Comprehensive Guide to the Amazing American Bully: Health, Temperament, Cost & Care Tips
Explore Everything You Need to Know About the American Bully Breed, from Health and Temperament to the Costs and Care Guidelines
ORIGIN OF THE AMERICAN BULLY BREED
The American Bully breed was created around 1990 and gained recognition and establishment in 2004 with the inception of the American Bully Kennel Club, also known as the ABKC Registry. The United Kennel Club or UKC recognized the American Bully breed in 2013. There are other registries, but for the purposes of this article we will mention the main few- which are the ABKC, BBCR. BRC Global and the UKC.
According to the ABKC- The American Bully breed has been selectively bred to give America’s breed, the American Pit Bull Terrier, a new direction and outlet. Like with the American Staffordshire Terrier, all of the positive characteristics of the breed’s ancestry were kept. Including loyalty, stability with humans and children, along with many of their physical attributes.
Traits of dog and human aggression have been bred out, as they have no future purpose for this trait (outside of hunting & sport) and a reinvented breed was formed — with the purpose of being the ultimate companion breed, and this breed is the “American Bully.”
AMERICAN BULLY TYPES & VARIETIES
In this article, we’ll cover the 4 American Bully Varieties according to the breed’s founding registry — the ABKC. We’ll also shed light on some of the different terms used to describe the different types of American & Exotic Bullies. Terms like Nano, Micro, Teacup, Extreme, XXL & even the latest not so new trend “Merle” bullies.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding many of the bully breeds are the misclassification of breed and type. There are still scores of people that confuse the American Bully with the American Pit Bull Terrier and other related bully breeds.
Many terms were used to describe the American Bully in it’s infancy — but the American Bully has established itself as it’s own distinct breed — recognized by several kennel clubs and organizations as such.
POCKET PIT BULLS, MINI PIT BULLS, BULLY PITS ETC
Simply put, terms like “pocket pitbull”, “miniature pitbull” and “bully pit” are not actual classifications of any breed. These are simply terms used (incorrectly) referring to the American Bully.
Now that you’re aware of this — please respectfully correct those using terms like these by educating them in a respectful way on the difference between an American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT), the American Bully & related breeds. There is no such thing as a “pocket pitbull”, “mini pitbull” or “teacup” pit bulls — at least not according to any legitimate registry or kennel club.
Another term that’s often used is “bully pit.” Again, these are simply terms being used (incorrectly) when someone is attempting to describe the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, Exotic Bully & related breeds.
These terms do not accurately describe any breed or classification of dog.
WHAT IS A POCKET AMERICAN BULLY?
The American Bully comes in may different sizes, so what is a Pocket size American Bully?
Unfortunately, the internet is full of misinformation, especially when it comes to the American Bully breed — and the Pocket Bully is no exception.
Take this article for example, which currently holds the #1 spot on google and it’s easy to see why there’s so much confusion around the American Bully Breed along with the different classes or varieties within the breed.
According to the article:
“Pocket Bullies are the miniature version of the American Bully. However, unlike some miniature breeds like the Labrador, they are not true purebreds. They are actually a cross between the American Bully and the Patterdale Terrier.”
THE POCKET AMERICAN BULLY
The Pocket Bully is NOT a cross between an American Bully and the Patterdale Terrier. The Pocket Bully IS an American Bully — NOT the result of the infusion of other breeds. It is simply a VARIETY (see Varieties below) within the American Bully breed.
The American Bully Varieties — also known as “Classes” are determined by adult height — with the pocket variety having a shorter height at adulthood than the Standard. Aside from adult height, the pocket bully is no different than the American Bully or its varieties — nor are there different breeds in its makeup.
AMERICAN BULLY VARIETIES
The American Bully breed consists of 4 Varieties or Classes — amendments to the Standard for the purpose of classification and useful for dividing the different types in conformation events — also known as dog shows.
Initially, there were 5 varieties — but the ABKC did away with the Extreme class in 2014. The “Extreme” class was the same as the standard overall, but carrying more mass. This variety initially allowed some of what they refer to, as “handicaps.” Meaning there was some leniency on certain traits beyond the standard.
The reason for the leniency is these were bigger heavier dogs that needed more time of development to achieve ideal conformation. These “handicaps” were designed to be eliminated over time until this variety met the same standards as the standard.
Standard and Pocket Classes are now not to be penalized for dogs carrying more mass as long as they are correct and balanced.
We break down each of the 4 American Bully Varieties in the article below.
See: Everything You Need To Know About the American Bully Breed
WHAT BREEDS MAKE UP THE AMERICAN BULLY?
According to the UKC- The American Bully breed was subtly influenced by the infusion of several other breeds, which include the American, English, Pacific, Olde English Bulldogge among various other Bulldog breeds.
What differentiates the American Bully breed from it’s ancestors — the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier and various Bulldog breeds — is it’s physical appearance. The American Bully Breed is one of heavier bone structure and “bullier” build than it’s American Pit Bull Terrier and Staffordshire Terrier ancestors, but without as many of the health issues prevalent in it’s Bulldog ancestry.
To many, it’s the perfect blend, a breed without the gameness and drive of a an American Pit Bull Terrier, yet more active and with less health issues than many of the Bulldog breeds in its makeup.
The result: a calm, confident breed of dog with a statuesque build that many consider the perfect companion.
Read: History Of The American Pit Bull Terrier & The Evolution Of The American Bully
PERSONALITY & TEMPERAMENT
The American Bully is a happy, outgoing, stable and confident dog. Gentle and loving toward people. Good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and an affectionate family pet. Stubborn, but obedient — this is a breed of dog wants nothing more than to please its master.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE & ABILITY
Physically the American Bully has an impressive, athletic build, which is both muscular and defined, and displays strength and agility. The breed is versatile and capable of accomplishing a wide variety of tasks.
