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Height at withers:<\/strong>\u00a0Males 33 - 53 cm Females 33 - 53 cm
Average weight:<\/strong>\u00a0Males 31 - 120+kg Females 31 - 120+kg<\/p>\n\n\n\nAmerican Bullies are impressive dogs with extremely muscular bodies. They have uniquely shaped heads, which is one of the main characteristics of the breed. The heads are broad and very large, without ever being out of proportion to the rest of the body. They have fairly deep, well-defined stops and fly deep and clean. American bullheads have well-muscled cheeks that are wrinkle-free and quite prominent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The snouts are broad and somewhat square or \"block-shaped\", with the length being shorter than the length of a dog's skull and the tips of the snouts being straight. The mandibles are very well developed, deep and wide, and the overall structure of a dog's jaw. Their snouts and skull surfaces are very similar to those of the English Bulldog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American bullies have large noses with well-opened nostrils and all nasal pigmentations are acceptable, but usually match a dog's coat colour. They have perfect scissor bites. The eyes are medium sized, oval or slightly rounded, set well apart and fairly low on a dog's skull. All eye colours are acceptable, with the exception of blue. Their ears are set high on a dog's head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They have a moderately long and well-muscled neck that is slightly curved at the top. Their necks gradually widen at the well-relaxed shoulders of a dog. They have closely coupled bodies with deep, broad chests and nicely arched ribs. Chests may be wider than deep, but never excessive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American bullheads have broad, strong and firm backs and their toplines are flat and straight. The croup runs slightly down towards the base of a dog's tail. The loins are short and wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American bullheads have long, muscular and broad shoulder blades that lie well back. Their forelimbs are muscular and have a slight twist in the forearm. The elbows are placed close together or just slightly away from a dog's body. Viewed from the front, a dog's forelimbs are moderately spaced and perpendicular to the ground. The paws are powerful, short flexible and slightly angled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their hindquarters are muscular, broad and powerful, with dogs having well-filled and deep trunks. The thighs are well-developed and muscular and, seen from the side, the hocks are nicely arched, with the legs well down, perpendicular to the ground. Seen from behind, the hind legs are parallel to each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The feet are round, sleek and well proportionate to a dog's overall size. Tails are often described as 'pumping handle' or 'stool tails', although some American bullies have straight tails, which is acceptable under the UKC standard. Their tails are placed as a natural extension of a dog's topline and taper towards the tip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American bullies keep their tail at the level of their toplines, although when excited, they may carry it slightly higher. When it comes to an American Bully's coat, it is smooth, sleek and shiny and feels slightly stiff. They come in all colours except merle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Gait\/movement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When an American bully moves, he does so in a confident, cheerful manner, always giving the impression of being excited and alert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Faults<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When it comes to faults in the breed, as recognised by the United Kennel Club, these are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Excessively long or short<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Too big<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dwarfism<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Exaggeration in a dog's structure<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Excessively large, heavy head out of proportion to the body<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The snout is too short and blunt, impeding normal breathing<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Snipey snouts<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Weak lower jaw<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Excessive flying<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The muzzle is slightly raised at the nostrils<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Undershot<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Wry bite<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Overly curved front legs<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Overly wide chests<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Spread feet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Shortened tail<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cruelty or extreme embarrassment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bat ears<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Albinism<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Merle-coloured jacket<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Long coat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Screw tail<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unilateral or bilateral deafness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n
Temperament of the American Bully<\/span><\/summary>\n\n
