Understand the differences in the 5 American Bully breeds

Dogs are said to be the most loyal of all animals. Their loyalty knows no bounds. Previously, people prized dogs that looked ferocious and dangerous and tested that loyalty by having them guard a place or person. Most people prefer calm and collected dogs because they make good family pets. Such is the story of the American Bully.

While the dogs may be a relatively new breed, they’re known for their loyalty and affection. They also come in various sizes, from the Extreme to the Pocket Bully.

This article will distinguish between the major types of American Bully breeds.

Meet the American Bully

The American Bully is a rather unorthodox breed. They are a crossbreed of an American Staffordshire Terrier or an American Pit Bull with various types of Bulldog breeds.

Even though they look ferocious, the dogs are calm and collected and considered family pets because they are good with children.

Types

They are five types of American Bully, which include:

1. Classic 
2. Standard
3. Pocket
4. XL
5. Extreme

Classic Bully

The Classic Bully somewhat resembles the standard bully. Even though it looks mostly like a PitBull, the qualities of a Bully are still present.

It has a narrow-body structure that usually catches the eye of the viewer. Its average weight ranges from 60 to 80 pounds.

The height fluctuates a bit between gender. The classic female measures up to 18 inches, while a male measures up to 20 inches.

The dog has a compact body with heavy bones, a blocky head, and a short muzzle. It is one of the most obedient dogs globally and would do anything to please its owner.

Its average cost is around $2,000.

Temperament

The classic bully often displays a bold, outgoing personality associated with confidence and assertion.

They are not typically aggressive or timid but have a stable temperament that makes them great family pets. 

However, it is essential to note that every dog is an individual and may exhibit varying levels of these traits.

One common characteristic of classic bullies is their high energy levels. They are active dogs who love to play and need daily exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. 

Without proper outlets for their energy, they may become bored or restless, leading to destructive behaviors.

Classic Bullies also tend to be highly social dogs who crave attention from their owners. They thrive on human interaction and do best in homes where they receive consistent love, affection, and attention. They struggle with long periods of alone time or isolation.

Classic Bullies have a protective instinct, which makes them excellent watchdogs. 

However, this trait should be carefully managed through proper socialization from an early age to prevent overprotectiveness or aggression towards strangers.

Exercise needs

Classic Bullies need daily exercise to stay physically and mentally fit, including physical activities like walking or running and mental stimulation such as interactive games or training sessions.

Since they are powerful dogs with high energy levels, owners must provide structured exercise routines that cater to their needs while keeping them safe. 

Activities like weight pulling or agility training help fulfill their natural desire for physical challenges while strengthening the bond between owner and dog.

Training needs

Classic Bullies are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. However, they can also be strong-willed and may exhibit stubbornness if not appropriately trained. 

Consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialization are vital in training a classic bully.

Owners must provide clear boundaries and rules for their dogs to help prevent any behavioral issues.

Standard Bully

The Standard Bully is compact. It has a blocky head and a highly muscular body.

The dog may look small, but it has immense strength. It has a massive build with a large, heavy bone structure, making it scary. The height varies from gender to gender.

A male is approximately 17 to 20 inches, while females measure up to 19 inches. Like the classic, the Standard Bully is an obedient breed and can sometimes be protective.

Their price ranges from $2,000 to $5,000. 

Temperament

The Standard Bully is generally calm and easy-going, with a confident demeanor. 

The dogs have a stable temperament and are not prone to aggression towards humans or other dogs. 

Although Standard Bullies are not naturally aggressive, proper socialization from an early age is crucial in shaping their behavior.

Exercise needs

Despite their muscular build, Standard Bullies do not require strenuous exercise routines like other bully breeds. However, daily physical activities are essential to keeping them mentally stimulated and physically fit.

A moderate amount of exercise in the form of walks or playtime in a fenced yard will suffice. 

The dogs also enjoy interactive games such as fetch or agility courses, which can help burn off excess energy while bonding with their owners.

