The American bully is a recently popularized breed which appeared between the 1980s and 1990s in the United States. American pitbull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers and different bulldog breeds were crossbred to attain this unique combo. There are different American bully types available holding their individual features and traits.
American bully dogs possess heavy and muscular structures which provide them with a formidable appearance. Yet, they come up as amazing companions and family pets. They can grow up to the height of 17 to 20 inches and their average weight typically ranges between 66 and 88 pounds.
The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) was the first to recognize the American bully breed in 2004. Subsequently, It was followed by United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2013. Initially, the American bully was divided into four major types, namely, Standard, Classic, Pocket and XL bully. Later on, XXL bully was also included in it.
If we talk about the weight of each type, then it varies as per their size, but it should be in proportion to their body frame. Besides, the life expectancy of these canines also differs depending upon their health, exercise, diet and overall care provided to them.
The American Bully Kennel Club has established the standard features of all types described below :
Table of Contents
1) Standard American bully
Standard American bully was initially developed in the year 1990s as a show version of American pitbull terriers. The average height for the male standard bully ranges between 17 and 20 inches. On the other hand, female standard bullies can withstand 16 to 19 inches at their withers.
Some of the official standards set up by ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club) for standard bullies include :
- Standard American bullies hold massive and heavy heads along with well-defined jaw bones, which must be in proportion to their body.
- Their muscular and sturdy structure with their enlarged chest provides them an intimidating appearance.
- They can have either almond or oval-shaped eyes situated low on the skull, apart from each other. All colors are equally acceptable except albinism (pink to red) and blue. The blue color eyes are the symbol of the lack of pigmentation, which is totally undesirable.
- The top line of the nose and snout of standard bullies lie in a straight line. They have short to medium-sized muzzles which ensure a normal breathing process.
- They have an average weight of about 90 to 120 pounds.
- The average lifespan of the standard bully is about 10 to 12 years, but it can be extended to 15 years.
2) Classic American bully
The Classic American bully and standard American bully follow similar standards, but classic bullies hold less body mass and a lighter body frame. They follow the same height standards as the standard American bully, i.e. 17 to 20 inches for males and 16 to 19 inches for females.
The general standards setup for the classic American bullies include :
- They exhibit the appearance of more traditional American pitbull terriers.
- Classic bullies also hold large heads and clear-cut jaws along with highly situated upright ears.
- They can have almond or oval-shaped eyes of any color. Only round or bulging eyes are undesirable. Poorly pigmented and Albino eyes are not acceptable.
- Their short to medium muzzles do not interfere with their normal breathing as their muzzles and nose form a straight line.
- The weight of classic bullies ranges between 60 and 90 pounds.
- The classic bully lived somewhat less than the standard bully, i.e. 10 to 12 years.
3) Pocket American bullies
The pocket bully is a muscular, smaller and compact form of the standard bully. They follow all similar standards to standard bullies except being different in their size. A male pocket bully can rise 14 to 17 inches at the withers and a female pocket bully can grow 13-16 inches in height.
Pocket bullies follow the following general standards:
- A sturdy appearance with a broad head, broad chest and well-defined jaws.
- Almond or oval-shaped eyes in any color are acceptable except highly pigmented eyes and Albino. Round and bulging eyes are also considered faults.
- Broad and powerful jaws along with the lower one swinging downwards.
- Due to their short neck, it seems like their body is directly attached to their head.
- Muzzles don’t affect their breathing process.
- Smaller than other types of bullies and their average weight ranges between 25 and 40 pounds.
4) XL American bully
Xl American bully is the largest type of American bully as recognized by the American bully kennel club (ABKC). Xl American bullies have a similar body structure to standard bullies but are heavier and taller than them.
The average height for the xl bully ranges between 20 and 23 inches for the male and its female counterpart can rise about 19–22 inches in height.
The following are the standards for the XL American bully dogs :
- Xl American bullies have the same body type as standard bullies but are bulkier and taller than other American bully types.
- Narrow and longer head along with well-defined cheek muscles and square jaw lines.
- They may have almond and oval-shaped eyes. Pigmented eyes, round eyes or bulging eyes are undesirable.
- Xl American bullies have short to medium-sized muzzles with a nose forming a line allowing normal breathing.