American bullies are happy characters and because they are developed as companions, they form extremely strong bonds with their owners. They may look tough, but in reality, American bullies are real softies and boast about their 'creepy' nature. They like nothing better than spending as much time as possible with the people they love. As such, they make great pets and are not \"one-man dogs\" at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American bullies are also known to be exceptionally good with children. As with any other breed, children should never be left unsupervised and should be taught how to behave around dogs. Dogs should also be well socialised from an age young enough. so that they can grow into good-natured canine companions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a rule of thumb, American bullies are tolerant of people they do not yet know and are known to be friendly and polite when meeting strangers. Some American bullies are more suspicious of strangers than others, but in general they are only too happy to greet people with excitement. However, they are naturally protective of their families, but it is worth noting that this trait is always done quietly, just like with an English Bulldog, meaning they are good guard dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because they are intelligent and eager to please, many American bullies are trained to participate in various canine sports activities, making them naturally versatile. However, they are not a good choice for novice dog owners, as American bullies need to know their place in the pack and need to know who the \"alpha dog\" is in a household for them to be truly balanced, happy characters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If not handled properly from a young age, an American Bully can take on the role of dominant dog. That said, in the right hands and in the right environment, American bullies are not generally known to 'challenge authority', but they will not blindly follow orders either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although some American bullies like to please, they are known to be a bit stubborn. Therefore, many breed enthusiasts recommend training them on a reward basis, which works very well. This is because American bullies will do almost anything for a treat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
American bullies are relaxed and calm by nature, but this does not mean they are 'couch potatoes'. They enjoy doing things on the go, especially by playing interactive games, although fetching a ball may become a little too boring for an American Bully after the first few throws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are they a good choice for starters?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American bullies are not a good choice for novice dog owners, as they may get the upper hand. This can lead to a dog taking on the role of dominant dog, making it much harder to deal with and live with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What about prey drive?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American Bully breeders have done a lot of work to reduce a dog's prey drive, but it is still extremely important that these dogs are properly socialised, handled appropriately and trained by people familiar with the breed's needs. That said, even a well-trained American Bully should not be completely trusted around small animals they have not grown up with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What about playfulness?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American bullies are known to be very playful and cheerful by nature, and they enjoy messing around with children whenever they can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What about adaptability?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American bullies are naturally very adaptable and provided they get enough daily exercise, combined with plenty of mental stimulation, they are just as happy in a flat in the city as in a house in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What about excessive barking?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American bullies are not known as 'barkers' and will generally only voice their opinions when necessary or during play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do American bullies like water?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Like many other breeds, some American bullies love being in and around water, while others do not like getting their feet wet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Are American bullies good watchdogs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
American bullies are very people-oriented, but they are good guard dogs, with some dogs being more suspicious of strangers and more alert than some other American bullies. That said, their impressive 'looks' are often enough to deter trespassers from approaching an American bully if they are in their own territory.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n
Intelligence of the American Bully<\/span><\/summary>\n\n
American bullies are highly intelligent and always willing to please, although some dogs can be a little stubborn. With that said, in the right hands and environment, American bullies are highly trainable and respond well to positive reinforcement and treat-based training methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Training and socialisation should start early and be consistent throughout a dog's life, as an American bully can take on the dominant role in a household if not handled properly and learn his place in the pack. Therefore, they are not a good choice. for novice dog owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppies should learn basic commands right away, including the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Come<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sit<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stay<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Quiet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Let it<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Down<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n
Children & other pets<\/span><\/summary>\n\n
American bullies love being around children and love nothing more than playing interactive games with them. However, they can protect their families, which means that if children have friends over, it is best to keep an eye on them and never leave a dog unsupervised around children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although breeders have done their best to breed 'aggressiveness' out of American bullies, the breed is still known as 'dog-aggressive'. However, they are much more tolerant of other dogs than some other breeds. As a result, uncastrated American bullies are more aggressive and territorial to dogs than their castrated counterparts, and same-sex aggression and dominance can be a problem.<\/p>\n\n<\/div><\/details><\/div>\n\n
Health of the American Bully<\/span><\/summary>\n\n
The average life expectancy of an American bully is between 8 and 12 years if properly cared for and given an appropriate diet of good quality appropriate to its age. However, they are known to suffer from certain hereditary and acquired health problems, which are described below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n