American Bully
Complete Breed Guide
"Never judge a book by its cover!"
Quick Facts About American Bullys
Mixes And More
40–60 lbs
20–28"
No
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Overview
American Bullies may have a tough-sounding name, but they're softies at heart. Loyal, brave, and deeply family-oriented, this breed lives to be close to the people they love and brings a gentle confidence to every room they walk into.
The American Bully sounds intimidating, but don’t let their name fool you. Deep down, they’re confident, loyal dogs that will do anything to please. This breed was created in the 1990s when breeders mixed American Pit Bull Terriers with American Staffordshire Terriers. The result is a brave and loving dog that will go to great lengths to protect their loved ones. They make excellent guard dogs but also enjoy their role as the ultimate family companion. With training and socialization, American Bullies get along great with kids and often see them as playmates. Intruders better watch out, though—this pup has an aggressive side and isn’t afraid to show it when feeling threatened.
Temperament and Behavior
The American Bully is an outgoing, friendly, and trustworthy dog. They’re wonderful companions that enjoy showing affection and love. This is a very brave and intelligent breed, but despite their name, American Bullies are gentle dogs that aim to please. In fact, they’re known to be very tolerant and good with children. However, these dogs are protective of their owners and home, and they’ll fight to protect both if needed.
Coat & Grooming
The American Bully's coat is short, smooth, and stiff to the touch. They come in a variety of colors, such as fawn, chocolate, black, red, and brindle. Because their coats are short, American Bullies are easy to groom. They’re average shedders, so brushing them regularly with a firm bristle brush should be all that’s needed to keep their coat in good shape.
Lifestyle & Living Conditions
The American Bully makes great guard dogs, but they're also gentle family companions. These dogs are usually good with kids if they are socialized and trained at a young age. However, they do have an aggressive streak and are very protective over their family and property, so be careful when introducing them to strangers, other animals, and new environments. American Bullies also love being active and need plenty of space to play. They prefer warmer climates where they can soak up the sun, but if you live in a colder climate or keep your pup inside most of the day, make sure it has enough playtime and exercise to get its energy out.
Exercise & Activity
The American Bully may have been built for mass, but they're also incredibly athletic. They require exercise such as a long walk, jog, or backyard playtime on a daily basis. These dogs build up physical and mental stress if they don’t get enough exercise, so keeping them active is important to avoid having an unhappy, destructive pup.
Health Considerations
Hip and elbow dysplasia, bloat, eye conditions, and hypothyroidism are common concerns in large breeds. Regular veterinary checkups recommended.
Medical References
- United Kennel Club (UKC) – American Bully
- OFA
- Veterinary orthopedic resources
- Note: Not an AKC-recognized breed.
Breed descriptions and health information are provided for educational purposes only and should not replace consultation with a licensed veterinarian. Individual dogs may vary in temperament and health.
Characteristics at-a-glance
Ratings are on a scale of 1–10, based on breed standards and typical temperament.
American Bully FAQs
Common questions about the American Bully breed, answered by our editorial team.
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