- Their average weight ranges between 70 and 120 pounds.
- They have wider and deeper chests in their large frames. These canines have a rounded rib cage and a breastbone.
- Can have slightly loose skin in the region of their neck.
5) XXL American bully
The XXL American bully is considered one of the newly popularized breeds known for its heavier and more muscular body frame. It has not been declared as an official breed by any of the kennel clubs due to its weight and large size.
XXL bullies can reach a minimum height of about 23 inches at their shoulders. They are also known as extreme bullies.
The following are the general standards for extreme American bullies :
- The head of the XXL bully is of a round shape and wider than XL bullies, but it should be in proportion to their body.
- They have a wider chest and a large skull with hanging out jaws. Their oval or almond shaped eyes of any color are set high on the head.
- These dogs should have short to medium-sized muzzles which should line with their nose and enable normal breathing.
- The skin around the canines’ neck can be slightly loose or tight.
- Their weight ranges between 120 and 200 pounds and the hind legs of these dogs are slightly turned out.
Different American bully bloodlines
Bloodlines refers to the set of ancestors, especially with reference to the desirable traits bred into them. The quality of the American bully bloodlines is discovered through the characteristics and temperament it inherited from its ancestors.
In order to produce a superior quality puppy, dogs with great bloodlines are bred. Let’s discuss some of the popular bully bloodlines :
1) The Razor’s Edge Bloodline
The Razor’s Edge Bloodline is one of the most popular bully breeds, which was created by “Dave Wilson”. It exhibits largely the features of a Pitbull. Kennels who hold the specialization in xl and xxl bullies mostly bred this bloodline.
Dave started developing the canines when there was no existence of American bullies with the aim of producing athletic and strong dogs. As a result, he produced the best pitbull terriers.
But soon a ban was imposed on the breed by the U.K. government. Next, he used his knowledge and did several experiments with genes of different breeds. Eventually, Razors Edge Bloodline came into existence.
2) Kurupt Bloodline
The Kurupt bloodline is one of the newest popular additions to the American bully breed. One of the well known breeders of the bloodline in the US is Bossy Kennels. They produce xl-sized and other giant dogs. Regardless of having a frightening appearance, these dogs have gentle and calm dispositions.
Kurupt bloodline “The Panic” is a giant male American bully whose head is 27 inches. So, the genes of this giant canine are used to produce large-sized bullies. Several breeders exhibit their reluctance to accept this bloodline as a part of an American bully breed.
3) Edge Of Gottiline
The Edge of Gottiline is a kennel which is chiefly known for producing small-sized bullies, also known as Micro bullies. They produce pitbulls with short and broad bodies.
So, if you prefer to have a muscular and short dog with a lovable demeanor irrespective of its size, then you should go for Edge of Gottiline.
4) Golden Line Bloodline
This kennel is also famous for producing small-sized lovable bullies. Different kennels produce various breeds in this bloodline based upon their specialization. For example, one kennel produces xl bully Golden line and the other produces pocket or micro bully golden line.
They become good lapdogs which fit in the family and with kids very well.
5) Remy Line Bloodline
This bloodline was developed from Razor’s Edge Bloodline by Fabian Chichester in 2004. A male from the Razor’s Edge named Remy Martin and a female Pitbull Terrier named Bella were crossbred to produce this unique bloodline. This fusion was named “Remy” and thus, the Remyline bloodline came into existence.
There are more than 1000 Remyline bullies in the United States, but the demand is still high for the same. One of the significant features of this Bloodline which makes it apart from others is that it has been created from the same male breed which provides all Remyline dogs a similar appearance.
6) Colby Pitbull Bloodline
Colby Pitbull Bloodline is a massive and muscular bloodline with long legs. It is over 100 years old, which is highly suitable for sports activities. Their fierce appearance along with their bad temper don’t prove them good pets or lapdogs.
So, if you desire to have a sporty and xl or xxl sized canine, then, you can look out for Colby Pitbull bloodline. Recently, this bloodline is highly demanded in America.
7) Gottiline Pitbull Bloodline
This is quite another interesting bloodline which was popularized by Richard Barajas. He brought a dog from GreyLine Kennels in 1997 when his first dog died. It was known as Notorious Juan Gotty.
