American Bully
Affectionate Apartment-friendly Clownish Courageous Family companion dog Friendly Great with kids High energy dog Intelligent Loves hot weather Loyal Obedient Sheds a lot Strong Willed Stubborn

American Bully

The American Bully is a medium to large-sized companion breed known for its friendly and outgoing nature, making it an excellent family dog. With a stocky build, broad head, and short, glossy coat, they typically stand at 13 to 20 inches and weigh between 44 to 132 pounds. American Bullies are described as low-energy pets with a high emotional IQ, displaying confidence, zest for life, and a willingness to please and bond with their family. They are happy, stable, and loyal dogs that are good-natured, amusing, and affectionate towards people, especially children.

Height 14 - 17 in (36 - 43 cm)
Weight 30 - 150 lbs (14 - 68 kg)
Lifespan 8 – 15 years
Origin Unknown

Is a American Bully Right For You?

Answer these quick questions to find out:


Do you need a dog that’s comfortable living in an apartment?

Will the dog need to thrive in small living spaces?

Will the dog need to stay alone at home for long hours?

Are you looking for a dog suited for urban life?

Do you live in a hot climate?

Breed Characteristics

The sources generally recommend at least 30 minutes to 1.5 hours of exercise per day for American Bullies, with some suggesting multiple walks and engaging activities. While there is variation in energy levels among individual dogs, the consensus leans towards a higher exercise requirement for this breed.

How much exercise does American Bully need?

Low High
The consensus from the sources suggests that American Bullies generally require regular brushing with a firm bristle brush several times a week, bathing every 2-6 weeks, and grooming appointments ranging from monthly to every 2-3 months. While some sources recommend weekly brushing, others mention bathing every 2-3 weeks. Therefore, a moderate rating of 3 is appropriate.

How much grooming does American Bully need?

Low High
The majority of sources indicate that American Bullies are trainable with positive reinforcement and consistency, although there may be variations in individual dogs. The general consensus leans towards them being easy to train due to their eagerness to please and ability to excel in various activities.

Is American Bully easy to train?

Low High
Based on the consensus from multiple sources praising the American Bully's intelligence, eagerness to please, trainability, and capability to learn tricks and commands, as well as their responsiveness to positive reinforcement methods.

How intelligent is American Bully?

Low High
The sources indicate that American Bullies do bark, but not excessively. They may bark to communicate various needs or feelings, such as boredom, excitement, or alerting their owners. While they are not known as excessive barkers, they may bark at passing neighbors or cars when feeling protective.

Does American Bully bark a lot?

Low High
The sources indicate that American Bullies are intelligent, quick learners, and may have an independent streak, which can make them stubborn at times. While they are eager to please, their tendency to do things their way contributes to their independent nature.

Is American Bully stubborn or independent?

Low High
The consensus from the sources indicates that an American Bully typically needs around 30 minutes to 1.5 hours of exercise per day, with some sources suggesting up to 2 hours. This places the playtime requirement at a high level, warranting a rating of 4.

How much playtime does a American Bully need daily?

Low High
American Bullies can adapt well to apartment living and enjoy being indoors, but regular walks and exercise are crucial for their well-being. While limited walks may not be ideal, the dog can still be kept indoors with proper mental stimulation and playtime.

Can American Bully stay indoors with limited walks?

Low High
While American Bullies are primarily bred for companionship and have friendly and sociable temperaments, they can still exhibit protective instincts towards their families. However, the consensus suggests that their protective nature is not as high as breeds specifically bred for guarding purposes.

Is American Bully protective or territorial?

Low High
Based on the consistent descriptions of the American Bully being affectionate, loyal, loving, and forming deep bonds with families and children, as well as actively seeking out human interaction and showing affection openly, the consensus indicates a very high level of affection towards family members.

Is American Bully affectionate with family?

Low High

Health Wellness

Is American Bully prone to allergies?

American Bully dogs are prone to allergies, particularly to common proteins like beef, turkey, chicken, and pork. Food allergies are a concern, with potential culprits including beef, dairy, chicken, wheat, corn, soy, and other food ingredients. Skin allergies, such as eczema and hotspots, can also affect American Bullies. These allergies can manifest as hives, itching, and irritated skin. Consulting with a veterinarian to identify and manage food and environmental allergies is recommended for American Bully owners.


Is American Bully a hypoallergenic breed?

The American Bully breed is not hypoallergenic, as they are more prone to allergies and may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. They are not considered a good fit for allergic households, as they are not 100% hypoallergenic. Some American Bullies may develop allergies to certain types of food ingredients, and managing hypoallergenic concerns is important for this breed. Despite shedding less compared to other breeds, American Bullies are not classified as hypoallergenic due to their potential to cause allergies.


What are common health issues in American Bully?

Common health issues in American Bully dogs include hypothyroidism, obesity, respiratory issues, hip dysplasia, congenital heart conditions, skin problems such as eczema and allergies, heart disease, ear infections, dental disease, and brachycephalic airway syndrome. Obesity is a significant concern that can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Allergies, skin problems, and hip dysplasia are frequently mentioned genetic issues in American Bullies. Symptoms of health problems may include lethargy, weight gain, hair loss, itchy and dry skin patches, breathing difficulties, and mobility issues such as wobbling or swaying while walking. It is important for American Bully owners to be aware of these potential health issues and provide appropriate care and monitoring for their pets.


How often should a American Bully visit the vet?

American Bully dogs should visit the vet for a routine check-up at least once a year, especially for adult dogs aged 1-7 years. Senior dogs may require more frequent visits, possibly every 6 months. It is crucial to take a new puppy to the vet within the first week or day of bringing them home. Regular vet visits are essential for early detection and treatment of health issues. Additionally, American Bullies need regular grooming, including brushing and bathing every 4-6 weeks with a dog-specific shampoo. This breed may only require baths once per month in the summer or every one to three months in other seasons.


What is the average vet bill for a American Bully?

The average lifetime cost of owning an American Bully ranges from $15,000 to $20,000, with initial adoption or purchase costs ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Annual vet costs, including wellness check-ups, dental care, lab tests, and vaccines, can total between $700 and $1,500 per year. Routine vet visits for an American Bully typically range from $25 to $186, with the average cost for a basic vet visit falling between $50 and $100. Additionally, owners may incur additional expenses for daily pills and blood work, with costs averaging around $70 every three weeks for pills and $75 per blood work session. Overall, it is recommended to budget between $1,000 and $3,000 per year for vet bills for an American Bully.


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