He looks mean but is actually a dog lover. This description fits the American Bully perfectly. In this article we present a dog that is sti...
He looks mean but is actually a dog lover. This description fits the American Bully perfectly. In this article we present a dog that is still rare in Europe.
American Bully Article Contents
- The physical appearance of the American Bully
- Character of the American Bully dog: friendly to humans and other animals.
- Attitude: the American Bully likes to spend time with you
- American Bully Sports and games: play in moderation
- Buy an American Bully
- Health: hip dysplasia or cuneiform vertebrae
- Food: the American Bully is greedy
- Origin of American Bully: a mixture of several breeds
- Conclusion: an endearing American Bully dog
The physical appearance of the American Bully
The "Bully", which comes from "Bulldog", gave birth to the American Bully with his big physique and a big head. He has an imposing torso and seems more massive than the American Bulldog (not to be confused). The American Bully can have 4 different sizes:
- Small: up to 43 centimeters
- Standard, ranging from 43 to 51 centimeters
- Classic: from 43 to 51 centimeters but with a less imposing shoulder width.
- XL: from 51 to 57 centimeters
In the United States, many breeders cut off their dogs' ears. The cut-off ears then stand up and give the dog a more aggressive appearance. Fortunately, in most European countries this practice is forbidden.
The American Bully has short hairs which allow to have all colors. However, bluish tones should be avoided. People often tend to associate this with genetic defects.
Character of the American Bully dog: friendly to humans and other animals.
Unlike their ancestors, the "fighting bulldogs", the American Bully are nowadays adopted by families.
A sociable American Bully is friendly towards humans and animals. He is also quickly sociable towards strangers.
Lovers of the breed describe it as a playful breed. The dog wants to belong to his master and this simplifies his education. However, the American Bully can sometimes be stubborn.
In order to remedy this, you must be strict with the dog. Explain clearly from the start what he shouldn't do and stick to it. Even a small crumb of bread under the table can bring out the dog's stubbornness.
In order to be able to control this trait, you can attend puppy play lessons or go to a dog trainer. Due to their atypical physique, the breed is more often submissive towards other dogs of the same category. A dog trainer will give you advice on how to react in concrete situations.
Attitude: the American Bully likes to spend time with you
A sociable dog of the breed will suit families with children as well as couples or singles. He will enjoy spending time with you without being the center of attention.
It will adapt to the countryside as well as to a flat in the city if it is in sufficient demand. However, if you live in an attic flat on the fifth floor without a lift, the American Bully is not a good choice.
Non-breed connoisseurs will adapt perfectly to the dog. This friendly dog is not suitable for people who want to make a good impression due to the breed's imposing physique.
Adopt under certain conditions
The American Bully being a fairly recent breed, it does not appear on most breed lists. Nevertheless, his physique and origins, as well as his Pitbull-shaped head may lead the authorities to impose certain conditions on adoption. Check with the appropriate authorities beforehand to find out if you are authorized to adopt an American Bully.
American Bully Sports and games: play in moderation
American Bully are playful dogs but with an average desire to exercise. They like to go for long walks, but do not need to run for miles in the woods every day.
Start off gently and don't overexert yourself, especially if it's a puppy or young Bully. It is important to entertain the dog physically, but also mentally.
Find games and tips to find out what your dog's favorites
are. Training your dog in pairs will strengthen your bond and improve his obedience skills.
are. Training your dog in pairs will strengthen your bond and improve his obedience skills.
Buy an American Bully
It is difficult to find an American Bully in Europe. However, some "ingenious" breeders are using the breed to circumvent regulations concerning dog fighting in certain areas. On some breed lists, the American Pitbull or the American Staffordshire Terrier can be found, but not the American Bully.
It is not yet known whether the American Bully is an independent breed. Many pseudo-breeders breed American Bully illegally. Often they are not real American Bully but a Bulldog-Staff mixture.
Other breeders have founded their own breeding farms in order to be able to issue valid papers. These breeders are dedicated to other variants of the American Bully, such as the Exotic Bully. This breed is more imposing but is also much smaller in size. It is more precisely "an extremely muscular Bully with a bizarre and unusual appearance" (source: GBKC).
Alternatives to the American Bully
Have you fallen in love with the breed? Will you fall in love with one of the variants of the breed? Many dogs are recognized by the FCI (International Canine Federation). It is therefore easier to find a reliable breeder for these breeds.
The English Bulldog is as compact as the American Bully but the breed is often affected by health problems. There are other "molasses" (generic term for this type of dog).
If you are looking for an adult dog, try visiting animal shelters. There you will find different dogs mixed with the American Bully breed. You will also surely find a dog in associations looking to place dogs in need.
American Bully Health: hip dysplasia or wedge-shaped vertebrae
The health of the American Bully depends mainly on a good selection of breeding dogs. Unfortunately in Europe, there is very little control on this subject. Therefore, make sure you find out well in advance before adopting a dog of the breed.
Ask to see the health checks of the animal's parents. Ask them to show you the results. The most interesting tests are those for hip dysplasia or wedge-shaped vertebrae. If the breeder reacts badly to your request, go on your way.
Also be careful not to adopt the most extreme American Bully. The larger bullies often have joint problems. Dogs with a very flat muzzle are often also victims of health problems since they run out of breath very quickly.
Food: the American Bully is greedy
Like all four-legged animals, the American Bully needs a high-protein, grain-free diet. It is up to you to choose whether you prefer to give him dry or wet food. If you prefer dry food, give him large kibbles instead to encourage him to chew.
However, watch out for weight gain. Follow the dosage instructions on the food package and include treats and snacks in the diet.
Most American Bullies are greedy. It is therefore recommended that you weigh your dog regularly. If your dog gains weight as an adult, reduce the portion sizes. It is also a good idea to feed him kibbles during training. Chewing calms, occupies and cleans the teeth.
Many dry chewable foods such as rumen, beef nerves or pieces of wood also help. There are also rubber toys that can be filled with sweets.
American Bully Origin: a mixture of several breeds
Originally, the American Bully was probably a hybrid breed. The "ancestors" of the breed are the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier. But many other breeds of dogs of this type appeared in order to have a more uniform and imposing physique. Examples are the Older English Bulldog, the French Bulldog, the English Bulldog and the American Bulldog mentioned above (not recognized by the FCI).
The American Bully is therefore a mixture of different breeds, whose breeders are striving for independent status. In the United States, the breed has been recognized by the United Kennel Club since 2013. Within this organization, there are mainly breeds that are not recognized by the United Kennel Club.
In Europe, the American Bully is rare. The vast majority of breeders turn to breeds recognized by large organizations (such as the FCI) for good reasons.
Conclusion: an endearing American Bully dog
Despite his typical bulldog appearance, the American Bully is a gentle and endearing dog. He is suitable for families. He integrates very quickly into the family circle. And he likes to stay by your side. The breed is very suitable for people who have never had a dog before.
If you put a lot of demands on your dog, he will be very happy, even in a flat. However, before you move in, check with the relevant authorities to see if there are any restrictions on adopting an American Bully.
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