American Bully Standard - Breed Standard
General Appearance
The Standard American Bully is a powerful, heavily muscled and substantial dog, displaying strong bone, a broad body and the distinctive American Bully head. The dog should appear compact, balanced and powerful, with a broad chest, muscular hindquarters and considerable substance without becoming obese or excessively exaggerated. Despite its heavy appearance, the Standard American Bully should remain sound, active and capable of free, powerful movement. Overall impression: strength, substance, confidence and unmistakable American Bully type — without sacrificing health or function.
History and Origins
The American Bully was developed in the United States during the late 20th century, primarily from established American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier bloodlines, with selection towards a heavier, more substantial companion dog. Unlike its working bull-and-terrier ancestors, the American Bully was developed primarily as a companion breed, with emphasis on confidence, stability, substance and distinctive breed type. When the American Bully became established in the UK, existing Old Tyme Bulldog breeders became involved in its early development here. A number of Old Tyme Bulldogs were registered into the emerging UK American Bully population, meaning the development of the breed in Britain has its own history alongside its American origins. Bullbreeds United recognises both the established American history of the breed and the first-hand breeding history of the early UK population.
Head and Muzzle
The head should be large, broad and powerful, displaying the distinctive American Bully type with well-developed cheek muscles and a clearly defined stop. The muzzle should be broad, deep and relatively short, but never so shortened or exaggerated that it interferes with breathing, eating or normal function. The nose should be large with wide, open nostrils, and the overall head should remain balanced and proportionate to the dog.
Eyes and Ears
The eyes should be medium-sized, well spaced and set low in the skull, contributing to the characteristic American Bully expression. They should not be excessively prominent or bulging. The ears should be small to medium in size, set high and may be rose, half-pricked or naturally dropped. Natural ears are fully accepted. Health, expression and correct overall breed type should always take priority over cosmetic appearance.
Mouth and Bite
The jaws should be broad, strong and powerful, with large, healthy teeth. A scissor bite is preferred, although a level bite may be accepted. The jaws should remain functional, with excessive undershot or overshot bites considered undesirable. The mouth should reflect the strength of the breed without exaggeration that interferes with eating or normal function.
Size and Proportions
The Standard American Bully should be compact, powerful and well balanced, with substantial bone and muscle proportionate to its height. Males: approximately 17–20 inches (43–51 cm). Females: approximately 16–19 inches (41–48 cm). The dog should display strength and substance without excessive weight or exaggeration. Size should never compromise sound movement, fitness or normal function.
Body and Construction
The body should be broad, muscular and powerful, with a deep, well-developed chest, well-sprung ribs and a strong back and loin. The front should be strong and well boned, with the forelegs supporting the body without excessive bowing. The hindquarters should be muscular and powerful, providing balance and drive. Substance should come from correct structure, bone and muscle — not excessive weight. The dog should remain sound, balanced and capable of free movement.
Tail
The tail should be medium in length, low set and tapering towards the end, reaching approximately to the hock. It should be carried naturally and may rise when the dog is moving or excited, but should not curl tightly over the back. Kinked, twisted, knotted, fused or extremely short tails are serious faults. Screwed, bobbed or docked tails are unacceptable.
COAT & COLOUR
The coat should be short, glossy, close fitting and smooth to the touch. All colours and patterns are accepted, including merle. Colour should never take priority over health, temperament, sound construction or correct American Bully type.
MOVEMENT
Movement should be confident, powerful, balanced and free, with good reach in front and strong drive from the rear. Despite its substantial, heavily muscled build, the Standard American Bully should move freely without restriction and demonstrate sound coordination and balance. Excessive bowing, crossing, paddling, weakness or any construction that interferes with normal movement and function is undesirable.
TEMPERAMENT
The Standard American Bully should be confident, outgoing, friendly and stable, with a strong bond to its family. Although powerful and imposing in appearance, the breed was developed primarily as a companion dog. A sound temperament and the ability to live safely as part of a family are essential. Extreme shyness, nervousness, unpredictable behaviour or aggression towards people is unacceptable.
FAULTS
Faults should be considered according to their effect on the dog’s health, soundness, movement and ability to function normally. Poor breathing, weak or unsound construction, restricted movement, excessive exaggeration, poor balance and lack of correct American Bully type are undesirable. Any extreme feature that negatively affects breathing, vision, movement, reproduction or quality of life should be heavily penalised. The Standard American Bully should be powerful and substantial without sacrificing health or function.