American Bully

This article is about the dog breed. For the film, see Anytown (film).

American Bully
American Bully
Common nicknames Am. Bully
Bully
Origin United States
Traits
Weight 30–50 kg (66–110 lb)
Height 33–50 cm (13–20 in)
Coat Short, smooth and glossy
Color All colors, except merle
Litter size 4-8
Life span 8-12 years
Classification / standards
UKC Companion Dog standard
Notes ABKC standard
Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris)

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.

History

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]

ABKC Classic Champion Nova

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

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.

Classic

UKC Champion Charlie Muscles

The original American Bully style is the Classic; these dogs do not display the exaggerated features often found in the other varieties, and arguably display clearer UKC American Pit Bull Terrier/American Staffordshire Terrier lineage.[6]

The Classic is a lighter frame dog than the Standard but falls within the same height range; male dogs must be 17 to 20 in (43 to 51 cm) while females must be 16 to 19 in (41 to 48 cm). Although lighter framed, classic dogs should not be confused with dogs that lack breed type.

Standard

Standard Type - Ch P'nut

The Standard type is a compact, muscular dog with a large block head.

Pocket

Pocket Type - Ch Lucky Luciano

The basic standard height for a Pocket Bully is different for males and females. Males are slightly larger than the females. Males are under 17 inches (43 cm) and no shorter than 14 inches (36 cm) at the withers. Females under 16 inches (40cm) and no shorter than 13 inches (33 cm).[2] Other than the height, Pocket Bullies are built similarly to the standard variety.

XL

Arguably the type showing the greatest diversity in appearance, the XL was created by mixing dogs other than just the pitbulls (i.e. Cane Corso, Neo mastiffs, etc. ) These tend to be heavily muscled animals.[7]

Unofficial types

Outside of the breed standard dogs shorter or taller than named, and, more exaggerated dogs have been bred under the American Bully name. Smaller dogs are sometimes called "Micro" and larger ones are called "XXL", but neither are recognized by the kennel clubs as legitimate varieties. Previously a fifth category was accepted, Extreme, however as the breed is intended to be an exaggerated breed the ABKC removed the category for show purposes.

Temperament

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.[8] 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

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.[9] 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.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 "United Kennel Club: American Bully" (PDF). Official UKC Breed Standard. July 2013.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "The American Bully Registry". theabkcdogs.org. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  3. ↑ "American Bully Dog Breed Information and Pictures". www.dogbreedinfo.com. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  4. ↑ "Razors Edge Bloodline History".
  5. ↑ "Breed Standards : American Bully - United Kennel Club (UKC)". www.ukcdogs.com. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  6. ↑ Magazine, BULLY KING (March 3, 2017). "Everything You Need To Know About The Fastest Growing Dog Breed: The American Bully". Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  7. ↑ ATHERTON, EVIE (May 9, 2017). "What is an American Bully?". Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  8. ↑ "American bully dogs bred as lovers, not fighters". August 24, 2010. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  9. ↑ Group, Sinclair Broadcast. "The New Breed: Is there trouble with designer dog breeding?". Retrieved September 27, 2018.
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