The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) has established a set of standards that breeders and owners must adhere to. The ABKC is the oldest and largest registry for the American Bully breed, and their standards are widely recognized as the gold standard for the breed.
The ABKC standards emphasize the importance of a muscular, athletic build, with a broad chest and well-sprung ribs. A well-structured American Bully should have a deep, broad chest that is capable of supporting its muscular body.
In terms of size, ABKC standards specify that American Bullies should weigh between 70 and 120 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. Males typically stand between 17 and 20 inches tall at the shoulder, while females stand between 16 and 19 inches tall.
A well-proportioned American Bully should have a short, easy-to-maintain coat that comes in a variety of colors, including fawn, brindle, and merle. The coat should be short and smooth, with no wrinkles or folds.
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Breed History
The American Bully breed has its roots in the American Pit Bull Terrier, which has maintained its characteristic appearance and temperament for over 100 years.
The American Bully breed was developed as a natural extension of the APBT, evolving into a distinct breed with a unique build and structure.
Several other breeds, including the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge, have subtly influenced the American Bully breed.
The American Bully breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club on July 15, 2013, marking an official acknowledgment of its status as a distinct breed.
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American Bully Standards
The American Bully Standards are quite specific and essential to understand if you're a breeder or owner of this breed. Males typically range from 17 to 20 inches in height, while females are slightly shorter, ranging from 16 to 19 inches.
The American Bully moves with a confident and proud attitude, with a gait that's effortless and powerful. This breed's gait should be unrestrained, free, and vigorous with powerful drive off the rear.
Heavily muscled, massive, bulky body types are not penalized in the Standard American Bully. Pocket Bully dogs are simply shorter than the Standard American Bully, with males under 17 inches and females under 16 inches at the withers.
The Classic Bully variety is a lighter-framed dog than the Standard, but still falls within the same height range of 17 to 20 inches for males and 16 to 19 inches for females.
Size and Classification
The American Bully is a breed that comes in a range of sizes, and understanding these sizes is crucial for responsible breeding and ownership.
An XL type is determined by its adult height, with males 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm), and females 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm), at the withers.
American Bully: Kennel Club Recognition and Challenges
The American Bully has been recognized by some kennel clubs, but not all. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed in 1999.
The UKC recognized the breed with a specific breed standard, which includes a muscular build and a broad, flat head. The breed standard also specifies a short, easy-to-maintain coat.
Despite recognition by some kennel clubs, the American Bully has faced challenges in its acceptance as a legitimate breed. Some critics have argued that the breed is too aggressive or has health issues.
However, many breeders and owners argue that the breed is loving and gentle, and that with proper care and training, they can make great family pets.
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