Complete guide on the American Bully dog

The American Bully is a medium sized dog that has a muscular, powerful and athletic body. Its discovery is relatively recent, so its breed is not yet recognized in several countries internationally. However, it is already popular with pet lovers, due to its intelligence and great loyalty.

One of the most common concepts about the American Bully is that it is simply a type of Pit Bull, but it is actually a hybrid of two American dog breeds. Another mistake when referring to this animal is that the American Bully is a dangerous breed, but the truth is that it is quite affectionate and friendly by nature. Let’s learn more about the characteristics of this domestic animal.

Origin

The American Bully comes from the American Staffordshire Terrier and American Pit Bull Terrier breeds, which is why many call it the American Bull Terrier. However, there are many other dog breeds of this type that may have influenced its creation, such as the Old English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and American Bulldog. In the United States, the American Bully has been recognized by the United Kennel Club since 2013. However, in Europe this official recognition has not yet been achieved.

Physical traits of the American Bully

There are 4 different sizes: standard, pocket, XL and classic. The breed standard measures between 43 and 51 cm, but females can be between 40 and 48 cm. As for the American Bully Pocket, males are usually between 35 and 43 cm at the withers and females are usually between 33 and 40 cm at the withers.

On the other hand, the American Bully XXL and XL, also called American Bully Extreme, are larger than the standard size, with males measuring between 50 and 58 cm and females between 48 and 56 cm at the withers. It is important to mention that this is the largest accepted size for this breed. Also, there is the classic American Bully, which is usually the same height as the standard, but is less muscular and has narrower bones.

As for the coat, the American Bully usually has short hair and can come in different colors, mainly in shades of gray and brown. Their ears are pointed and triangular, although many breeders tend to cut them to make them look more aggressive. However, in most European countries this practice is prohibited.

Character of the American Bully: friendly with humans and other animals

Unlike their ancestors, American Bullies are adopted by families today for being friendly to humans and animals. Also, they are sociable with strangers, which is why lovers of this breed describe it as playful. In this sense, the American Bully is a pet that wants to belong to its owner, which simplifies its education, although it can sometimes seem stubborn. As a solution, it is necessary to be strict with the dog and make it clear from the beginning what things are prohibited.

As for the environment, the dog can adapt to both the countryside and an apartment in the city, as long as it lives in the space for a long time. For this reason, if you plan to move your pet regularly to the homes of relatives or friends, then you should have a folding doghouse, which will help the animal feel comfortable anywhere. 

Also, it is a dog with a great need for exercise, which is why it likes to go for long walks. However, it is advisable to start slowly and not overwork him, especially if he is an American Bully puppy. You can also find games to share with your pet and strengthen the emotional bond. However, it is important to know that this friendly dog ​​has a very imposing physique, so he is often mistakenly interpreted as aggressive.

The feeding of the American Bully

Like all dogs, the American Bully needs a diet that is free of grain allergens and rich in protein. Similarly, it is important to know if the dog prefers wet or dry food. In the latter case, large kibbles are recommended as they encourage chewing and help clean teeth. Also, it is possible to find rubber toys to promote oral hygiene.

Care must be taken with weight gain, so it is advisable to follow the dosage instructions on food packages, including diet snacks and treats, as most American Bullies are greedy and, like many other dogs, they have no instinct for self-control when it comes to feeding. For this reason, it is recommended to weigh the dog regularly. In case of weight gain in adulthood, then it is necessary to reduce the portions under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Health and Life Expectancy of the American Bully

Provided it is cared for correctly, the American Bully can live between 10 and 13 years. One of the ways to guarantee a long life is to be aware of some common health problems in this breed of dog, such as dysplasia in the elbows and hips, where the bones that form the joints do not stay in place, which brings pain and mobility problems.

Also, it is important to avoid cataracts. Although many dogs live for years with this vision condition, American Bullies have especially delicate eyes, so the disease can worsen until they are completely blind.

These dogs are prone to stomach gas, but this can be due to food allergies or the wrong diet. In this sense, to prevent your American Bully from suffering from these symptoms, you have to make sure that he eats good quality food, preferably scientifically proven.

Finally, we can say that, despite its robust appearance, the American Bully dog ​​is friendly and endearing, suitable for raising in a family, since it integrates very quickly. In addition, he usually likes to be by his owner’s side, so he offers loyalty and protection, which is suitable for people who have never owned a dog.