit Bull Terriers were intensely loyal, affectionate, playful, and extremely human-friendly, especially with children.

By the end of the 1800s, the breed was among the most popular in the country, with thousands of registered dogs and many more unregistered. In the 1930s, the American Kennel Club (AKC) began registering them as American Staffordshire Terriers, leading some to consider them separate breeds, although different breeding practices make this distinction controversial.

Unfortunately, the breed continued to be bred for fighting, hunting, and other work. In the 1980s, the American Pit Bull Terrier became associated with the “tough guy” image, which led to irresponsible breeding and training, as well as an explosion in popularity. Some high-profile attacks fueled a negative reputation, leading to legal restrictions and breed bans in various places.

This history provides context for the development of the American Bully, which shares many traits with its ancestors, but to learn more about the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, please refer to the article on The Bully Breeds.

In the 1990s, breeders across the United States began working to develop a breed of dog specifically for companionship and showing, using the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier as their foundation. This effort arose from several issues with the Pit Bull breed. Their high work drive often led to behaviors such as excessive energy and curiosity, which can create problems as pets. Additionally, extreme dog aggression in some lines made them unsuitable for multi-dog households, though most Pit Bulls were not aggressive toward humans. A few irresponsible breeders had also led to concerns about human aggression in some lines.

It’s unclear whether the goal was to create an entirely new breed or simply adjust the temperament of existing dogs, but the result was the American Bully. Unlike many new breeds, the development of the American Bully wasn’t led by a single breeder or breeding program. Instead, dozens, if not hundreds, of breeders worked independently, often without much contact with one another. Early breeding efforts primarily took place in Virginia and Southern California, but the movement quickly spread across the country.

While it’s unclear when the breed was officially recognized or when the name “American Bully” first appeared, by the early 21st century, it was well-known among bully breed enthusiasts and has gained significant popularity in recent years.

The development of the American Bully involved primarily American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, with many breeders using these breeds exclusively. However, it is widely accepted (though not openly acknowledged) that other breeds were likely involved in its creation. The Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the English equivalent of the American Bully breeds, was almost certainly used, particularly to create smaller versions of the American Bully.

The English Bulldog was likely also used, with some speculating that it played a significant role in shaping the breed. This would have contributed a calmer temperament, less aggression, and a stockier, muscular build with a larger head. American Bulldogs are also believed to have contributed to the American Bully’s development, along with other potential breeds such as the Bullmastiff, Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, and various mixed breeds.

These additional breeds likely helped to refine the American Bully’s appearance and temperament, leading to the distinct characteristics that define the breed today.

The American Bully’s appearance varies widely due to the numerous breeders working on its development, often without a clear standard or goal. It can be much smaller or significantly larger than the American Pit Bull Terrier, and the breed exhibits a vast array of coat colors and patterns. The body shape, type, and proportions are more variable compared to other purebred dogs, but they are generally thick, stocky, and muscular. While the head shape is more uniform, there is still some variability.

Although similar in many ways to the breeds from which it descends, the American Bully has a distinctive appearance that sets it apart. A casual observer may mistake it for an American Pit Bull Terrier, but experienced fanciers would easily identify the differences.

The American Bully has several registries created specifically for it, including the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC), United Bully Kennel Club (UBKC), Bully Breed Kennel Club (BBKC), and the United Canine Association (UCA). Due to the global appeal of American culture, especially through hip hop and urban culture where Pit Bulls play a major role, the American Bully has gained popularity internationally. It is now recognized in many European countries, and the European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC) was founded to promote and protect the breed across Europe, with offices in countries like Malta, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy.

The American Pit Bull Terrier and several other breeds have faced increasing legal restrictions in recent years. Many regions in the U.S. have placed heavy restrictions on ownership, and some have even enacted complete bans on these breeds, with similar actions being taken in countries across Europe, Asia, and Oceania. These bans, known as Breed Specific Laws (BSL), are highly controversial and have generally been ineffective in reducing dog bite incidents. Additionally, there is significant confusion over which breeds are banned under the term “Pit Bull.” In the U.S., Pit Bull bans typically include American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and any dogs that meet their physical standards. In Europe, American Pit Bull Terriers are often banned, but Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers may not be. This has led to confusion, as these breeds are so similar that they are often mistaken for one another, and many dogs are registered as both American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. It’s unclear whether American Bullies would be subject to these bans, and legal advice may be needed, as some American Bullies do not closely match the standards of banned breeds.

