ABKC Breed Standard
Taller version of the Standard American Bully, expected to carry heavily muscled build.
Varieties
Height Standard
This is an amendment to the basic standard which an XL Bully is determined by its adult height. Males over 20" (51cm) to 23" (57cm) at the withers. Females over 19" (48cm) to 22" (55cm) at the withers. XL Bully variety is simply a taller version of the Standard American Bully. XL Bully's are expected to carry a heavily muscled, massive, bulky body type.
This is an amendment to the basic standard which an XL Bully is determined by its adult height. XL Bully variety is simply a taller version of the Standard American Bully. XL Bully's are expected to carry a heavily muscled, massive, bulky body type.
Key physical attributes emphasized in the ABKC standard.
The distinct heavy, large and broad head of the American Bully exemplifies breed type. Medium in length, deep throughout, broad skull, well-chiseled with very pronounced cheek muscles, distinct and deep stop. Ears set high, can be either natural or cropped. Eyes — All colors equally accepted except albinism (pinkish to red) which is a Disqualification. Eye shape is oval to almond shaped, low set in skull and set far apart. Round eyes are undesirable, and bulging or protruding eyes are a fault. Visibility of the haw should be minimal. Muzzle — Short-Medium in length and broad in width. Length to be shorter than the length of the skull with a distance from the tip of the nose to the stop approximately one-third of the distance from the tip of the nose to the occiput, but not so short as to interfere with normal breathing. The muzzle is blocky or slightly squared to fall away abruptly below eyes. The topline of the muzzle is to be straight with nose neither pointed nor turned up in profile. Jaws — Well defined. Under Jaw — To be strong and parallel to the muzzle, never turning upward. Lips — Semi close and even, some looseness accepted but not preferred. Upper Teeth — A scissor bite or close front bite is accepted. Nose — Large with wide open nostrils. All colors/pigment acceptable except albinism (light pink coloring).
Heavy, muscular, slightly arched, tapering from shoulder to back of skull. Compact to medium length. No looseness of skin.
Strong and muscular with wide blades set wide and well back.
The forequarters shall have strong and muscular front legs. Front legs set rather wide apart to permit chest development. Foreleg — Straight, a slight turning outward of the feet is accepted but not desired. No bowing.
Heavily muscled, massive bulky body type of compact/medium length giving the impression of great power for its size and exemplifying the breed type of the American Bully.
Height
Short, close, stiff to the touch and glossy. No longer than 1/2 inch in length. No curling or wavy coat.
All colors and patterns are permissible except the color merle/blotched pattern.
The American Bully moves with a confident and proud attitude, and at the same time is keen and alive, showing interest in everything around. Effortless and powerful. The action must, however, be unrestricted, free, and vigorous with powerful drive off the rear. Front reach should be moderate and in balance with the rear. Action is smooth and exhibits no signs of hackney gaiting. Drives off rear and pushes forward. Powerful and balanced.
Behavioral expectations for stable, confident show dogs.
Common class groupings seen at ABKC events (exact classes vary by show).
Ribs well sprung, deep at the rear, and all ribs close together, tapering from withers to front feet creating a slight fall. Chest broad, deep, and well filled in, but should never be wider than it is deep.
Fairly short to medium back, slight sloping from withers to rump or straight accepted with a gentle short slope at the rump to base of tail. The American Bully should appear square from the side, measuring the same from withers to elbow as elbow to the bottom of the feet.
Well muscled, let down at hocks, turning neither in nor out. Muscular development, angulation and width of the hindquarters should be in balance with that of the forequarters. When viewing from the rear, the legs are to be straight and parallel. Croup to have a slight downward angle.
Medium in comparison to size, low set, tapering to a fine point. Extending approximately to the hock. When relaxed tail should be carried low. When moving, tail should be carried level with backline. When excited, tail may be carried in a raised position (challenge tail), but should never curl over (gay tail), nor should it be flat against the back (squirrel tail).
Should be rounded and of moderate size in proportion to the dog. Well arched and tight. Pads should be hard, tough, and well cushioned.