Thereafter, Gottiline Pitbull Bloodline became popular, and its fame gradually spread in the Philippines, China, Canada and Japan. They look quite frightening but have a calm nature. This Bloodline is also used in sports activities like weight pulling, bullfighting and many more.
8) Kingpin Line
The Kingpin Line is a combination of both an intimidating appearance and a calm disposition. They hold a passive type of personality which means they don’t get angry too easily. Thus, they can become good pets too.
This bloodline has also been existing for a long time. It is owned by Mr. J Lomeli, an ethical breeder who enjoys esteemed honor in this field.
9) Nakamoto Bloodline
These breeders are known to produce exotic breeds of bullies. A family had been running a business which used to produce pitbulls since the early 1980s. So, the kennel was named after the son of the family, Jack Nakamoto.
They started producing American bullies in 2010. Karate Kid of the Bully Campline or a pedigree Nakamoto bully are the main breeding parents of this Bloodline. The best feature about this kennel is that it employs vet-certified methods for producing the finest quality of bullies.
10) Bully Camp Line
Mr. Miagi is the name of the most common American bully and this dog lies at the top of this bloodline in the Bully Camp Line. Most of the exotic and iconic bullies belong to either the Razor’s Edge bloodline or the Bully Camp Line.
This highly reputed kennel owns Mr Miagi and makes the best use of this bloodline for producing healthy and high quality dogs. Due to the ideal features of this bloodline, breeders across the world use direct descendants of this bloodline to produce new versions of it. Thus, they run heavy in demand.
Temperament of the American bullies
American bully dogs are not bred as an aggressive breed as their ancestors. In spite of having an intimidating appearance, American bullies are good-tempered and affectionate dogs. The following are the traits of the American bully which will help you with a better understanding of their disposition :
Affectionate & Friendly :
The American bully is a loving and friendly dog breed who loves to be around more people. Moreover, they are extremely pleased when they are near their loved ones.
Excellent companions :
These canines are capable of becoming great companions and family pets. They build a strong bond of love and belongingness with their owners.
Loving towards kids :
Being a gentle breed, American bullies also get along very well with children.
Playful nature :
Due to their playful nature , they become a good source of entertainment for their owners. Hence, they require early socialization and proper training.
Loyalty :
American bully dogs are extremely loyal towards their owners and other family members. They can do anything to protect them. Hence, they become great guard dogs too.
Final thoughts
If you are in search of a powerful and sweet-natured canine altogether, then an American bully could be a perfect choice. There are four different types of American bullies which have been categorized as per their size. It includes Standard, Classic, Pocket and XL bully. Moreover, different bloodlines of American bullies possess their unique individualistic traits. Hence, you can own the suitable variant as per your needs and preferences.
FAQs :
Q1. How many types of American Bully are there?
Ans. The American bully is divided into four major types, namely, Standard, Classic, Pocket and XL bully.
Q2. Is an American Bully aggressive?
Ans. They are just the opposite of their appearance. In spite of having an intimidating appearance, American bullies are good-tempered and affectionate dogs.
Q3. Is American Bully a family dog?
Ans. American bullies build a strong bond of love and belongingness with their owners. Hence, they come out as excellent family pets.
Q4. List out some of the top bloodlines in the bully breed ?
Ans. The top 10 bloodlines of the bully breeds include :
- The Razor’s Edge Bloodline
- Kurupt Bloodline
- Edge Of Gottiline
- RemyLine Bloodline
- Colby Pitbull Bloodline
- Golden Line Bloodline
- Gottiline Pitbull Bloodline
- Kingpin Line
- Nakamoto Bloodline
- Bully Camp Line
Hey there! I am Raj Saraf, a 23-year-old guy from India behind this awesome blog. Currently, I am pursuing my Master’s degree in English literature. Being a great admirer of this fascinating American bully dog breed, I did extensive and comprehensive research to my optimal level. During this, I got to know about some new and interesting facts about them, which encouraged me to go ahead. Moreover, I am fond of sharing my experiences and knowledge with you all! I hope you enjoy reading my blogs, and feel free to share any experiences or opinions about this amazing breed in the comments section below.