Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 20th February 2026
American Bully
By
Dr. Sergey Uhanov
Last updated: 20th February 2026
The American Bully is quite a new entrant in the world of canines, discovered relatively recently, in 2004. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized it in 2013, while the European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC) acknowledged it in 2008. However, the American Kennel Club in the United States and the Kennel Club in the United Kingdom don’t recognize this breed. They are notoriously deemed dangerous dogs worldwide, infamous for their fatal attacks. However, owners of American Bully dogs have mentioned their dogs as outgoing and friendly.
These medium-sized dogs are heavily boned with a muscular body and blocky head, nearing close resemblance to the American Pitbull, to whom it owes its lineage. Their medium-sized eyes appear oval or round, set apart from each other. Their high-set ears appear either natural or cropped.
American Bully Pictures
Quick Information
| Other Names | Am.bully, Bully |
| Coat | Short, glossy, smooth |
| Color | All colors; black, brown, brindle, merle, gray, fawn, tan, red, tri-colored |
| Breed Type | Purebred |
| Group | Companion dogs |
| Lifespan | 8-13 years |
| Size | Medium |
| Height | 13-20 inches (33-50 cm); varying as per the types |
| Weight | 44-132 lb (20-60 kg) |
| Litter Size | 4-8 puppies |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Intelligent, affectionate, loyal, gentle, courageous, strong-willed |
| Good with Children | Yes; if socialized well |
| Barking Tendency | Moderate; will emit a deep, loud bark only when the need arises |
| Climate Compatibility | Cannot bear extreme heat or cold weather |
| Apartment Compatibility | Good; if exercised well |
| Do they shed | Minimally |
| Are they Hypoallergenic | No |
| Trainability | Moderate |
| How much do they cost | $500-$800; however, purebreds from a reputable bloodline may cost as much as $2000-$10,000 |
| Competitive Registration Qualification/ Information | UKC, EBKC |
| Country | United States of America |
Other Similar Breeds
History and Origin
The American Bully is a mirror image of the American Pitbull terrier (APBT), whose development started quite recently during the 1980s and was completed in the 1990s. The American Staffordshire terrier also played a significant role in the evolvement of the American Bully, crossed with the American Pit Bull terrier.
The APBT showed consistency in maintaining a particular physical trait and temperament for a long time, about 100 years. However, several APBT strains eventually emerged, perhaps due to crossbreeding, each differing from the other in physical attributes.
A specific APBT strain was crossed with some other breed, and the resultant puppies didn’t appear similar to the pitbull, physically and temperamentally. Several breeders deemed it as a different breed altogether. Other breeds like the Olde English Bulldogge, English bulldog, and American Bulldog also formed a part of the breeding process to improve the American Bully’s physical and behavioral traits.
The American Bully Kennel Club or ABKC developed in 2004 and recognized this breed the same year. The United Kennel Club recognized it of late in 2013 on the 15th of July; however, the American Kennel Club or AKC hasn’t acknowledged it yet as a purebred.
The ABKC mentions that the motive behind creating the American Bully was to develop a dog with a low prey drive, absent in the Pitbull terrier and American Staffordshire.
Types of American Bullies
The American Bully Kennel Club has classified these dogs into four distinct divisions based on their height, but not weight, though – Standard, Pocket, XL, and Classic. Till the time they are one year old, all American bullies are recognized as standard, after which the specifications begin.
Standard: Medium-sized, bulky, stocky, heavy-boned; Height – Male: 17-20 inches; Female: 16-19 inches
Pocket: Smaller in size; Male: 17 inches, > 14 inches at withers; Female: Less than 16 inches > 13 inches at withers
XL: Larger than the standard variety; Male: 21-23 inches (at withers); Female: 19-22 inches (at withers)
Classic: Mostly of the same size as the standard American bully, but a lighter frame; bears distinct features that deduce that they owe their lineage to the American Staffordshire terrier, and the American Pit Bull terrier
Non-standard: They do not form a part of the regular breed standards, and highly small-sized ones, like ‘Micro’ or oversized ones like ‘XXL’, are a part of this list.
Temperament and Personality
A well-socialized American bully emerges as a great pet, and a wonderful family dog, all because of their loyal, loving demeanor. They are even adaptable to their surroundings and eligible for apartment living. The American Pitbull terrier has a reputation for being a nanny dog, mingling well with the family’s children. So, due to its Pitbull terrier lineage, it is pretty evident that a well-trained American bully would even display a gentle disposition towards kids of the family.
Their Aggression
Both the American Pitbull terrier and American Staffordshire terrier belong to the list of dangerous breeds; hence the American bully is no exception. Owners have mentioned the aggressive tendencies in this breed that could heighten if the dog is not well trained or the trigger behind such behavior isn’t addressed immediately.
There have been three recorded fatal attacks of this breed in the United Kingdom, with the dog involved in all three cases was the XL American Bully.
Care
Exercise
These robust, energetic breeds need sufficient exercise every day to remain in good form both physically and mentally. Ensure that you exercise them at least 60 minutes daily, which may comprise one 30-minute or two 15-minute walks each day, alongside sufficient playtime outdoors and indoors. They even excel in certain dog sports like flirt pole and weight pull.
Grooming
The American bully has a short, glossy, smooth coat, so grooming it wouldn’t be too mammoth a task. You can brush their coat perhaps once a week and a little frequently on occasions when they shed a lot. You must also clean its ears and eyes regularly, brush its teeth, and even trim its nails at least once a month.
Health Problems
Some of the common health problems faced by the American bully include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, cataract, cherry eye, entropion, ectropion, hypothyroidism, and cleft lip.
Training
The American bully is an intelligent breed and would respond to training well, mainly if trained by someone firm and tactful.
Socialization:. A well-socialized American bully has a lesser chance of showing aggressive tendencies. So training them on socialization is compulsory from the time they are puppies. Acquaint them with diverse situations and different individuals to help the American bully distinguish the good from the bad and not perceive everyone as a threat.
Obedience: Training them on basic commands like ‘Stop’ and ‘Stay ‘is necessary when you get the American bully home. An obedient dog would be less likely to display violence or indulge in undesirable behavior.
Feeding
The American Bully needs a diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, keeping their intense activity levels in mind. You could either give them high-quality dry dog food or prepare their meal at home after seeking a veterinarian’s consultation in this regard.
Interesting Facts
- The ownership of the American bully has been deemed illegal in Turkey.
