Originally developed in the 90's from the American Staffordshire Terriers and the American Pit Bull Terriers, the American Bully is a controversial breed, being recognized by only a few organizations. Although this breed was created in America, nowadays there are specialized breeders almost all over Europe and Asia.
Physically, the perfect American Bully is a powerful and muscular dog, short and strong-legged. The head is of medium length, with powerful square jaws and high set upright ears, which can be cropped or not. The eyes are small and dark colored, being placed at a notable distance one from the other; heterochromy is considered a fault for this breed. The neck is heavy and strong, widening towards the shoulders. The coat of an American Bully is short, wired and has a silky appearance; it can come in any combination of colors, except merle. The brushing and the washing of the coat should be performed with regularity, and a towel massage of the skin will assure a glowing skin look.
Males' height reaches 45-55 cm, while females are a little shorter. As for weight, the breed has no weight specifications. They usually are healthy dogs, showing no problems as long as the environment they live in corresponds to their necessities and as long as their nutrition is well balanced, meeting the dog's particular needs. These dogs prefer warmer climates, and they can live in apartments if they are well-exercised and they have the possibility to be active indoors. Their life expectancy is 10 to 14 years in normal conditions.
The American Bully has a remarkable intelligence and a sharp sense of observation; these dogs are joyful and energetic all day long, even if their legs and their stuffed aspect can fool you regarding their abilities. Some of the dogs can make short leaps and they can also jump up-right more than you would expect. Their pack behavior is not necessarily aggressive, but can be led into aggressiveness by inadequate training. Their keen intelligence makes them easy to be trained and their character can be easily changed into an aggressive one if need it or, on the contrary, into a perfect family member.
Usually, these dogs are very affectionate, loving and loyal towards humans. They are struggling to be obedient and to please the master, and that makes them very easy to be trained. They are extremely tolerant with children, not aggressive and with a very pleasant temperament. They are also courageous and playful, very attentive and receptive.
All these characteristics are similar to the breeds from which they originate: the loyalty of the Pit Bull combined with the sociability of the Terrier. It is advisable to train and to try to socialize the dog when it is just a puppy, in order to stop any aggressive behavior. They need a calm but firm owner, who can impose rules and limits.
The American Bully is either the best family dog, the best friend for your children or the persistent and alert guard dog - it depends on the training it receives.
