Bred first and foremost as a companion, the American Bully is meant to be outgoing, friendly and self-assured. The breed standard values a gentle nature with people, and breeders have aimed for a lower prey drive than its terrier ancestors.21
how to spot oneAmerican Bully coat and colours
short, smooth coat
A compact, heavily muscled dog with a broad head and a glossy, close coat that is moderately stiff to the touch.21
A typical home-care rhythm for an American Bully. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Bathevery 8 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
how busy a day looksAmerican Bully exercise needs
Many take part in canine sports and enjoy regular active play with their family.1
who they like aroundAmerican Bully with people and other pets
A companion breed that is happiest as part of family life; temperament is shaped by good breeding, training and socialisation.12
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my American Bully, and at what times?
Feed your American Bully at least two meals a day for adults, and three to four smaller meals for puppies. Choose consistent times like morning and evening. For the right amount, check the food label and ask your vet.3
What should an American Bully eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality dog food suited to your Bully's age and size. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a balanced diet.4
How often should I bathe an American Bully?
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 56 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. You can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty, but avoid over-bathing to keep his skin healthy.5
How often does an American Bully need brushing?
Brush your American Bully's short coat weekly to remove loose hair and keep it shiny. Pet Wiki's plan recommends weekly brushing.5
How do I trim an American Bully's nails, and how often?
Trim nails when you hear them clicking on the floor, about every 28 days. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for help.5
How much exercise does an American Bully need?
Your American Bully needs daily walks and active play. Many enjoy canine sports too. Aim for at least 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day to keep him happy and healthy.1
How do I look after an American Bully's teeth and ears?
Brush your Bully's teeth two to three times a week with dog toothpaste; daily is ideal. Check ears weekly and dry them if damp, especially since floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.5
How long does an American Bully live?
Lifespan varies for American Bullies. Ask your breeder or vet for an estimate based on your dog's specific lineage and health.
Is an American Bully good with children and other pets?
Many American Bullies are affectionate with their family, and the breed was meant to have a lower prey drive than the American Staffordshire Terrier. Temperament depends heavily on breeding, training and early socialisation, so always supervise them with children and introduce other pets carefully.21
Can an American Bully be left alone?
American Bullies are happiest as part of family life and prefer not to be left alone for long periods. With training, they can handle short absences, but may develop separation anxiety. Ask your breeder for tips on alone time.1
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat an American Bully costs
Running costs for an American Bully, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the American Bully legal where you live?
5 of the 61 countries we check have a rule that names the American Bully. Check the law before you travel or move, the details change.
BannedHundeverordnung §5 Rassetypenliste II (the canton says the list is not complete): breeding, keeping, buying and bringing these types into the canton is prohibited. Rottweilers registered in the canton before 1 Jan 2025 may be kept only with a Haltebewilligung after a temperament test (applications by 30 June 2025). Visitors may stay up to 30 days a year with leash and muzzle in public.
Permit requiredPermit (Bewilligungspflicht) cantons per SRF overview (Dec 2024): Aargau (7 bull types + Rottweiler, per Hundeverordnung para 11: American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, American Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pit Bull Terrier, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Bully, Rottweiler), Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft (8), Solothurn (8), Glarus (10 incl. German and Belgian Shepherd), Schaffhausen (14), Thurgau (14); no breed rules in AI, AR, BE, GR, JU, LU, NE, SG, UR, ZG, NW, OW, SZ.
BannedLaw 7332 (in force 14 July 2021) amending Animal Protection Law 5199 bans producing, owning, adopting, housing, trading, displaying or advertising dangerous animals. The breeds are named in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry circular of 7 December 2021: American Pitbull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Japanese Tosa, American Staffordshire Terrier and American Bully. Dogs owned before 14 July 2021 could be kept if neutered, microchipped and registered in PETVET by 14 January 2022, and must be muzzled and leashed and kept out of crowded places, playgrounds and parks (2026 fine 95,590 TL).
BannedFederal Law 22/2016 on dangerous animals, Annex 2 'List of Dangerous Dogs': possession, trade, breeding and import banned except by licence for service or medical purposes; a Nov 2021 ministerial decision updated the list to pit bull types, mastiffs, Tosa and Presa Canario, so the status of Rottweiler, Doberman and Boxer should be treated as uncertain.
RestrictedRegulations for the Supervision of Dogs (Import and Keeping of Dangerous Dogs) 5765-2004: import prohibited, owners and handlers must be over 18, dogs over 6 months sterilised, muzzle and leash of max 2 m outside the premises, fenced yard with warning sign, no dog parks, transfer only to approved recipients.
BannedSince 13 December 2024 it is illegal to breed, advertise or sell non-pedigree bully-type dogs of these breeds or their crosses, or to keep ones born after that date. Pedigree dogs with recognised kennel club registration are allowed, and existing non-pedigree dogs may be kept if they were microchipped and registered before 13 December 2024. Dogs brought from another EU country that the keeper has had for at least six months are exempt if registered within 30 days of entry.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It comes in several size varieties, from the compact Pocket to the tall XL.2
2
Its breed standard places it in the UKC Companion Dog Group rather than a working group.2
3
The breed's own kennel club, the ABKC, recognised it nearly a decade before the UKC did.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name 'American Bully' reflects its American origin and its development from the American Pit Bull Terrier and various bulldog breeds, emphasizing its 'bully' heritage.2
This morning, I woke up and stretched my big, muscular body. Then I padded over to my human and gently rested my head on their lap. They laughed and scratched my ears. After breakfast, we went to the park. I wagged my tail at every person we passed, I love making new friends! A little kid dropped their ball, and I carefully picked it up and handed it back. At home, I curled up on the couch, snoring softly. Being a gentle giant is the best job ever.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganAmerican Bully history
Breeders in the United States began shaping the American Bully in the 1980s from American Pit Bull Terrier lines, adding touches of American Bulldog, English Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge to get a stockier build. The goal was a muscular but easy-going family companion. The ABKC recognised it in 2004 and the UKC followed in 2013.21
American Pit Bull Terrier
American Staffordshire Terrier
American Bulldog
Staffordshire Bull Terrier