American Bully

Also called Am. Bully, Bully

Recognised breedShort profile

From United States, developed from the 1980s onward.1 2

At a glance the quick version

Weight20 to 60 kg1 2

Height, male36 to 58 cm2 1

Height, female33 to 56 cm2 1

Sizelarge

Wikipedia gives 20-60 kg across all varieties; the UKC standard sets no weight.

UKC by variety: Pocket males 14-17 in, females 13-16 in; Standard/Classic males 17-20 in, females 16-19 in; XL males over 20-23 in, females over 19-22 in.

confident and full of zest for life

gentle, friendly companion

keen on family activities and dog sports

2 1

Coat and looks how to spot one

short, smooth coat

A compact, heavily muscled dog with a broad head and a glossy, close coat that is moderately stiff to the touch.2 1

Coloursany colour or pattern except merle2 1

Personality what they are like

Bred first and foremost as a companion, the American Bully is meant to be outgoing, friendly and self-assured. The breed standard values a gentle nature with people, and breeders have aimed for a lower prey drive than its terrier ancestors.2 1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Many take part in canine sports and enjoy regular active play with their family.1

Company who they like around

A companion breed that is happiest as part of family life; temperament is shaped by good breeding, training and socialisation.1 2

The story where it all began

Breeders in the United States began shaping the American Bully in the 1980s from American Pit Bull Terrier lines, adding touches of American Bulldog, English Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge to get a stockier build. The goal was a muscular but easy-going family companion. The ABKC recognised it in 2004 and the UKC followed in 2013.2 1

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It comes in several size varieties, from the compact Pocket to the tall XL.2
2
Its breed standard places it in the UKC Companion Dog Group rather than a working group.2
3
The breed's own kennel club, the ABKC, recognised it nearly a decade before the UKC did.1

Recognised by the official bits

UKC: Recognised 15 July 2013; Companion Dog Group; varieties Pocket, Standard/Classic and XL.2
ABKC: American Bully Kennel Club recognised the breed in 2004.1
FCI / AKC / The Royal Kennel Club: Not recognised as a separate breed.1

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a American Bully. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year

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American Pit Bull Terrier

American Staffordshire Terrier

American Bulldog

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.

Wikipedia: American Bully en.wikipedia.orgused for history, ABKC, weight, temperament, recognition by other clubs
UKC Breed Standard: American Bully ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, varieties and heights, coat, colours, temperament

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.