What is an American bully XL : All you need to know

The American bully is one of the loyal and companion breeds which has become a universally popular dog breed at present. As I have earlier mentioned in some of my articles that , this breed has been classified into 4 different types, namely, classic, standard, pocket and american bully XL.

All of them possess amazing personalities, but if you are wondering about having a larger size and good tempered canine altogether, then you can go for an XL American bully.

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to be aware of XL American bullies. To help you make a wise and informative decision, we will also go through their physique, temperament, behaviour and food diet.

What is an American bully XL?

Let’s discuss in a little bit of detail : what is an American bully XL?

American XL bullies are large-sized dogs which were developed by crossbreeding American pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire bull terriers and different types of bulldogs.

These dogs are well known for their heavy muscular build and loving temperament worldwide. They can be stubborn and wild if we don’t deal with calmness and patience.

Early socialisation and appropriate training methods can only produce civilised and obedient pets for your home.

History of American Bully XL

Tracing the wild ancestry of the XL bullies is crucial for understanding the history of them. During the 16th century, bulldogs were used in sports activities like bull baiting, cock fighting and rat killing.

They became a source of entertainment for the masses.It continued till the British parliament declared such activities illegal and banned them in 1885.

Later, breeders of England crossbred bulldogs, pitbulls and terriers to get a powerful and athletic dog breed.

As a result , it led to the development of two new breeds, i.e Staffordshire bull terriers and Pit Bull terriers. Eventually, American Bullies XL also came into existence.

Though,both XL and XXL American bully are recognised for their massive size and loving disposition. There are only slight differences in height and weight of these canines.

Recognition of an XL American bully

Every kennel club holds its own set of standards and rules. They might be fairly different from one another.

It was the year 2004, when the XL American bully was first recognised by the American bully Kennel Club (ABKC).

Later, it was followed by the United Kennel Club and the bullbread Coalition too.

The American bully Kennel club (ABKC) registered four types under the American bully breed including standard, classic, pocket and XL American bully.

XXL American bully has not been regarded as an official breed by any of the kennel clubs yet.

Physical features of American bully XL

Overall , XL American bullies are good-muscled and heavy-boned canines which were mainly bred to produce impressive-sized dogs.

Let’s discuss in detail some of its specific physical features:

1) Size

Xl American bully was developed through crossbreeding some larger-sized canines while preserving all traits of the standard American bully. DNA of bull mastiffs is often used to attain this XL size.

A male American bully XL can reach 20-23 inches at their shoulders. On the other hand, female American bullies can stand 19-22 inches tall. Their weight ranges between 70 and 120 pounds.

2) Coat

The size of the XL bully is not only the feature that makes it distinct from other American bully breeds. They also possess short,soft and dense coats.

They are found in varied colours, like fawn, black , blue and brindle.

3) Head

Head is another feature that displays XL bullies apart from other American bully dogs. They have slightly larger and narrower heads with square jawlines.

4) Chest

XL American bullies hold a wider and deeper chest in its larger frame. They also have a rounded ribcage and breastbone.

5) Tail

American bully XL can have a short cropped or uncropped tail. Some breeders like to have straight and long tails along with tapering at the ends.

Temperament of XL American bully

Despite having an intimidating appearance, XL American bullies have a gentle and loving disposition. They are excellent with kids.

Apart from this, XL American bully canines always exhibit a keen desire to please their masters.

These dogs are strongly protective towards their owners and family members, so they can do each and everything to their reach for the same.

Thus, they are considered ideal companions and family pets.

They may get aggressive in front of other animals, but their proper socialisation since young age can help in making them civilised and social.

Additionally, XL American bullies are highly intelligent and active. Training them is relatively easier as they are quick to learn all the commands of their masters.

In order to avoid their stubborn nature, reinforcement training methods like rewards and praise will be fruitful.

Grooming requirements of XL American bully

Proper grooming of your XL American bully is also a way to keep it safe and healthy.

They don’t shed their hair too often .Thus, they are regarded as low-maintenance dogs.

Only brushing once to twice a week is required. Bathing them too frequently is avoided, otherwise it may result in drooling.

Other than this, in case your pet has long fur, then trimming around their eyes and ears will help them appear neat and clean.

Common health issues related to XL American bully

1.Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a health issue which arises when hip bones fail to fit correctly.

XL American bullies are highly prone to hip dysplasia due to their heavy and muscular build. It leads to excessive pain and inflexibility.

Hobbling, difficulty in walking, reluctance to play etc are the symptoms of hip dysplasia. Consult the vet in its initial stage only.

2.Elbow dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia is also one of the joint issues which XL American bullies are prone to. Most dogs suffer from this issue.

If three bones, namely the radius, ulna, and humerus of elbows are not fixed correctly, it may lead to pressure on joint areas which causes intense pain and stiffness.

Owners should be highly conscious regarding initial symptoms like limping or slight pain in joints and take immediate action too.

3.Heart disease

American bully XLs are susceptible to some of the inborn health issues including heart failure & dilated cardiomyopathy.

Other factors like obesity, lack of a balanced diet and exercise may also cause heart problems.

Thus, routine checkups are required to be done so that it can be detected & cured in its initial stage.

4.Eye problems

Most of the XL American bullies suffer from the risk of different eye problems, which include Cataracts, Cherry eye, Glaucoma and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA).

Be alert and quick to take the medical advice of the veterinarian.

