a few things to know!

Things to look for when buying a Bully

  • 1. Level and Straight: The topline of an American Bully should ideally be level and straight. This means that when viewed from the side, from the withers (top of the shoulders) to the croup (top of the hindquarters), there should be a straight line without any dips or bumps.

    2. Withers and Back: The withers should be well-defined and higher than the level of the back. From the withers, the back should gently slope down towards the croup, forming a smooth and even line.

    3. Muscle Definition: Along the topline, you should see well-defined, firm muscles. American Bullies are muscular dogs, so there should be a noticeable but smooth transition between the muscles along the neck, back, and hindquarters.

    4. Width and Strength: The topline should convey strength and power, without appearing overly exaggerated or weak. It should reflect the breed's athletic and muscular build, providing a sturdy framework that supports their body structure.

    5. Overall Balance: When assessing the topline, it's important to consider overall balance. The dog should move with ease and fluidity, with the topline contributing to a balanced gait and posture.

    In summary, the correct topline of an American Bully is characterized by a straight, level back that slopes slightly from the withers to the croup, showcasing muscular definition and strength without excess or deficiencies. This structure supports the breed's athleticism and appearance as a powerful yet agile dog.

  • 1. Shape: The feet of an American Bully should be well-rounded and compact. This means the toes are close together and nicely arched, forming a tight, oval shape when viewed from above.

    2. Toes: Ideally, the dog should have well-arched toes that are neither splayed nor tightly bunched. Each toe should be well-developed, with strong pads underneath that provide support and cushioning.

    3. Pads: The paw pads should be thick and firm, providing protection and traction. Healthy pads are essential for the dog's comfort and ability to walk on various surfaces.

    4. Movement: Correct feet contribute to the dog's overall movement and agility. They should allow the dog to move smoothly and efficiently, with a confident and balanced gait.

    5. NO "Easty Westy" : a term used to describe a structural fault in dogs, where the front legs or feet are turned outward rather than being straight and aligned with the body's axis. This fault is also known as "toeing out."

    Here’s a more detailed explanation of what "Easty Westy is:

    Outward Rotation: When a dog exhibits "Easty Westy," it means that when viewed from the front, one or both front legs appear to angle outward instead of pointing straight ahead. This can give the appearance that the dog’s front feet are pointing in opposite directions, resembling an "east-west" orientation rather than a straight "north-south" alignment.

    Impact on Movement: Dogs with Easty Westy conformation may have an altered gait or movement pattern. Instead of moving efficiently with straight, parallel legs, they may paddle or move with a wider, less efficient stride. This can affect their agility, speed, and overall ability to move comfortably.

    Breed Standards: In breed standards for American Bullies and other dog breeds, Easty Westy is considered a structural fault. Breeding for correct leg and foot alignment helps maintain optimal movement and overall soundness in dogs.

    Health Considerations: While Easty Westy itself may not always cause immediate health issues, it can contribute to joint stress or uneven wear on paw pads and nails over time. Dogs with severe Easty Westy may be more prone to injuries or discomfort in their front limbs due to the unnatural alignment.

    In conclusion, Easty Westy refers to a conformational fault where a dog's front legs or feet turn outward instead of being straight and aligned with their body's axis. Breeders and judges evaluate dogs based on their adherence to breed standards, which emphasize correct leg and foot structure for optimal movement and health.

  • A correct bite in an American Bully refers to the alignment and positioning of the dog's teeth when the jaws are closed. Here’s a detailed explanation:

    1. Scissors Bite: The ideal bite for an American Bully is a scissors bite, where the upper incisors (front teeth) closely overlap the lower incisors. This overlap allows the teeth to meet neatly and cleanly, with the lower incisors resting just behind the upper incisors when the mouth is closed.

    2. Even and Complete Dentition: The American Bully should have a full set of teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. The teeth should be well-aligned within the jaws, without overcrowding or gaps (malocclusions).

    3. Functional Bite: A correct bite is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional. It allows the dog to grip and chew food properly. A scissors bite ensures efficient cutting and grinding of food, contributing to the dog's overall health and nutrition.

    4. Breed Standard: Breed standards typically specify that American Bullies should have a scissors bite as it is considered optimal for their breed type. Judges in conformation shows assess dogs based on how closely they adhere to these standards, including dental structure.

    5. Health Considerations: A correct bite is also important for oral health. Proper tooth alignment reduces the risk of dental issues such as uneven wear, tooth decay, and gum disease. It also ensures that the jaw functions properly, which can prevent discomfort or pain associated with malocclusions.

    In summary, a correct bite in an American Bully refers to a scissors bite where the upper incisors overlap the lower incisors when the mouth is closed. This alignment not only conforms to breed standards but also supports the dog's ability to eat, chew, and maintain good oral health.