The development of the American Bully has elicited mixed reactions within the broader bully breed community. Many American Pit Bull Terrier breeders view the American Bully as inferior due to its appearance and lack of working ability. While the American Staffordshire community shares some of these views, they tend to be less vocal about it. Despite this, many fanciers of bully breeds do not object to the American Bully being recognized as a distinct breed. However, they often take issue with it being classified under the broader “Pit Bull” category, as the American Bully doesn’t closely resemble the working dogs of other bully breeds and lacks their drive and ability. The primary concern among American Pit Bull Terrier breeders is that some inexperienced or careless breeders have crossbred American Bullies with American Pit Bull Terriers and misrepresented the offspring as pure-bred American Pit Bull Terriers. This practice has led to concerns that the integrity of the older breed is being compromised. If these practices were eliminated, the American Bully might be more widely accepted, just as other new bully breeds have been. However, the situation is complicated, with some breeders derogatorily referring to any bully-type dog that does not match their standards or is believed to be a mix as an American Bully. This has led to confusion about which dogs truly belong to the breed.

The American Bully is still a relatively new breed and has not yet received widespread recognition. However, it has already established a surprisingly large presence in the United States. The breed has a substantial registered population, but the number of unregistered American Bullies is likely significantly higher. While no official population studies have been conducted, it’s reasonable to assume that the American Bully’s numbers already exceed those of many breeds that have achieved full recognition by major organizations like the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club (AKC). Additionally, the breed’s popularity is growing rapidly overseas, particularly in Europe.

Originally bred as a companion animal and show dog, the American Bully’s future seems most likely to be in these roles. However, the breed still retains the ability to perform a variety of tasks. American Bullies have been used in personal and property protection, law enforcement, therapy, obedience training, agility, and dog sports, showing the versatility that some of the breed’s original Pit Bull ancestry provided.

APPEARANCE:

The American Bully shares a similar appearance to its ancestors, the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, but is usually bulkier, with a squarer head, shorter muzzle, and more muscular build. The breed is known for its striking variation in size, with some registries recognizing four distinct varieties: Standard, Classic, Pocket, and Extra Large.

• Standard American Bully: Males stand between 17 and 19 inches at the shoulder, while females range from 16 to 18 inches.
• Classic American Bully: Males stand between 18 and 19 inches, with females between 17 and 18 inches.
• Pocket American Bully: Males stand under 17 inches, and females are under 16 inches.
• Extra Large American Bully: Males stand over 20 inches, and females are over 19 inches.

The weight of the American Bully varies greatly, depending on its size, ranging from 30 to 150 pounds. Despite their size, they are incredibly muscular, often weighing more than twice what an average dog of similar height would. This breed is known for its impressive musculature, resembling a professional bodybuilder’s physique, and is likely the most muscular dog breed.

In terms of structure, American Bullies typically have short legs and are often longer than tall. Their tail is long, thin, and curves slightly outward, though some may have it docked. The head and face of the American Bully resemble a blend between the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier, characterized by a wide, square, and flattened skull. The muzzle is short and wide, but not brachycephalic, and usually ends abruptly, either square or rounded. The head and muzzle meet sharply, and the breed has a scissors bite, with lips that are close-fitting but not excessively tight.

While not particularly wrinkly, many American Bullies have noticeable wrinkles, especially among larger individuals. Their ears naturally fold down against the sides of the head, though many owners opt to have them pricked into an erect triangle shape. The eyes are medium to small, set deeply, and are round or slightly oval, often giving the dog an intense, protective expression.

The American Bully has a short, tight-fitting coat that feels stiff to the touch and shines noticeably. This breed is found in virtually every color and pattern seen in domestic dogs, exhibiting a vast range of coat variations. No one color or pattern predominates, adding to the breed’s diversity. Some registries may exclude merle-coated dogs, but this is not universally applied, and merle American Bullies are otherwise identical to others in the breed. The coat’s texture and sheen further highlight the breed’s robust and muscular appearance.

