The modern American Bully, as a specific breed separated from its ancestors, began development in the 1980’s in the USA and continued establishing desired appearance and character until 1990’s. Several breeds participated at its development except of American Pit Bull Terrier (APT) and American Staffordshire Terrier (AST) were the major foundation in creating American Bully, although APT was the parent breed, a “cornerstone” in all process. American Bulldog, English Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge were most probably not the only bull breeds, who brought specific appearance and lovely companion character into Bully breeding.
Later on, American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) was established and as the first kennel club recognized the breed in 2004. ABKC also introduced official breed standard according to which dogs with more compact “bully” look, muscle mass, heavy bones, wider front and back and lower prey drive comparing to APT and AST amongst the other characteristics were bred.
In 2013, American Bully was recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) and American Dog Breeders Association (ABDA).
Recently, some members and contract partners of Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the largest canine organisation of the world, also accepted American Bully as a breed with an option to be registered in their stud book registries and compete at FCI conformation shows together with other breeds.
American Bully is companion breed exhibiting confidence and well balanced character, a zest for life, together with great willingness to please and bond with its family. This breed is great with kids, very friendly with people, other dogs and animals in general. Human or dog aggression or extreme shyness is very uncharacteristic and undesirable.
American Bully is a compact, medium/large size dog with heavy bone structure, bulky, thick and muscular body carrying blocky head which gives an impression of great strength for its size.
According to the ABKC breed standard, they come in four size varieties, which are specified by height, without weight specification:
Pocket – males 36 – 43 cm (14 – 17 inch), females 33 – 40 cm (13 – 16 inch)
Standard – males 43 – 51 cm (17 – 20 inch), females 41 – 48 cm (16 – 19 inch)
Classic – same height range as standard variety, displaying lighter frame without exaggerated features often found at other varieties and thus reminding more of American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier lineage
XL – males 51 – 57 cm (21 – 23 inch), females 48 – 54 cm (19 – 21 inch)
Non-standard sizes – shorter or taller dogs than above mentioned varieties are not recognized by the kennel clubs as legitimate varieties, although such dogs are being bred as well and sometimes being called “Micro” (smaller ones) and “XXL” (larger ones). These sizes are undesirable for all kennel clubs.
UKC and FCI don’t divide the breed into size varieties an dogs of all sizes are judged together at UKC and FCI conformation shows. Height between 43 – 51 cm (17 – 20 inch) for males and 41 – 48 cm (16 – 19 inch) for females is preferred by UKC, although dogs slightly over or under these height ranges are not to be penalized – overall balance and correct proportion of weight to height is far more important than dogs actual weight and/or height.
HEAD
The distinct heavy, large and broad head of the American Bully exemplifies breed type.
Medium in length, deep throughout, broad skull, well chiseled with very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct and deep stop.
NECK
Heavy, muscular, slightly arched, tapering from shoulder to back of skull. Compact to medium size should have minimal or no loose skin.
FOREQUARTERS
BODY
Heavily muscled, massive bulky body type of compact/medium length giving the impression of great power for its size and exemplifying the breed type of the American Bully.
BACK
Fairly short to medium back, slight sloping from withers to rump or straight accepted with gentle short slope at rump to base of tail. The American Bully should give the appearance of a square body, equal in length when measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks and from the withers to the ground.
HINDQUARTERS
Well muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out.
Muscular development, angulation and width of the hindquarters should be in balance with that of the forequarters.
TAIL
Medium in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point and extending approximately to the hock.
When relaxed tail is to be carried low. When moving tail is carried level with the topline or in a raised position when excited (challenge tail), but should never be carried curled over, breaking the plane of the back (gay tail).
Tail to be clear of any kinks, knots or any curvature.
FEET
Should be rounded and of moderate size in proportion to the dog, compact, well arched and tight.
COAT
Short, glossy, close, stiff to smooth to the touch.
COLOR AND PATTERN
All colors and patterns are permissible except the pattern Merle/blotched per competition.
SIZE
Dogs should be healthy and should NOT reach the point where it is considered obese.
STANDARD AMERICAN BULLY
*This is an amendment to the basic standard which a XL Bully is determined by its adult height.
GAIT
The American Bully moves with a confident and proud attitude, while keenly alive and alert to its surroundings.
FAULTS
Faults to be penalized but not disqualifications for showing are:
SERIOUS FAULTS
Faults to be heavily penalized but not disqualifications for showing are:
DISQUALIFICATIONS
Source https://abkcdogs.net