The American Bully has a graceful yet impressive, solid, defined, athletic build that is both muscular and toned, and denotes strength as well as agility. It is a breed capable and diverse in all tasks and abilities.
Confident but not aggressive, the breed possesses a very pleasant temperament, playful sense of humor and get along with people, other breeds and species.
LIFESPAN
What is the average lifespan for the American Bully, Pocket Bully, Standard, XL Bullies?
- Average Lifespan 8–12 years
HEALTH ISSUES IN THE AMERICAN BULLY BREED
What are some of the health issues present in the American Bully breed?
- Elongated Soft Palate
- Enlarged Heart
- Heart Murmurs
- Hip & Joint Issues
SOCIALIZATION
Socialization is one of the most important steps to take with your American Bully. Socialize very thoroughly when young to curb any dog aggressive tendencies. It has given outstanding results as a guardian of property, while at the same time esteemed as an excellent companion dog.
This breed is not for the passive owner who does not understand that all dogs have an instinct to have a pack order.
IDEAL OWNERS
The American Bully needs an owner who is firm, but calm, confident and consistent. They need to know what is expected of them; rules to follow and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do. The objective in training and successfully keeping this dog is to achieve pack leader status.
It is a natural instinct for a dog to have an order in their pack. When we humans live with dogs, we become their pack. The entire pack cooperates under a single leader; lines are clearly defined. You and all other humans MUST be higher up in the order than the dog.
This is the best way to ensure is the relationship will be a success.
VENOMLINE NEWS DECEMBER 2022
RECENT LITTERS
Some of the recent litters at Venomline Pocket Bullies — the #1 Extreme Build Pocket American Bully breeder, and home of the World’s Top American Bully bloodline — Venomline.
1. ABKC CHAMPION HOMICIDE X ABKC CHAMPION LIL’ TING
2. LOUIS V LINE’s VENOM X MTB’s KILO
3. CH HOMICIDE X CALAMITY JANE
2022 PRODUCTIONS
Closing out the year, here are some of our productions that had a huge years and saw tremendous success — both in and outside of the Show Ring.
Grand Champion DSB/TSB’s Apache 🏆
- Top 10 American Bully (Ranked #7 2022)
- Several Best Pocket, Best of Breed & Best in Show wins (ABKC)
Co-Produced with our friends over at Dawghouse Bullies
Jacqueline has done a phenomenal job with this boy.. produced, shown & earning his Grand Champion Title.
Grand Champion DSB/TSB’s Diesel 🏆
- Top 5 Dog ABKC 2021
- 2nd Youngest Grand Champion in ABKC History
Produced in Collaboration w/our friends over Dawghouse Bullies
Grand Champion Venomline South’s Riot 🏆
- Several Best Pocket, Best of Breed & Best in Show wins (ABKC)
Kay Kay has done a phenomenal job with this boy, congratulations on a very successful year in and out of the ring!
Grand Champion NMG/Venomline’s Kimber 🏆
Produced in Collaboration w/ NMG Bullies
Roger & Dina Stout have done a phenomenal job with this girl!
Check her and the rest of Rogue Bully Camp’s lineup
ABKC Champion HighClass Bully’s Homicide 🏆
- 3 Champion wins (1 win from Grand Champion)
- 15+ Grand Champion & Champion offspring (male & female)
All credit for producing Homicide goes to High Class Bullies & all credit on Grand Champion & Champion offspring produced before we purchased Homie goes to each respective producer.
ABKC Champion Venomline’s Lil’ Ting 🏆
- Best Female every show she’s entered, several Best Pocket & Best of Breed wins
- Earned Champion Title in 2 shows
ABKC Champion Venomline’s Halo 🏆
- Multi-Registry Best Pocket, Best of Breed & Best in Show wins (ABKC & BRC)
- See Venomline Females
Big Benefit’s Angel 🏆
- Undefeated Stack of Champion
- Best Pocket & Best Female every show entered (Australia)
- Venom daughter produced & owned by Big Benefit Bullies
AMERICAN BULLY STUD SERVICE
Most breeders offer a stud service. If you are new to breeding dogs, you should definitely take advantage of this.
ADVANTAGES TO USING A STUD DOG
Many that get started in the dog breeding business usually purchase a stud dog or two along with some female dogs. As Venomline discussed in American Bully Breeding 101, the better way of going about this is to start off by purchasing female dogs.
When your female reaches breeding age you can contact the kennels that offer stud service or contact the kennel you purchased your female puppy from to use their Studs.
Housing, feeding, and taking care of stud dogs is expensive and you’re not always guaranteed to have a great stud dog once they mature.
DECIDING ON AN AMERICAN BULLY STUD
There are many ways to find a Top American Bully Stud — these can include in person events like dog shows hosted by the ABKC, UKC, BRC, a search on any of the online pedigree database like Bullypedia, BullyPedex or BullyDex.
These can be especially useful if you’re considering line breeding and looking for a common ancestor.
Lastly, through word of mouth or by traveling to the Stud Owner to see the Stud in person. Breeders that use photoshop will do just about anything possible in order to avoid having their Customers seeing their dogs in person. It’s understandable if a Top Stud owner is busy, but most will make time for Customers who are traveling down.
If you get a resistance when asking if you can see the Stud in person for the breeding — this is usually a red flag. Not every Stud dog online is what they look like in photos, many are photoshopped.
- ABKC Shows & Events
- Pedigree Databases
- Word of Mouth
- Traveling to Stud Owner
VENOMLINE STUDS
VENOMLINE’S KING KOOPA
ABKC CHAMPION HCB’S HOMICIDE
TLB/VENOMLINE’S KING V
COMING SOON..