5.Allergies

XL American bullies may suffer from different kinds of allergies like skin allergies and food allergies.

Food ingredients, mites and some other environmental factors like air, grooming etc can be a cause of allergic reactions.

These reactions may be visible in the form of itchiness, redness in the skin, inflammation etc.

So ,it is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the real cause and get a standard solution for these allergies.

6.Bloating

XL bullies are most likely to suffer from bloating due to their larger size than other canines.

Bloating, also called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a deadly disease chiefly caused due to overfeeding.

7.Dental problems

Dental problems are the most common problem in the XL American bully. Make sure that it brushes its teeth regularly and have regular checkup every year.

Exercises requirements

Exercises play an essential role in maintaining the healthy lifestyle of large-sized dogs like the XL American bully.

American bullies XL are a highly active and enthusiastic dog breed that requires at least 1 hour of heavy exercise. Exercises enable them to utilise their energy in positive activities rather than in destruction.

Lack of exercise leads to boredom. This may also result in aggression in them. Apart from this, these canines are highly prone to obesity or being overweight.

However, intense exercises like long walks, weight pulling and fetching can surely put a check on their weight increase.Thus, exercises help in keeping both their mind and body healthy.

Dog owners should take care of their physical health and spend some leisure time with them in order to avoid their dangerous nature.

Food and nutrition

Like an American bully, XL is a high-powered and muscular breed, so it requires a high protein-rich diet including essential carbohydrates and fats. Also, vitamins and minerals are helpful in keeping bones strong and maintaining healthy skin.

Protein abundant foods like raw meat, cooked meat and bones should be included in their diet in an appropriate measure. Moreover , grains and vegetables can be provided in vegetarian items for XL bullies allergic to meat.

The following things are required to be kept in mind while diet planning your XL American bully :

• Avoid any processed or junk food . Instead, make them consume premium quality foods, especially for large breeds like XL and XXL American bullies.

• Plan the eating pattern of your pet, being conscious of its age and size. A puppy of American XL bully requires several servings a day nearly 2-3 times daily due to their rapid growth, while 1-2 servings will be enough for an adult.

• Level of physical or mental activities per day also affects the diet of the XL bully.

• Make available plenty of fresh water for them.

As a responsible owner, be highly alert regarding the overfeeding of your canine.

Overfeeding of the XL bully can lead to obesity in them even in a shorter time period. Thus, ensure regular checkups of their weight.

Once, consult about the diet plan of your pet with a veterinarian too.

Training and behaviour

Training your XL American bully can become an easy task for you if you adopt appropriate techniques to train .

The following are some of the tips to be followed for ensuring the good behaviour of an XL American bully:

A) Start with simple commands

First, start with simple commands like stand ,sit and come. Then gradually shift to complex commands such as bark or bite.

B) Be calm and patient

You need to be calm and patient enough while training your pet.It may take some time to learn a few commands or some may be learnt too quickly by them.

C) Use positive reinforcement techniques

Use positive reinforcement in the form of rewards or praise , when they follow correctly . It will enable the XL bully to learn very quickly.

D) Don’t be harsh towards them

Providing any harsh punishment while training your bully XL can make them stubborn and even aggressive. So, never be too lenient or too strict.

E) Be consistent

Consistency is one of the most significant factors . Be consistent with the commands you want your bully to learn.

F) Socialisation

Early socialization plays a significant role in developing positive social behaviour and patterns. Taking your pet for short walks to your neighbour’s park and introducing other animals will result in it being a well-mannered & civilised dog.

Cost of owning an XL American bully

The average cost of an American bully XL is $ 2000. However, it can range between $1500- $3500 depending upon their genealogy, breeders and health standards.

Getting American XL bully from reputable breeders costs more due to higher health standards.

Other costs of owning American bullies XL also include their higher quality food diet, health care , interactive toys , grooming and brushing.

Guide to choose the best XL American bully for you

If you want to have a fully healthy XL American bully, then be sure to follow these suggestions

• The most significant part of getting a healthy pet is to find an ethical breeder who follows all breeding standards while breeding. You may inquire about them from their previous customers.

• Visit personally to meet your breeder and puppies. Observe the conditions and area in which they are kept. Moreover, people come across the puppies to understand their behaviour and their temperament.

• Be mindful to check on the physical features like head, chest, coats etc to ensure the physical wellness of your XL bully.

• Review the health records of your puppy and its parents.

• Make sure to provide comfortable living conditions and proper care for your American bully XL.

FAQs

Q1.how are xl bullies made?

Ans. American XL bullies are large size dogs which were developed by crossbreeding American pitbull Terriers, American Staffordshire bull terriers and different types of bulldogs.

Q2. Are xl bullies aggressive?

Ans. Despite having an intimidating appearance, XL American bullies have a gentle and loving disposition. They are excellent with kids. They may get aggressive in front of other animals but their proper socialisation since younger age can help in making them civilised and social.

Q3.How tall is XL bully?

Ans. A male American bully XL can reach 20-23 inches at their shoulders. On the other hand, female American bullies can stand 19-22 inches tall.

Q4.Are XL bullies good family dogs?

Ans. These dogs are friendly and strongly protective towards their owners and family members, Thus they are considered ideal companions and family dogs.

Q5. Is a XL Bully loyal?

Ans. Yes, XL bullies are so loyal towards their family members that they can do everything to their reach for their protection.