TEMPERAMENT:

The American Bully is known for its affectionate and human-oriented temperament, making it an ideal companion dog. Despite its tough exterior, the breed is extremely loving with its family, often seeking affection and enjoying time on laps. They are not one-person dogs, instead forming close bonds with all family members, and are especially known for their excellent relationships with children. Their high pain tolerance allows them to tolerate rough play, and they are very bite-inhibited, rarely showing aggression.

While American Bullies are typically polite and accepting of strangers, human aggression is highly undesirable in the breed. With proper training, most are friendly and eager to meet new people. Though naturally protective, their protective nature is more similar to that of a Bulldog or Mastiff than to more aggressive breeds like Rottweilers. The breed makes a good watchdog, though it is more likely to intimidate than act aggressively. When protecting loved ones, however, American Bullies will act fearlessly.

In terms of interactions with other animals, the American Bully tends to be more tolerant of other dogs compared to its ancestors, but issues with dog aggression can still occur, particularly with unneutered males. Training and socialization can reduce, but not entirely eliminate, these issues. The breed is generally tolerant of non-canine animals if properly socialized. However, unexposed dogs may display prey-driven behavior.

American Bullies are intelligent and eager to please, making them capable of learning a wide variety of commands and tasks. They excel in dog sports and can be very versatile. However, they require an owner who can maintain authority, as they can be stubborn and will not blindly obey commands. This breed responds well to positive reinforcement, particularly treats, and is not best suited for novice dog owners due to its occasional stubbornness.

In contrast to their more energetic relatives, American Bullies have a more relaxed disposition and do not require constant activity. However, they still need about 45 minutes to an hour of exercise each day to maintain good behavior. Without sufficient exercise, they may develop undesirable behaviors such as destructiveness or hyperactivity. Once exercised, they tend to remain calm indoors and are easygoing, making them suitable for most families.

GROOMING REQUIREMENTS:

American Bullies have relatively low grooming needs, requiring only regular brushing to keep their short coat healthy and shiny. The brushing process is quick and easy, usually taking just a few minutes. Aside from brushing, routine maintenance tasks like nail clipping and ear cleaning are necessary.

While this breed does shed, the amount of shedding can vary greatly between dogs. Some American Bullies shed lightly and infrequently, while others may shed heavily and consistently. Regular checks for injuries are essential, as American Bullies are highly pain-tolerant and may not show signs of injury even if it is severe or potentially life-threatening.

HEALTH ISSUES:

Because the American Bully is a relatively new breed and is maintained by numerous registries and clubs, no comprehensive health studies have been conducted on the breed so far. There is significant debate about the breed’s health. While the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier are generally in good health, the English Bulldog is widely considered the unhealthiest of all dog breeds. Currently, many believe that the American Bully is virtually indistinguishable from the American Pit Bull Terrier, though the accuracy of this belief remains unclear. In general, smaller American Bullies tend to live several years longer than much larger ones, but the breed’s overall life expectancy is probably between 9 and 13 years.

One of the biggest health concerns found in American Pit Bull Terriers—and almost certainly in the American Bully as well—is demodicosis. Also known as Demodex mange or Demodectic mange, this condition is caused by a species of mite that is present on the skin of almost all dogs. The mite transfers from the mother dog to her puppies while nursing. While these mites cause no problems for most dogs, they trigger an autoimmune reaction in others, leading to the hair loss commonly known as mange. Demodicosis can affect a small patch of skin or the entire dog, depending on its severity. There are various treatment options available, although some cases require no treatment at all.

Due to the potential for skeletal and visual issues in this breed (hip dysplasia is quite common), it is highly recommended that owners have their pets tested by both the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF). These organizations conduct genetic and other tests to identify potential health defects before they manifest. This is particularly valuable in detecting conditions that may not appear until the dog reaches an advanced age, making it especially important for anyone considering breeding their dog to have them tested in order to prevent the spread of potential genetic conditions to their offspring.

A full list of health problems to which the American Bully may be susceptible would include:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Elbow Dysplasia
• Demodicosis/Demodex Mange/Demodectic Mange
• Cataracts
• Cerebellar Abiotrophy
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy
• Atophy
• Cleft Lip/Palette
• Hypothyroidism
• Ichthyosis
• Luxating Patella
• Zinc Responsive Dermatosis
• Congenital Heart Failure
• Brachycephalic Syndrome
• Gassiness
• Heat Intolerance