Pros and Cons of American Bullies

If you're considering bringing an American Bully into your home (and heart), this article is for you! The American Bully breed is known for its muscular build, remarkable capacity for affection, and a fierce loyalty to its family. But as with all breeds, there are certain characteristics of the Bully that require some special attention. 

In this primer, we'll explore the pros and cons of owning an American Bully to help you decide if this is the right breed for you. Keep in mind that familiarizing yourself with the upsides and challenges of the American Bully is the first step to providing a meaningful and happy life for your furry friend.

Pros of American Bullies

Well, what's so special about American Bullies? Let's start by delving into the perks of owning these powerful, loving companions, so you can see why they're coveted by so many pet enthusiasts.

1. They have unmatched confidence 

One incredible characteristic that sets American Bullies apart is their sheer confidence and stability. Whether it's adapting to new environments or mingling with unknown faces, they manage to hold an unshakeable demeanor that reflects their mental strength and versatility. 

2. They're active and athletic 

American Bullies are excellent matches for active individuals and families. Their athletic nature and ability to run significant distances makes them excellent companions for those looking for an active and energized companion.  With their overwhelming energy, American Bullies love outdoor walks and games, and can promote fitness and activity in your family, too. 

3. They ace advanced trainings & dog sports

The American Bully is an intelligent breed, fast to pick up commands -- and so they excel in advanced trainings and dog sports. Advanced activities such as agility, weight pulling, and obedience competitions are where Bullies truly shine. They excel not only in physically challenging activities, but in mental games, too.  

4. They're affectionate family companions 

American Bullies fit perfectly into the family picture; they're not only gentle and friendly, but are also known for forming strong bonds with their owners. Their natural tendency to show affection towards their whole family makes them an ideal dog for families, creating a warm, loving atmosphere at home.

5. They're very gentle with children 

One of the many reasons why American Bullies have gained recognition as a family breed is their remarkable patience and gentleness with children, both young and old. Having an American Bully at home means having not just a friend, but also a playmate and protector for your young ones. 

6. Contrary to perceptions, they're not inherently aggressive 

"Aggressive behavior towards humans is uncharacteristic of the breed, and highly undesirable." - United Kennel Club.

Contrary to what some assume due to the American Bully's intimidating appearance, these pups are not inherently aggressive. Instead, they're known by owners for their calm and steady demeanor, and they're often praised for their warm and friendly natures. That said, poor breeding routines can lead to temperamental issues (... more on this below!)

7. They're fairly low-maintenance dogs 

Exercise aside, American Bullies are pretty easy to care for and maintain. They're not particularly prone to health issues and have short coats that requires minimal grooming. This ease of maintenance makes them a great choice for families who don't have the extra time (or preference) for regular grooming. 

Cons of American Bullies

1. The possibility of improper breeding (and temperament issues)

Unfortunately, some breeders cut corners, and in their quest to deliver an imposing physique, end up compromising on their puppies' temperaments. If an American Bully comes from faulty breed lines, he or she can struggle with certain temperamental issues (including aggression). Therefore, it's crucial to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and temeperament of their puppies.

If adopting an American Bully or if you're not sure about your pup's background, there exists a chance (albeit a small one) that your Bully may display unexpected behaviors - and so socialization and oversight will be especially important.   

2. Bullies are facing increasing regulations  

There has been growing advocacy for stricter regulatory controls over the ownership of American Bullies, particularly XL Bullies. This surge in regulation may lead to bans in more regions, or limitations in ownership of this breed in apartments and shared living spaces.

This poses an inconvenience for current and prospective owners of this breed. So, you might want to keep up to date with local dog breed policies. 

3. Keep an eye out for omega males 

Dogs who are at the bottom of the pack hierarchy are sometimes called "Omegas". Omega males in the Bully breed can exhibit underlying stress due to their rank, which can translate into out-of-character behaviors. These pups may appear timid or submissive, showing signs like lowered heads, tucked tails, or avoiding direct eye contact, and can display sudden aggression if they feel threatened. 

It's important to approach these dogs with sensitivity and patience, providing them a stable environment, clear and consistent guidance, and positive reinforcement to help to mitigate these behaviors. 

4. Their energy requires commitment 

American Bullies are not a breed for the lazy. They are a high-energy breed that requires regular exercise to stay fit and content. As an owner, you need to be prepared to devote time every day to physical activities. 

Remember, your American Bully needs at least an hour of exercise daily to stay in top shape physically and mentally. If you lead a busy lifestyle, this might be something to consider before choosing an American Bully. 

5. Your Bully may suffer from stigma and stereotypes 

Stereotypes often tag American Bullies as overly aggressive due to their intimidating physique. As previously mentioned, in reality, Bullies are not inherently aggressive dogs. When properly socialized and trained, they exhibit calm and friendly demeanors, are notoriously gentle with kids, and get along well with other pets. 

As a Bully owner, your puppy may be misunderstood and wrongfully labeled as dangerous by those uninformed about the breed's true nature.  This can be challenging and hurtful. 

6. Bullies can be prone to separation anxiety 

American Bullies are very people-oriented and form strong bonds with their families. This admirable attribute can lead to problems if your dog is left alone for prolonged periods. Separation anxiety can manifest in destructive behaviors (like chewing your furniture), and is bad for the overall health of your pup. 

It's important to keep the time and attention requirements of Bullies in mind when bringing this breed home. 

7. They need a special diet for their muscular physique 

If you want your American Bully to maintain its iconic muscular build, you might need to feed it more than just regular dog food. A diet rich in proteins and supplements, coupled with regular exercise, are helpful in maintaining that athletic build.

While not a deal-breaker, it's a factor to consider in terms of commitment and potential cost.

8. Bullies are prone to obesity

Some American Bullies are prone to obesity. And so while this breed requires a diet rich in protein to nourish their muscular build, care must be taken not to overfeed them. It can be a challenge for Bully owners to balance their diet, use portion control, and work with a vet to develop a tailored feeding plan that promotes overall health. 

In Conclusion

With the right care and understanding, the American Bully's pros strongly outweigh its cons, making it a loving, athletic, and fantastic companion for both individuals and families. Their steady temperament, trainability, family compatibility, and kid-friendliness make them excellent family pets. Yet, prospective owners should be aware of potential downsides including breeding risks, regulatory constraints, societal biases they may face, susceptibility to separation anxiety, and dietary needs.

Remember that owning an American Bully, like any pet, is a significant responsibility — but one that's often rewarded with loyalty, affection, and a healthy dose of fun!