American Bully is known for its fearsome looks. However, they are sweethearts. Under their rugged and robust look lies a cute, gentle friend for you. American Bully was developed in the 1980s. They are a crossbreed between Pit bulls and American bulldogs.
A standard bully is medium in size with a muscular body, blocky head, and heavy bones. Another is a toy variant called “pocket bully.” The larger one is XXL. Bullies are adaptable, intelligent, playful, and trainable. American Bullies are low in maintenance and tempered more than other breeds.
American Bullies are friendly to their owners and strangers until it is out of tolerance. They are happy, affectionate, stable, good-natured, and amusing.
American Bully Appearance
Due to their muscular body-like bodybuilders, American bullies appeal much to the dog owner. It has a broad shoulder that is well proportionate and well angled with a thick head when standing on its feet.
They always look bulky and graceless during times of walking. On the contrary, they look tense and rigid in appearance. They are four varieties according to their height, irrespective of their weight.
American Bully Standard
This variant of the American bully dog breed is medium-sized. Male dogs are 17-20 inches, and females are 16-19 inches.
American Bully Pocket
Pocket American Bully is a smaller variant, with males 14-17 inches and females less than 13 inches.
XL American Bully
In the case of XL American Bully, only the adult is considered. Therefore, the size of the male is 23 inches, and the female is 19 inches.
American Bully Classic
This American Bully variety is similar in height with a lighter frame with no exaggerated display of features.
The weight of American Bully varies from 60 to 120 pounds.
American Bully Coat And Color
Except for Merle, they got any color or pattern on their coat. Their standard colors are brown, grey, and tan. There is a white crest on their chest. Otherwise, they are solid-colored. Like Pit bulls, their fur is rough and short.
American Bully fur is closely cropped. Therefore, you can feel the muscle. Consequently, they need a little grooming. Once a week, you should brush. It makes their fur clean and refined.
American Bully Temperament & Personality
This dog is an absolute sweetheart. If you keep them, expect a lot of embraces and pecks. They will follow you around the house. They are around your legs even when you go to bed. They prefer to sleep curled beside the bed or at your feet.
Though they look bulky, they are energetic. A long hike makes these dogs healthy and fit. It is a dog for your outdoor adventure too. However, you can keep them indoors most of the time. When in a playful or warning mood, these dog breed produces a short and deep bark.
Loud barking for unknown should be taken care of immediately. Loud barking may be visible at times of interaction with other dogs. Socialization is necessary for them in their lives with other people and animals. They act like bullies with other pets.
It should be ensured that your dog is never hostile or ferocious. First, however, any assertive tendencies need to be corrected.
Is the American Bully a Good Family Dog?
As companion dogs, they are more suitable for the family than a single owner. If you’re planning for an American Bully, it will be better not to keep any other pet in the house.
Caring for an American Bully
Though they are easy to maintain, they have some requirements. They need a lot of attention. It requires a lot of energy to handle this large dog. Hence, this breed is not well-suited for elderly, old, and weak health people.
This is costly, so you must budget your finances before purchasing it. In addition, the additional cost of feeding and maintenance is required for this large one.
Exercise Requirements of American Bully
Bodybuilders, among canines, need a lot of workouts for their health. The best is a lot of walks. They are adaptable to any terrain, so it’s good for them to go hiking and woodlands.
As a pulling dog, you can load a wagon with a bundle of stone or weight and let them pull it, but never push them hard cause it can be exhaustive for them too. Better is a walk of sixty minutes.
Grooming and Shedding of American Bully
Even in shedding season, they do not shed abnormally. Once a week, brushing makes their coat look perfect. After that, bathing with shampoo and conditioner every three months suits them well. If they have a droopy face, then clean the fold with wipes.
Feeding and Diet of American Bully
As they are big dogs, their food requirement is significant as well. You should keep a budget aside for good protein kibble, which is primary. Four cups of kibble contain 1600 calories. Often you can give them meat. It is healthy for them to consume meat each day.
Health Problems of American Bully
Like other large dogs, they suffer from patellar luxation or kneecap problem. Sometimes in difficult situations, surgery is also required. Sometimes pups suffer from cleft palate. However, these dogs do not need a medical process other than trouble breathing.
American Bullies have medical issues, especially the bowing of the front leg, which is prominent in pups if their parents suffer.
They are not highly allergic. And low on shedding even in the shedding season. A weekly visit to groomers and regular brushing prevent their coats. In the house, light allergy may trigger.
Life Expectancy of American Bully
The life expectancy of American Bully is 10-12 years.
American Bully Price?
American Bully costs around $2000, excluding food and maintenance costs.
Training of American Bully
For your new pup training, you must invest time. Please be sure to engage with these furry buddies whenever you can. It is better to employ most of the time. It will make them feel that you and he are a team. These dogs are fast learners and get motivated by your happiness.
You must show them your love and happiness with some treats. Never punish them physically. Though intelligent, they get bored quickly and become noisy, destructive, and pussy. Running, chasing, obstacle dodging, and puzzles keep their brain working and entertaining. Socialization is crucial for them.
Responsibilities of Owning American Bully
They are not aggressive by birth. However, due to their dominant nature, these dogs need proper training. Set boundaries for them to become a well-behaved companion. Hence, you can put them in training at an early age in life.
The Commitment of American Bully
With proper guidance, Bullies are significant members of the family. They show lots of affection to kids. But, unfortunately, they are guard dogs due to their highly territorial nature.
5 Fun Facts of American Bully
- People thought they were called “Bully” due to their appearance. However, the truth indicates their ancestral breed of Pit bulls and Bulldog.
- They got recognition in 2013. So you can call it a pretty new breed.
- Other than the four varieties, some unrecognized macro types are also available. It is a larger variant with some health issues.
- They are recognized as chunky Pit-bull but are a distinct breed.
- Their power and strength make them good pullers. If trained, these dogs can pull heavy things. For instance, small bundles, carts, and even wagons.
Points to be remembered regarding American Bully
They are expensive dogs. If you intend to keep a rescue dog, it will be better to go for other breeds that cost about $500-$1500.
American Bully weighs about 100 pounds. It is required to keep 30 to 50 US dollars per week aside for their feeding. In the case of insurance, you should let the insurer know if a Bully owner is.
Could you ensure their regular check-ups with the vet, especially for dental reasons? Giving them some for chewing makes them happy.
Pros and Cons of American Bully
Pros
- Cuddlesome and devoted
- Low grooming required
- Easy to keep than other breeds
- Family-friendly
- Best family dog
Cons
- Needy and clingy
- Size too tough to manage
- Assertive with other pets
- Expensive to feed
Conclusion
The American Bully dog breed stands out as a gentle and loving giant, offering unparalleled companionship and affection to those fortunate enough to experience their presence. Their remarkable nature truly sets them apart.