Training needs

Standard Bullies are intelligent animals who are eager to please their owners. 

As such, they respond well to positive reinforcement training methods that involve rewards such as treats or praise for good behavior.

Consistency in training is essential, as Standard Bullies may become stubborn if they sense any leniency from their owners. 

It’s also important to start training early so these dogs can develop good habits and behaviors.

Some common behavioral issues with this breed include jumping, chewing, and pulling on the leash. Address problem behavior with proper training techniques and consistency.

In addition to basic obedience training, Standard Bullies should be enrolled in socialization classes as puppies to help them become well-adjusted adults who are comfortable around other dogs and new people.

Pocket Bully

The Pocket Bully is one of the most renowned dog breeds globally. It is like a miniature version of the American Bully types, but its height makes it unique.

A Pocket Bully is a small compact dog with a huge neck, a humongous head, and a low-level back, making it look muscular. It has short, muscular legs with a pretty broad chest.

Its average weight is approximately 10 to 20 pounds. It is an intelligent breed and needs a lot of physical and mental exercise for complete development.

The average price of a Pocket Bully is $1,000 to $1,200.

Temperament

The Pocket Bully is known for its loving, loyal, and affectionate nature. These dogs are known as “velcro” dogs due to their strong desire to always be near their owners and thrive on human interaction. 

They make great family pets and get along well with children and other pets if properly socialized.

However, it is essential to note that the temperament of a Pocket Bully can vary greatly depending on its breeding, socialization, and training. 

Exercise needs

Despite their compact size, Pocket Bullies require regular exercise to maintain good physical health and mental stimulation. 

A daily walk or playtime in a fenced yard will suffice for most Pocket Bullies. Some may also enjoy activities like swimming or playing fetch.

Keep an eye on your dog’s weight, as this breed tends to overeat if not monitored closely. 

Obesity can lead to serious health issues such as joint problems and heart disease.

Training needs

Pocket Bullies respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as praise, treats, and toys. 

They strongly desire to please their owners, making them easy to train.

Consistency is critical when training these dogs. 

Establishing rules and boundaries from an early age will help prevent any behavioral issues down the line. 

Providing mental stimulation through obedience classes or agility training is also essential.

Proper socialization is also vital for Pocket Bullies as they can become shy or aggressive towards unfamiliar people or animals if not exposed regularly during puppyhood.

Pocket bullies have a friendly and affectionate temperament but require proper socialization, exercise, and training to be well-rounded companions.

XL Bully

The XL Bully is one of the largest breeds of American Bully.

Its primary purpose was to create a good family companion. Don’t let the size scare you; they’re friendly toward everyone, including children, older people, and strangers.

The average height of the female is 19 to 22 inches and that of the male ranges from 20 to 23 inches. Their average weight ranges from 74 to 130 pounds.

The dogs need slightly more exercise than other breeds with their large body and weight to stay in shape.

The dogs also need a highly nutritious diet.

Their life expectancy is 10 years, but they can live longer with proper care. Their price ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. 

Temperament

The XL Bully breed is known for its muscular build, large size, and intimidating appearance. 

However, contrary to popular belief, these dogs are gentle, extremely loving, and loyal to their owners. 

They are also highly sociable and get along well with children and other pets if properly socialized.

One of the most distinctive traits of the XL Bully is their calm demeanor. 

These dogs are not known to be overly aggressive or reactive unless provoked or trained to behave that way. 

They have a stable temperament, making them excellent family dogs that can adapt well to different environments.

XL Bullies are known for their high intelligence and eagerness to please their owners, making them relatively easy to train, as they quickly follow commands and instructions. 

Exercise needs

Despite their large size, XL Bullies do not require excessive exercise like other breeds. 

A moderate amount of daily physical activity is crucial in keeping them mentally and physically healthy. 

A minimum of 30-45 minutes of exercise per day should suffice for an adult XL Bully.

These dogs enjoy walks, hikes, and fetch or tug-of-war games with their owners. 

