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Non-sporting group · United States

American Bully

Also called Bully, American Bully Standard

A muscular American companion breed whose friendly nature is best served by moderate build and careful breeding choices.

Developed in the United States from the 1990s, the American Bully is a modern companion breed built mainly on American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier lines. Most are outgoing and people loving, but the breed varies hugely in size and build, and exaggerated body shapes can bring health problems.

Original AI-generated breed illustration

Weight

20 to 36 kg

44 to 79 lb

Height

41 to 51 cm

at the shoulder

Life expectancy

10 to 12 yrs

Activity estimate

60 to 90 min

editorial daily planning range

Adult-size estimate

24 months

approximate model input

Life with a American Bully

Two American Bullies can look like different breeds. One may be an athletic 25 kg dog with a moderate muzzle, while another is extremely broad and short-legged, with a massive head and a pushed-in face. That variation is the most important thing to understand before choosing one, because it affects how easily the dog breathes, moves and stays cool, and how long it is likely to live.

The breed began in the United States in the 1990s, when breeders set out to create a family companion with a bulldog-type look and a friendly, stable temperament. Most lines came from American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers, with other bulldog breeds often credited with adding extra bulk. The American Bully Kennel Club, and later the United Kennel Club, wrote standards with several size varieties: Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL.

Temperament is typically confident, affectionate and eager to please. Well-bred Bullies adore people, including visitors, and tend to be playful and tolerant with children. Like many powerful breeds, some are intolerant of other dogs, and their sheer strength makes early training and socialization essential rather than optional.

If you decide on a Bully, look for a moderate dog from health-tested parents: open nostrils, a clearly defined muzzle, a body that moves freely at a trot, and parents that can walk and play without struggling for breath.

What stands out

Health

Health depends heavily on build. Exaggerated types are more prone to breathing problems linked to short muzzles, heat intolerance, hip and elbow dysplasia, and skin allergies. Other issues reported in the breed include eyelid problems such as entropion, cherry eye and some heart conditions.

Read the full health guide

Life expectancy

10 to 12 yrs

Senior care

Individual assessment

age alone does not define care needs

A great match for

families wanting a people-loving companion
owners committed to training and socialization
homes with moderate exercise routines
buyers willing to choose carefully from health-tested lines

Think twice if

health problems in exaggerated builds
can be intolerant of other dogs
poor heat tolerance in heavy types
huge variation in size between varieties

Personality and needs at a glance

Living together

Good with children

Good with other dogs

Open with strangers

Apartment friendly

Copes with alone time

Energy and character

Energy level

Playfulness

Easy to train

Barking

5 means very vocal

Care and climate

Grooming needs

Shedding

Drooling

Handles cold

Handles heat

How much an American Bully eats

Illustrative calculations for neutered adults at midpoint breed weights, with food at 370 kcal per 100 g and 100 g per cup. These are not measured breed requirements. Use actual weight, the food label and veterinary body-condition advice.

Dog	Weight	Calories	Dry food
Female, relaxed lifestyle	25 kg	1100 kcal	295 g (3 cups)
Female, typical pet	25 kg	1250 kcal	340 g (3.5 cups)
Male, typical pet	31 kg	1450 kcal	395 g (4 cups)
Male, very active	31 kg	1820 kcal	490 g (5 cups)

Full American Bully feeding guide Calculate for my dog

Care guides for the American Bully

Feeding5 to 5 cups, depending on build and activity. Bullies are often enthusiastic eaters and gain weight quickly, and extra fat on a stocky frame adds strain to joints and makes breathing harder.Read more Puppy growthPuppies grow quickly in the first six months, and many reach adult height by about 12 months, but the chest, head and muscle continue to fill out until around 2 years, sometimes longer in heavier lines. Weight at eight weeks varies widely between varieties, so compare your puppy with its own parents rather than with charts.Read more ExerciseMost American Bullies need 45 to 60 minutes of activity daily, split between walks and play. Tug, flirt poles, fetch and scent games are favorites, and many adults enjoy obedience, rally or weight pulling.Read more GroomingGrooming is the easy part of Bully ownership. Brush weekly with a rubber mitt to lift dead hair and spread skin oils, and bathe every month or two.Read more TrainingAmerican Bullies are generally keen to please and food motivated, which makes reward-based training effective. Start early with basic manners, loose-lead walking and calm greetings, since a strong adult that pulls or jumps up can be hard to handle.Read more

Things owners are often surprised by

1Developed in the United States during the 1990s as a companion breed
2Registered in size varieties including Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL
3Standard males usually measure 43 to 51 cm (17 to 20 in) at the withers
4Very heavy, short-muzzled builds are linked to breathing and joint strain
5Almost every coat color is accepted, although merle is disqualified by the main registries

American Bully questions

What are the American Bully size varieties?

Registries typically recognize Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL. Pocket males are usually 36 to 43 cm (14 to 17 in) tall. Standard males measure 43 to 51 cm (17 to 20 in). Classic dogs share Standard heights with a lighter frame, and XL males stand above 51 cm (20 in). Weight should always be proportionate to height and build.

Is an American Bully the same as a Pit Bull?

No. The American Bully was developed from American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier lines, but it is a separate breed with its own standards. Bullies are typically heavier, broader and more compact, and were bred as companions rather than working dogs, with temperament goals focused on friendliness toward people.

Are American Bullies good family dogs?

Well-bred, well-socialized Bullies are usually affectionate and playful with families, including children. Their strength means supervision and training are essential, especially around small children who could be knocked over. Some Bullies are less tolerant of other dogs, which households with several pets should weigh carefully.

How can I choose a healthy American Bully puppy?

Meet both parents if possible and check that they move freely, breathe quietly and have moderate builds. Ask for hip and elbow scores, eye and heart checks and evidence of stable temperaments. Avoid extreme features such as very short muzzles, very wide fronts or excessive loose skin, which often come with health costs.

Do American Bullies drool?

Drool levels vary with head shape. Dogs with heavier heads and looser lips drool noticeably, especially after drinking or in hot weather, while tighter-lipped dogs drool little. A towel by the water bowl and a quick wipe of the face after meals keeps things manageable.

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