Have you ever come across a dog breed that leaves you in awe of its strength, beauty, and loyalty? Well, let me introduce you to the American Bully. This remarkable breed has gained popularity in recent years, captivating the hearts of dog lovers all around the world. But what exactly is an American Bully? Let’s discuss its history, different classes, coat colors & patterns, as well as the cost of an American Bully puppy.
A Brief History of the American Bully
The American Bully originated in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. It was developed as a companion breed, focusing on temperament, loyalty, and family-friendly qualities. The breed was created by crossing various bulldog and terrier breeds, including the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, and various bulldog types. Some theories even suggest a genetic influence coming from various mastiff breeds within some of the bloodlines.
Although the American Bully shares some similarities with its cousin, the American Pit Bull Terrier, it is essential to note that they are distinct breeds. The American Bully was selectively bred for a more compact, muscular build, and a friendly and gentle nature – as a companion. These dogs were intended to serve as loving family pets rather than for dog fighting and dog sport, which the American Pit Bull Terrier was originally bred for.
As the breed gained recognition and popularity, breeders began to focus on refining its traits. The American Bully quickly became recognized for its exceptional temperament, loyalty, and striking appearance, leading to its classification as a separate breed.
The Different Classes of the American Bully
The American Bully is classified into four main classes: Standard, XL, Pocket, and Classic. Each class has its unique characteristics, size, and weight range. Please note that the overall height of the dog is what classifies the class – not the weight of the dog. When measuring a Bully or any dog for height, measurements are taken while the dog is standing, starting from the withers to the bottom of the feet. The withers on a dog are located at the highest point of the shoulders, where the neck and the back meet. It’s the ridge between the shoulder blades.
The Standard American Bully is the largest class and typically weighs between 70 to 120 pounds which is proportionate to their height of 17 to 20 inches at the withers in males and 16 to 19 inches in females. These dogs have a strong, muscular build and possess an imposing presence. Despite their size, they are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them excellent family companions.
The XL American Bully is an even larger class, with males weighing over 100 pounds and females weighing around 70 to 90 pounds which is proportionate to their height of 20 to 23 inches at the withers in males and 19 to 22 inches in females These giants are known for their impressive size, athleticism, and loyalty. Despite their intimidating appearance, they are gentle giants and make wonderful family pets.
The Pocket American Bully is a smaller class, with males weighing between 50 to 70 pounds and females weighing around 40 to 60 pounds. They are compact and muscular, with a more manageable size for those who prefer a smaller dog. The weight of the dog is proportionate to their height of 14 to 17 inches at the withers in males and 13 to 16 inches in females. Pocket Bullies are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.
The Classic American Bully falls between the Standard and Pocket classes in terms of size. Males typically weigh between 60 to 80 pounds, while females weigh around 50 to 70 pounds. They have a well-balanced and muscular build, with a compact frame which is proportionate to their height 17 to 20 inches in males, and 16 to 19 inches in females. The Classic Bully variety is an American Bully with a lighter build (less bone) and less body mass (less substance) compared to the Standard American Bully. Apart from this, the Classic Bully follows the same standard as the Standard American Bully. Classic Bullies are known for their versatility and adaptability, making them suitable for various lifestyles.
Recognition of the American Bully
The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) was the first registry to officially recognize the American Bully as a distinct breed. This recognition occurred in the early 2000s when the breed’s popularity was on the rise. The ABKC played a crucial role in establishing breed standards and promoting responsible breeding practices for the American Bully.
Today, there are several reputable registries that recognize the American Bully, including the United Kennel Club (UKC), and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA). These organizations ensure that breeders adhere to strict standards and guidelines to maintain the integrity of the breed.
It’s worth noting that despite the American Bully’s physical similarities to the Pit Bull, they are two distinct breeds. While they share a common ancestry, the American Bully has been selectively bred to have a more gentle and sociable temperament, setting it apart from the more aggressive reputation often associated with Pit Bulls.
Coat Colors and Patterns of the American Bully
The American Bully comes in a wide range of coat colors and patterns, adding to its overall allure. From classic colors to rare and unique shades, there’s a perfect Bully for everyone’s aesthetic preference.
Some of the common coat colors include fawn, blue, black, red, and white. These colors can appear in various patterns, such as solid, piebald, brindle, ticking/ticked, tan point (tricolor), and merle (which features a stunning blotched combination of hues). Additionally, there are some newer and rarer colors emerging within the breed, such as lilac, champagne, and chocolate, which are also stunning base colors to the various patterns of the Bully.
It’s important to note that while coat colors and patterns are visually appealing, the temperament, health, and overall well-being of the dog should always be the primary consideration when choosing an American Bully.
The Cost of an American Bully Puppy
The cost of an American Bully puppy can vary depending on several factors, including the breeder’s reputation, the bloodline of the puppy, and the specific class and quality of the dog. On average, you can expect to pay between $1,500 to $15,000 for a well-bred American Bully puppy. The price would also take into consideration whether you are looking for a companion only (which will be under contract to spay or neuter), or a Bully puppy with full breeding and show rights.
When considering the cost, it’s important to remember that responsible breeders invest a significant amount of time, effort, and resources into breeding healthy and well-socialized puppies. By purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder, you are more likely to get a dog with the desired traits, proper health screenings and vet history, and ongoing support from the breeder.
While the upfront cost of an American Bully puppy may seem steep, it is crucial to consider the long-term commitment and expenses involved in owning a dog. Providing proper nutrition, healthcare, training, and overall well-being for your beloved Bully will require ongoing financial investment.
Is the American Bully the Right Breed for You?
The American Bully is a remarkable breed that has captured the hearts of many dog enthusiasts. With its fascinating history, diverse classes, striking coat colors and patterns, and loyal temperament, the American Bully offers something for everyone. If you’re considering adding an American Bully to your family, be sure to connect with reputable breeders who prioritize the well-being and preservation of this remarkable breed.
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