It is important to note that due to their short snouts, they can quickly overheat during intense physical activities in hot weather conditions. 

Therefore, it is best to schedule exercise sessions during cooler times of the day or consider indoor activities during extreme heat.

Training needs

Proper training plays a crucial role in shaping an XL Bully’s behavior and temperament from an early age. 

Start training your XL Bully when you bring them home, preferably between 8-12 weeks of age. 

Establish a strong foundation for obedience and socialization skills, making it easier to manage behavior in the future.

Consistency is critical when training an XL Bully; therefore, it is essential to maintain a regular schedule and stick to the same training methods.

If treated poorly, this breed responds poorly to harsh or forceful techniques and may become stubborn or resistant.

Extreme Bully

Just like other American Bullies are defined by their weight and height, so is this one.

It has a much higher muscle mass, height, and build than the standard bully, which defines this breed.

Extreme Bullies have a broader appearance and are the largest American Bully breed.

Moreover, they are amazing watchdogs. They have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years.

Temperament

The Extreme Bully is known for being strong-willed, confident, and determined, which can sometimes come off as aggressive or dominant. 

The dogs require a firm and consistent hand in training and socialization. Without proper training, these dogs can become territorial and possessive, making them difficult to manage and potentially dangerous. Extreme Bullies tend to become aggressive if not properly socialized. 

Owners must expose Extreme Bully puppies to different environments, people, and animals from a young age to learn how to interact appropriately with others.

Exercise needs

Due to their muscular build and high energy levels, Extreme Bullies require regular exercise to maintain their physical health and mental well-being. They thrive with long walks, playtime at the park or beach, and even agility training.

Extreme Bullies need enough daily exercise to prevent boredom-induced destructive behaviors like chewing or digging. 

Lack of exercise can also lead to weight gain, which can be detrimental for these already heavy-set breeds.

Training needs

Consistent training is crucial for Extreme Bullies due to their strong-willed nature. 

Positive reinforcement techniques work best with these dogs as they respond well when rewarded for good behavior rather than punished for bad behavior.

It’s also essential to start training early and continue it throughout their lives to help them understand and respect boundaries, making them more manageable in different situations. 

Enroll your dog in obedience classes with experienced trainers who have worked with the breed before.

American Bully breed history

The American Bully breed is a relatively new addition to the world of dog breeds, with its origins dating back to the late 20th century.

This breed was created by crossing several different types of bulldogs and terriers in an effort to create a more compact and muscular version of the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The American Bully originated in the early 1990s through crossbreeding between American Pit Bull Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and other bull-type breeds.

These initial efforts aimed to breed a more agile and compact dog while retaining its ancestors’ muscular build and tenacity.

However, it wasn’t until the mid-2000s that these dogs were recognized as distinct breeds by major kennel clubs such as The United Kennel Club (UKC) and The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC).

While there is still some controversy surrounding their status as a separate breed rather than just a variation of the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully dogs have gained popularity among dog enthusiasts worldwide.

The history of the American Bully breed is closely intertwined with that of its ancestor, the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Many argue that there would be no American Bully today without this predecessor’s genetic contribution.

These dogs share a similar background in blood sports, such as bull-baiting and dogfighting. However, they have since evolved into loving companions known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners.

The American Bully breed’s powerful jaw can be traced back to its working and hunting dog history.

The dog’s jaw strength results from the combination of its physical structure and genetic background. These dogs have broad and powerful heads with well-developed muscles around their jaws, allowing them to exert impressive force.

Choose the right American Bully

The American Bully may seem like a ferocious beast, but they can be quite adorable. It’s a relatively new breed and has been recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club.

While typically healthy, the dogs experience common health issues, including hip and elbow dysplasia, heart disease, and hypothyroidism.

They have amazing features and are fond of children. They’re the perfect family pet because of their obedience and loyalty.

Their five types resemble each other, and the significant differences are in their height, weight, and price range. Overall, the American Bully is recognized globally due to its looks and qualities.