  • Structure in the context of the American Bully refers to the overall physical build and conformation of the dog. It encompasses various aspects of the dog's anatomy that contribute to its appearance, movement, and overall soundness. Here’s a detailed explanation of structure in American Bullies:

    1. Overall Balance and Proportion: American Bullies should have a well-balanced body with proportional features. This includes a compact, muscular build that is neither overly bulky nor light. The dog's proportions should create a balanced silhouette when viewed from the side and from the front.

    2. Head and Skull: The head should be proportionate to the body, with a broad skull that is slightly rounded. The muzzle should be short to medium in length, with a well-defined stop and strong jaws. The head should not appear too narrow or too wide in relation to the body.

    3. Neck and Shoulders: The neck should be muscular and slightly arched, blending smoothly into well-laid-back shoulders. Proper shoulder angulation allows for efficient movement and reach. The shoulders should be well-muscled and not excessively loaded.

    4. Back and Topline: The back should be short, broad, and firm. The topline should be level and straight from the withers to the croup, without dips or bumps. This conformation supports the dog's strength and stability.

    5. Chest and Body Depth: The chest should be deep and broad, providing ample room for heart and lung capacity. The ribs should be well-sprung but not barrel-chested. The body should be well-muscled with a slight tuck-up at the loin.

    6. Legs and Feet: The legs should be strong and muscular, with straight, well-boned forelegs and moderately angulated hindquarters. The feet should be compact, with well-arched toes and strong pads. The dog should stand squarely on its feet, neither toeing in (pigeon-toed) nor toeing out (Easty Westy).

    7. Movement: Proper structure allows for efficient movement. American Bullies should move with a confident, smooth gait that reflects their athleticism and power. When viewed from the front or rear, the legs should move parallel, indicating good balance and coordination.

    8. Health and Functionality: Correct structure is not only about aesthetics but also about functional soundness and overall health. Properly aligned bones, joints, and muscles reduce the risk of injury and ensure the dog can perform its intended tasks comfortably.

    In summary, structure in the American Bully breed involves the harmonious combination of muscular development, balanced proportions, and efficient movement. Evaluating structure helps breeders and judges assess the breed's adherence to standards and contributes to the dog's health, performance, and overall appearance.

American Bully puppies can be great first-time dogs for those who are prepared to handle their energy. Here are some things to know about owning an American Bully puppy:

Exercise

American Bullies need a lot of exercise, including daily walks, romps in the park, and other activities that get their energy out.

Socialization

American Bullies are friendly and social, but they have the potential to be aggressive with other dogs. It's important to socialize them early with other dogs in a controlled and supervised environment, such as a dog park, and make sure they are always on a leash when in public

Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries and respect the boundaries of other dogs and their owners.

Positive reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage desired behaviors

Grooming

American Bullies don't require much grooming. Their short coat can be brushed with a firm bristle brush several times a week, and they generally keep themselves pretty clean.

American Bullies can thrive anywhere, just as long as they have access to exercise, mental stimulation, and their loved ones.

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Are they Pitbull’s?

One of the most common misconceptions about the American Bully is that it is simply a type of pit bull, but the truth is these are two distinct breeds. American Bullies are a mix of several breeds, including American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, American Bulldogs, and Olde English Bulldogs that were developed in the United States in the 1990s. Selective breeding has created distinct American Bully breeds in terms of size and appearance, such as the American XL Bully and the classic American Bully. Pitbull’s and American Bullies are two very different breeds of dogs. American Bullies are newer and are seen as more “family-friendly”.

What are the health issues for bullies?

Although the breed is primarily considered healthy, there are some common American Bully health issues to consider. Hip dysplasia, Elbow dysplasia, Heart disease, Allergies, Eye problems, Skin conditions, Hot Spots, Mange, Ear infections. We work very hard to ensure we are breeding out many of these problems. What you will find is some breeders only breed for a single trait often time not checking for any health issues. Before you purchase a puppy you should inspect the parents.

About how long do they live?

As long as you take excellent care of them, your American bully could live between 10 and 13 years.

Does this breed need exercise?

Since the American Bully comes from working dogs, this breed has retained its abundance of energy. That means you need to be prepared to give them enough exercise that they don’t start to get bored. Bored dogs often turn into destructive dogs.

Is this breed a good family dog?

American bullies are one of the best examples of a perfect family dog. Loyal and loving, they’ve had aggressive behaviors intentionally bred out of them. This makes them great family dogs, so you can rest assured that you’re not putting your children at risk by bringing one into your home.

Do they require grooming?

They have a short, smooth coat that only needs to be quickly brushed once a week or so. This is particularly good news for people that don’t have the time to devote to grooming their dog themselves or the money to regularly pay a groomer to take care of unruly fur. Something to keep in mind, however, is that this fur type also can get cold easily in the winter. So if you live somewhere that has particularly cold winters, then you may need to put your bully in a sweater or jacket to go outside side when the temperature drops too far below freezing.

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