American Bully
Also known as Bully, XL Bully
- Height at the withers
- 33 to 50 cm
- Weight
- 20 to 50 kg
- Life expectancy
- 8 to 13 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- United States
- FCI group
- Not recognized
What the law says
Category 1 restricted dog (French law of January 6, 1999): buying, selling, giving away or importing one is banned, spaying or neutering is mandatory, and you need a dog ownership permit, plus a muzzle and leash in public. A dog of this type without a LOF pedigree is classified through a veterinary assessment.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- close neighbors: it barks little
Less suited to
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- a home with cats
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A compact, very muscular companion dog with a broad head and a confident bearing, descended from the American Pit Bull Terrier and other bull-type breeds. It is known for being affectionate and attached to its family. In France, since it is not registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF), this dog is usually classed as Category 1 after a veterinary assessment of its build: buying, selling, giving away or importing one is banned, spaying or neutering is mandatory, and you need a dog ownership permit, a muzzle and a leash in public places.
History and origins
Developed in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s as a companion dog, from the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier and other bulldog-type breeds, to produce a dog with a gentler temperament and a more massive build. Recognized by the United Kennel Club in 2013, it is not recognized by the FCI.
Health
Life expectancy is 8 to 13 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Breathing problems (short-muzzled dogs)
- Skin allergies
- Entropion / ectropion
- Heart disease
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Moderate shedding, minimal coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Open, 4 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Not advised, 1 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Minimal, 1 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Rarely, 2 out of 5
- Barking
- Quiet, 2 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Rather fragile, 2 out of 5
In our lists
American Bully FAQ
How big does the American Bully get?
The American Bully stands 33 to 50 cm at the withers and weighs 20 to 50 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the American Bully shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs minimal care.
Can the American Bully live in an apartment?
It can, as long as it gets real outings every day; a yard is still a plus.
How much exercise does the American Bully need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the American Bully good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the American Bully live?
Life expectancy is 8 to 13 years, and the breed is rather fragile. The main health problems to watch for are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as breathing problems.
Is the American Bully a restricted dog in France?
Category 1 restricted dog (French law of January 6, 1999): buying, selling, giving away or importing one is banned, spaying or neutering is mandatory, and you need a dog ownership permit, plus a muzzle and leash in public. A dog of this type without a LOF pedigree is classified through a veterinary assessment. All about restricted dogs in France.
