American Bullies: Looks Can Be Deceiving

American Bullies were created using a foundation of American Pitbull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. These Bullies were founded between 1980 and 1990 in the United States and were created to be family companion dogs. There are different Bully breeds, including:

• Standard

• Pocket

• XL

• Classic

There are also unofficial Bully breeds, including Micro and XXL Bullies. American Bullies has been recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) since July 2013. These dogs are popular because of their appearance and potential size.

The Distinctive Bully Appearance

American Bullies are easily recognized by their toned, athletic build. This distinct breed of dog is a lot longer than they are tall, and resemble professional bodybuilders. American Bullies can have an intimidating and tough appearance, but they're really big babies if they're trained properly. Bullies can be a variety of colors and patterns, except Merle.

American Bullies weigh between 66 and 88 pounds and are an average height of 13 to 20 inches. Their coat is glossy, short, and smooth. These Bullies have a life span that ranges between 8 and 13 years. These popular dogs have tails that taper to a point. When Bullies are on the move, their tail remains leveled with their topline.

Family Compatibility of Bullies

American Bullies make great family pets, so families with and without children are okay. These dogs are protective of their family members but are also gentle and loving lap dogs. These happy, outgoing dogs adore children and will co-exist well with one or multiple children living in the home.

Contrary to the popular belief of many people, American Bullies are not ill-mannered, vicious dogs. Although these dogs are naturally protective, they are also calm and affectionate. These loving dogs are not aggressive unless they are trained to be. Even if you intend to make your Bully a watchdog, they can be trained to protect the home and family members without being a menace to society.

Compatibility With Other Dogs

As with any dog breed, American Bullies need to be introduced to other pets, even if they're not staying in your home for a long period. Bullies are easy to get along with and don't usually make trouble, but all dogs are not the same and can be territorial.

It's best that this highly adaptable breed be trained to interact with humans and other dogs so it knows how to socialize in a home setting and in public. It is normal for a dog to establish dominance, but you want to make sure the situation does not escalate to something more.

Best Grooming Practices for Your American Bully

Most American Bullies do not require much effort when it comes to grooming. However, some Bullies may require extensive grooming schedules that consist of regular brushing, bathing, and feeding. Some Bully breeds shed a lot, which requires them to be brushed at least twice a day.

A Bully's nails should be trimmed short and rounded to prevent uneven, chipped, cracked, and jagged nails. You should also consider trimming their whiskers because Bully whiskers can grow long and annoy the dog, which can cause them to be frustrated. Traditional nail clippers can be used to trim the whiskers to a reasonable length.

Common Health Issues of American Bullies

American Bullies are prone to four specific health conditions, including hip dysplasia, congenital heart disease, skin diseases, and eye problems. Hip dysplasia occurs when the protective cartilage around the femoral head starts to deteriorate. This deterioration causes bone-on-bone friction and subsequent deformation. Congenital heart disease includes a variety of heart conditions, such as mitral valve disease, subaortic and pulmonic stenosis, and septal defect.

Skin diseases that affect American Bullies include seborrhea and eczema. Seborrhea is a dysfunction of the glands that can make your dog's skin too oily or too dry. Eczema causes a dog's skin to become itchy, flaky, and dry.

Dietary Needs of American Bullies

American Bullies require high-quality dog food. As puppies, Bullies require a large-breed puppy food for the first 14 months to ensure they remain on a steady and slow growth path. Bully puppies do not require added calcium in their diets until they are fully developed adult dogs. As adults, Bullies require quality dog food for large-breed dogs. These dogs also need supplements for their joints, muscles, and coat care.

Most, if not all, dogs love treats, and American Bullies are no exception. It's okay to give these dogs treats sparingly. Make sure the treats you're providing are not too fatty.

Exercise Requirements of American Bullies

The mighty American Bullies are athletes and are often high-energy dogs, so they require more exercise than other dog breeds. As puppies, Bullies need to engage in non-impact exercises to reduce their risk of joint and bone damage. These high-energy dogs should be supervised while engaging in different activities, including roaming around in their back yard.

Activities such as tug-a-war, jogging, hiking, and training activities are ideal for American Bullies because it helps them release a lot of pent-up energy. Bullies need to stay fit and happy, so they require constant stimulation and frequent exercise. Bullies enjoy strong, sturdy chewing toys as well as toys that more interactive.

Oral Care for American Bullies

Bully's oral care starts with a nutritious, balanced diet. A high-quality protein diet is ideal for helping with the maintenance of strong and healthy teeth. These active dogs require regular wellness checkups to ensure they remain in the best health possible.

Routine dental checkups help prevent the buildup of tartar, which, if left untreated, can progress into gum disease and infect the roots of the teeth. Gum disease causes bad breath, and Bullies can begin to lose their teeth. You can buy a finger brush for your Bully to help with the removal of tartar from their teeth. These finger brushes will also prevent bad breath by removing food from places that are hard to reach.

Training Your Bully

Training an American Bully requires a lot of time and patience. The Bully breed is known for being stubborn at times and requires more dedication and repetition than other dog breeds. Bullies are food motivated, so it's best to have training sessions that involve treats as rewards, especially when you initially start training.

Training can begin as early as two months old. When you start training Bullies when they are puppies, they are more likely to behave appropriately in all aspects of life. American Bully puppies are easier to train than adult Bullies because Bully puppies quickly follow commands from their trainer.

Being the Best American Bully Owner

As an owner of an American Bully, you need to have patience and be dedicated to the overall health and development of your dog. Bullies crave affection and attention, and you need to make sure you provide enough time to spend with the dog to ensure they don't suffer from depression or become stressed.

As high-energy dogs, they require a lot of time outside, so a home with a yard is ideal for owning a Bully. These dogs may not adapt too well with apartment living due to their activity and exercise needs. Positive reinforcement is required for all Bullies to learn the rules and stick to them.

American Bullies are loving, loying dogs. If you're the owner of a Bully, consider yourself lucky. These pups will never leave your side and always have your best interest at heart.