The American Bully is a recently formed companion dog breed, originally recognized by the

American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC). It has been recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC)
since July 15, 2013.[1] It is a small to large breed which has been divided into four
categories; Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL.
Founded in the United States between 1980 and 1990, the American Bully was produced using a
foundation of American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers bred to
several bulldog-type breeds.[1] It was created with the purpose of being a family companion
dog.[1][2][3]
While some of the founding kennels, namely Razor's Edge owner Dave Wilson, affirmed that
they used only the two first aforementioned breeds to produce the desired dogs, it is consensus
that at least five other breeds were used to attain the more "bully" physical traits desired. These
are assumed to be the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, Staffordshire
Bull Terrier and French Bulldog.[4][5]
According to ABKC the initial desire for this breed was to produce a dog with a lower drive and
more of the "bully" traits than the American Staffordshire Terrier. Mass and heavy bone was
prioritized to ensure such a look, and due to this many of the dogs shown today display the wide
front for which they were originally bred.[2]
The breed was first recognized by its breed club, the American Bully Kennel Club, in 2004.[2] This
registry first acted as a means to document pedigrees and show the breed against its written
standard.
During the early years of the breed, a wide spectrum of dogs were shown, many displaying
physical traits of the other introduced breeds; these were penalized heavily by the registry,
forcing owners and breeders of such dogs to create new means to show their style of dog without
being rejected.

Varieties[edit]
Within the ABKC, the four varieties are separated by height without specification of weight. All
these varieties are expected to follow the same standard with minor alterations.[2]
All dogs are classified and shown as Standard until they reach a year of age, at which point they
are separated into the varieties and shown against their own type.

Standard[edit]
A standard American Bully

The standard American Bully type is a medium size dog with a compact bulky muscular body,
heavy bone structure and blocky head. Male dogs must be 17 to 20 in (43 to 51 cm) while
females must be 16 to 19 in (41 to 48 cm).

Pocket[edit]

Pocket Type

The "pocket" type is a smaller variant with full-grown males under 17 inches (43 cm), but no less
than 14 inches (36 cm), at the withers and females under 16 inches (40cm), but no less than 13
inches (33 cm), at the withers.

XL[edit]
An XL type is determined by its adult height, with males between 20 inches (51 cm) and 23
inches (57 cm) at the withers and females between 19 inches (48 cm) and 22 inches (54 cm) at
the withers.

Classic[edit]

A classic type

The classic is a lighter frame dog than the standard but falls within the same height range. These
dogs do not display the exaggerated features often found in the other varieties, and arguably
display clearer American Pit Bull Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier lineage.[6]

Unofficial types[edit]
Outside of the breed standard, dogs shorter or taller than the named variations have been bred.
Smaller dogs are sometimes called "Micro" and larger ones are called "XXL", but neither are
recognized by the kennel clubs as legitimate varieties.

Temperament[edit]
The American Bully is a highly adaptable breed, often acting as a laid back companion dog in the
home while showing a zest for life and energy while outside.[7] Many dogs, despite acting as lap
dogs in the home, do well in sports such as weight pull and flirt pole. Despite excelling in such
sports and public misconception, dog and human aggression is discouraged in the breed.[1]

Health[edit]
Health problems vary within the breed, and span the entire spectrum; with some varieties being
plagued by problems, and others being well documented for health and quality.[8] Testing is not
as common place in the breed as in older breeds; though hip and elbow scoring are the most
frequently conducted. Cherry eye, ectropion and entropion are often seen affecting the eyes;
while Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome can be seen in the shorter muzzled dogs.