UNDERSTANDING THE AMERICAN BULLY TEMPERAMENT

INTRODUCTION

American bully is one of the most popular and beloved breeds that has gained immense prestige for its great physique and appearance worldwide. Other than its physical characteristics, understanding of The American bully temperament is also one of the significant aspects.

Recently, dogs have been like man’s best friend. The majority of people love to have dogs specifically fascinating breeds like American bully as their pets and companion as well. Apart from this, some huge admirers of it are ever curious to know more about them.

I hope you too are a great fan of it!

If you are a dog owner, you might have surely come across certain traits and habits of your dog that you haven’t noticed in other dogs of the specific breed. This is due to the temperament and behavior they acquired. They differ from one another. However, I feel it’s essential to deal with this issue.

If we talk particularly about the American bully breed then, hardly a few of us know true facts about their disposition & temperament.

So here we will impart you thorough and precise knowledge about American bully temperament.

WHAT IS TEMPERAMENT?

W. Handel, a German Police Dog Trainer mentioned in his article: “The Psychological Basis of Temperament Testing,” defines temperament as:

“ the total of all inborn and acquired physical and psychological qualities and talents which determines and regulates behavior in the environment.”

In other words, temperament refers to overall personality and psychological tendency. Different manners in which dog responds to a particular environment is due to their temperament only. It determines whether the dog possesses a calm & loving disposition or aggression.

WHAT INFLUENCES TEMPERAMENT?

The temperament of any dog is the outcome of their nature and nurture. Two of them are equally significant and run in parallel. Nature refers to the genetic or inherent factors while Nurture is all about their environment and surroundings.

Some fragile aspects of a dog’s behavior cannot be fully determined. Researchers conducted a study in 2014 on puppies to predict their adult behavior. The result was that the adult dog traits can’t be exactly predicted based on puppy’s behavior.

The puppy which may be fearful can result in the most friendly and loving family dog. This is also mentioned by the “Institute of Canine Biology” that “Heritability for most behavioral traits is quite low”.

Heritability is the influence of genes on a dog’s particular traits. It determines the effect of genetic factors on their behaviour. Heritability may be high or low. If a dog is likely to possess the preferred same genes then heritability will be considered high.

Otherwise, it may be affected greatly by nongenetic factors i.e. environmental factors. You can read more about Heritability here…

According to Institute of biology,aggression and fear have reasonable heritability. Heritability played a significant role in breeding history of American bully breed as breeders aim was to eliminate all destructive traits of American bully.

Each dog possesses certain natural traits and characteristics suitable for a specific breed. But in case some of such traits are missing or varies in the same breed dog then it is considered inappropriate for the selective breeding process. Extreme Aggression, fear, physical disability,or mental flaws are included in it.

It is the major responsibility of reliance breeder to ensure the wellness and suitability of their dogs for breeding.

You can read some interesting information at the American Temperament Test Society, which focuses on different aspects of temperament.

TEMPERAMENT OF THE AMERICAN BULLY

Despite their sturdy and powerful look, American bully is renowned for their calm, loyal, and affectionate demeanor. All types of American bullies either classic,standard, pocket, XL, or XXL are well-mannered and even-tempered and display a high willingness to please their masters along with a loving attitude towards children and other animals.

Owing to their very defensive conduct, they can reach any horizon to defend themselves and their loved ones. All these traits make them perfect family dogs.

The breed’s friendly and obedient behavior turns them to be less aggressive is merely a misperception. The temperament of American bullies may vary from one another as it entirely depends upon several factors such as genetics, environment, training, and socialization.

Early socialization and appropriate training along with positive reinforcement play a crucial role in forming a positive attitude and kind behavior.

Let’s discuss little bit more about  the influence of factors upon American bully

1) Socialisation

Socialization is the process of exposing American bully to distinct environments in which they acquire social attitudes, standards, appropriate behaviour and traits.

It also enables them to cope up in different conditions. Socialisation since their younger age results in developing calm, relaxed and pleasant behaviour that enables to handle them easily .

2) Training

Appropriate Training is another crucial factor that influences the temperament and behavior of American bully. Positive reinforcement approaches such as praise and rewards prove to be highly effective in building the overall personality of an American bully.

Punishing, abusing or any other harsh methods lead to fear or aggression in them. They may even turn out to be unsafe for other pets and human beings as well.

3) Exercise

Ample exercise and playtime in spacious and comfortable surroundings are crucial in making them satisfied and happy. It prevents them from boredom and any other kind of destructive acts. Regular exercise proves the statement “A healthy mind resides in a healthy body” true.

FINAL ENDING

Understanding the temperament of American bully is essential for their well-being and successful ownership. Though American bully is well known for their friendliness and kind nature, it is essential to remember them as still powerful dogs and fix limits for them. Proper training and clear leadership are indeed important in preventing their aggression or dominance.

While discussing about the temperament of American bully, early socialization, ample exercise, a stimulating environment and their relationship with other animals are some of the significant factors to be considered. Eventually, it will enable you to build a harmonious and everlasting bond with your dog.

Hope you enjoy your reading smoothly !

Check out history of American bully for more information about it.

FAQs

Q1 .Do American Bullies have good temperament?

Ans. American bully is renowned for its calm, loyal and affectionate demeanor. All types of American bullies either standard, pocket, XL or XXL are well mannered and even tempered that display high willingness to please their masters along with loving attitude towards children and other animals.

Q2.Do American bullies get aggressive?

Ans.In case if they don’t get Proper socialisation at their younger age and appropriate training with positive reinforcement ,it may result in destructive behaviour such as Aggression or dominance.

Q3.Do American bullies love their owners?

Ans. Despite their sturdy and powerful look, They are highly eager to please their masters along with loving attitude towards children and other animals.

Q4.What influences the temperament of American bully?

Ans.Several crucial factors such as genetics, environment, training and socialisation extremely influences the temperament of American bully.