American Bully
Temperament:
The appearance of this strong, beefy dog belies its gentle nature. American Bullies are very affectionate and rather cozy. As they like to please people, it is jokingly said that a Bully as a guard dog would even help a burglar to carry things.
Characteristics
American Bullies are descended from the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Several other breeds have influenced the appearance and temperament of Bullies. These include the English Bulldog, the Old English Bulldog and the American Bulldog. There are four types of Bullies: XL, Classic, Standard and Pocket.
The United Kennel Club recognized the American Bully as an independent breed on 15 July 2013. In Europe, the American Bully is not a recognized dog breed. The related dog breeds are on the list of so-called dangerous dogs. The keeping of Bullies is therefore subject to licensing in some federal states.
The Bully is a real powerhouse. Their torso and limbs are strong and muscular. They reach a shoulder height of around 50 centimeters. This makes them one of the larger dogs.
The striking head is large and broad with a square muzzle. Jaws and teeth appear strong. The eyes are medium sized and set wide apart. The pricked ears give the dog an alert and inquisitive expression.
The shoulders and back are broad and strong, the hips somewhat narrower. The American Bully has a thin tail that reaches to the hock. The paws appear rather short in relation to the rest of the body.
Bullies run confidently and boldly. The dogs radiate interest and a thirst for adventure. When running, the animals appear athletic. Physical exertion is usually effortless for the Bully.
As the American Bully is not a defined breed, the coat and colors vary. As a rule, the animals have a short, smooth coat. The coat colors brown and grey are common.
Contrary to the cliché of the fighting dog, the Bully is neither aggressive nor unstable. On the contrary: thanks to its robust and good-natured nature, it is also suitable as a family dog. Its nature is neither aggressive nor fearful or shy. The animals are generally balanced, calm and loyal.
Its appearance makes the Bully a good protector. He defends what is dear to him. However, they are also open-minded and trusting towards strangers. The naturally cozy and less barking companions are therefore not perfect guard dogs.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
These powerful dogs can weigh up to 45 kg. Due to their physique, Bullies usually eat a lot. Make sure that the food contains enough protein. The dog's pronounced musculature needs constant replenishment.
A little "baby fat" does not harm the American Bully puppy. A young dog should eat at least three times a day. The fat promotes the puppy's growth. The animal's body converts the fat into the muscle mass typical of Bullies.
But be careful: don't overdo it - despite the heart-warming look on your dog's face. Too much high-energy food will make your Bully grow too quickly. Tendons, bones and joints will suffer as a result.
Their metabolism changes as they get older. That's why you should adjust the feeding when your Bully is about a year old. Then give him a portion of his food twice a day, but no more. Being overweight is very harmful for your dog.
Vitamins and minerals are very important for your dog's lifespan (approx. 10 years). Make sure you feed your dog high-quality food. Good dog food should cover the most important nutrients.
Make sure your dog always has fresh water in its bowl. Change the water twice a day. The animal must drink enough fluids.
Health & Care
Happy and healthy dogs need lots of exercise. Go for a walk with your dog three times a day. Your walk together should last at least half an hour.
Bullies love to swim. If you let your dog into the water, he can move in a way that is easy on his joints. Because of their strong physique, they need gentle movements. On hot days, he also has the opportunity to cool off.
Half an hour of natural sunlight is an absolute must. If you have a busy schedule, plan enough time. Maybe you can ask a friend or neighbor to help you. Short walks at dusk or after sunset do not have the same effect.
The large and powerful dogs are not suitable for a small city apartment. The animals are sensitive to loud traffic and other noises in the city. Even if you have a large apartment - the animal often needs to be able to let off steam in the great outdoors. A house with a garden in a suburb is a better home for a Bully.
When training your dog, always pay attention to how strong he is. In the first 18 months of his life, he must learn how to handle his strength properly. Let him interact with other dogs, other pets or children at an early age. Get the puppy used to rough play behavior right away.
As Bullies are people-oriented and good-natured, they integrate well into a family. Willing to learn and obedient, they quickly accept the hierarchy. The only important thing is to show them early and consistently who is in charge.
They seek their owner's approval. Praise your Bully when he has learned something new. Strict punishments are not appropriate. Consistent and loving training, on the other hand, will make you inseparable.
A healthy Bully needs regular visits to the vet. Vaccinations and worming are compulsory. The cost of grooming and dental care is comparatively low.
Suitable accessories
You'll need an XL dog bed, bowl and co. for your Bully. Make sure the lead and harness are robust - after all, your dog is a real powerhouse. Your equipment should also be of high quality for safety reasons.
The smooth and short coat of the Bullies is easy to groom. However, the coat should be brushed regularly. Use a coat brush to remove parasites and dirt after walks in the undergrowth or tall grass. Your Bully will quickly get used to an occasional bath with dog shampoo.
Chew toys care for your dog's teeth. Make sure they are big enough. Otherwise he may swallow them or bite off parts of them.
Bullies are lively and eager to learn. This makes them ideal for training. You can quickly teach your dog small tricks. He is happy to receive praise in the form of treats.
The animals love to play and are active companions. But your Bully will also be happy to lie lazily on the sofa. He'll love a cuddly dog blanket.
Origin & History
The Bullies' ancestors have a long history. The English Bulldog, for example, came to America with the first immigrants. Because of their appearance, the settlers liked to keep them as farm dogs. They were supposed to guard the livestock and keep uninvited guests away.
In the 17th century, these powerful animals were used to fight bulls. The name "bulldog" or "bull biter" comes from this time. It described the area in which the animals were used. In the USA, American bulldogs are still sometimes used to hunt wild boar.
In many countries, dog fighting is prohibited by law. However, they still take place in the criminal milieu. However, the cliché "fighting dog" does an injustice to many animals - including bullies.
The American Bully enjoys great popularity in the rap scene. Its appearance makes it a coveted companion in music videos. Hard shell, soft core: many rappers are wholeheartedly attached to their bully.
The Bully was bred in America around 40 years ago from the established bulldog breeds. The aim of the breed was to create a family-friendly companion dog. In the early years of breeding, some faults occurred. In the meantime, the dog type has become relatively healthy.
Bullies are relatively expensive, depending on their origin and breeder. In the USA, prices range between 800 and 20,000 dollars. The expensive puppies are descendants of well-known Bullies. In this country, a Bully costs around 1,000 to 2,000 euros.
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