American Bully

The muscular and confident American Bully is known and loved for their loyalty and gentle temperament. Train it to remain calm, and you’ll gain a BFF.

  • basic-info

    Country of Origin

    United States of America

  • basic-info

    Breed Group

    Companion

  • basic-info

    Height

    Male 17-20 In

    Female 16-19 In

  • basic-info

    Weight

    Male 100-150 Ib

    Female 100-150 Ib

  • basic-info

    Life Span

    8-15 years

icon

Get our FREE guide to dog health
and happiness

In a Nutshell

The American Bully is a strong, athletic dog on the outside and a true softy on the inside. Though the breed may seem intimidating, they’re actually incredibly affectionate and loving around their human family. However, they’re also definitely protective and require proper training to bring out their best qualities and eliminate any aggressiveness.

Life With a American Bully

Low (1) High (5)
icon

Energy level

4

icon

Trainability Level

4

icon

Amount of Shedding

2

icon

Tendency of Barking

3

icon

Exercise Needs

4

icon

Kid Friendly

3

icon

Pet Friendly

2

Looks & Personality

looks-personality

This breed includes dogs of various sizes: Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. They all share several physical qualities and personality traits. The American Bully’s strength is visible with their broad, muscular build. They typically have a short, smooth coat in various colors, such as blue-gray, brown, and white. Their head is relatively large and blocky, and their expressive, kind eyes tell us of the cuddly personality behind the somewhat intimidating appearance.

 

Speaking of their nature, the American Bully is surprisingly gentle and affectionate. Known for their loyalty and sometimes overprotectiveness, the breed forms strong bonds with their family but requires socialization training. Training makes all the difference when it comes to these dogs. They require early, consistent discipline to grow into well-behaved dogs. Unfortunately, some owners raise their American Bully XL dogs to become aggressive, leading to tragic incidents. Only responsible owners should raise these dogs.

Common Health Problems

anatomy-lesson-class-img
anatomy-lesson-img

American Bullies are known for their sturdy build and but are generally predisposed to a variety of diseases. The breed suffers from a few common health problems, mainly related to the joints and the heart.

Did you know?

Enrolling in Animalia Pet Insurance
while your pet is healthy is a wise decision.

Waiting until a disease develops means it won't be covered.

icon

A tip from a vet

Regular check-ups can help manage hip and joint health issues stemming from these dogs’ muscular build. For the same reason, owners are advised to monitor their weight and offer adequate physical activity opportunities. American Bully dogs of all ages often require supplements to protect their joints due to their conformation.
icon

A tip from a trainer

We’ll say it again: Early socialization and discipline are incredibly crucial for this breed. They are vital to raising a well-behaved American Bully. This breed responds well to positive reinforcement and consistent training. They can be strong-willed, so set clear boundaries from a young age.

Did You Know

    did-you-know-25

    Actor Tom Hardy has spoken about his love for XL Bullies, defending the breed and describing them as loving and loyal.

    did-you-know-2

    At a whopping 150 pounds as a puppy (!), a dog named King Leonidus Junior is considered the World’s largest American Bully.

    did-you-know-10

    Though they’re often confused for them, the American Bully is actually a completely different and distinct breed than the Pit Bull. American Bullies are generally more muscular breeds, larger, and thicker than Pitbulls, among other differences.

In The News

banner

The XL variant of the breed has been banned in the United Kingdom, leading several American Bully owners to move to the U.S. to avoid raising their pets under the new restrictions.

The History Behind the Breed

The American Bully is a relatively new breed and has yet to be recognized by some associations, including the American Kennel Club (AKC). It was first developed in the United States in the early 1990s. Breeders wanted to create a more family-oriented version of the American Pit Bull Terrier with a much less aggressive temperament. The breed quickly gained popularity thanks to the combination of a large build and gentle nature.

 

Over time, several types of the breed developed, varying from one another by size: Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. They all share the same muscular frame and kind-hearted nature. Several dog registries officially recognized the breed, including the United Kennel Club (UKC) in America.

Get a free quote on pet insurance for
your American Bully today!

Suggested Breeds

All breeds