The American Bully, a breed known for its impressive strength, muscular build, and commanding presence, has become a popular choice for dog lovers looking for a loyal and protective companion. This relatively new breed comes in several size categories, each with its unique growth pattern. Knowing the growth milestones of an American Bully can help you monitor your pet’s development and ensure they’re on the right track.
From understanding their growth chart to tracking height and weight at different stages, here’s everything you need to know about American Bully growth.
Overview: Fascinating Facts About the American Bully
The American Bully was developed by crossing breeds like the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and other bulldog-type breeds. Recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) in 2004 and the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2013, these dogs are known for their broad heads, muscular shoulders, almond-shaped eyes, and athletic bodies. When considering factors like price, it’s essential to be informed about the American Bully Price and what makes a reputable breeder.
How Big Will My American Bully Get?
American Bullies can vary significantly in size depending on their category, but most range between 16 to 23 inches in height. Since genetics plays a major role, one of the best ways to gauge your puppy’s future size is by looking at the parents or asking the breeder about the size of the grandparents. Additionally, a DNA test can provide some insights into your dog’s potential size.
Quick Tip: Check the size of your puppy’s paws; larger paws can often indicate a larger adult size.
Average Weight for an American Bully
While weight can vary based on the American Bully type, these dogs generally weigh between 66 and 88 pounds, with the weight proportionate to their height. Keep in mind that a healthy weight should align with their muscle and bone structure to avoid obesity-related health issues. You may also want to compare them with other breeds, such as American Bulldogs. Read our comparison guide about American Bully vs American Bulldog.
Proper Weighing and Height Measurement Techniques
Weighing Your Bully:
Due to their size, weighing an American Bully on a standard home scale can be challenging. It’s best to weigh your dog at the vet using a specialized scale. This will give a more accurate reading and allow you to track growth milestones effectively.
Measuring Height:
To measure your American Bully’s height, ensure your dog is standing straight. Measure from the floor to the top of their shoulder blades (withers). This is the standard measurement for determining height in dogs.
Neck Size of an American Bully
Knowing the neck size is important for selecting collars, harnesses, and other accessories. A full-grown American Bully typically has a neck circumference of 14 to 18 inches. Be sure to select adjustable accessories as puppies grow rapidly.
5 Types of American Bullies: Growth by Category
The American Bully comes in several size variants, each with specific height and weight ranges.
1. Standard American Bully
- Height: Males 17-20 inches; females 16-19 inches
- Weight: 60-110 lbs
- Characteristics: Large skull, broad chest, muscular body, and prominent cheeks. Known for a balanced and solid physique.
2. Classic American Bully
- Height: Similar to the Standard Bully (16-20 inches)
- Weight: 45-80 lbs
- Characteristics: Slightly lighter build than the Standard, with a look that favors the American Pit Bull Terrier. Agile, less muscular, and with a gentler appearance, making them suitable for families.
3. Pocket American Bully
- Height: Males 14-17 inches; females 13-16 inches
- Weight: Proportionate to their height
- Characteristics: Smaller in size but maintains the characteristic muscular build. Ideal for those who love the American Bully look but prefer a smaller dog.
4. XL American Bully
- Height: Males 20-23 inches; females 19-22 inches
- Weight: 75-120 lbs
- Characteristics: Largest of all types, with deep chests, larger body mass, and a slightly arched neck. Known for their powerful build and imposing presence.
5. Extreme American Bully
- Height: 16-20 inches
- Weight: 80-140 lbs
- Characteristics: Similar to the Standard but with a bulkier, heavier bone structure. Recognizable for their wide chests, heavy muscles, and rugged appearance.
American Bully Puppy Growth and Development (With Pictures)
Are you wondering if your American Bully puppy is growing properly, if you’re feeding them the right food, or whether they’re getting enough exercise? These are common concerns for new pet owners.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key growth stages of an American Bully puppy, from birth to one year, so you know what to expect and how to ensure your furry friend thrives. For more suggestions on nurturing your puppy, you might find our FAQ about getting a dog resource helpful.
0 to 4 Weeks Old: The Neonatal Stage
At less than a month old, American Bully puppies are in the most fragile stage of their life. They rely entirely on their mother for food, warmth, and survival, as they cannot generate body heat yet.
During this period, puppies sleep and nurse almost constantly. It’s also crucial to deworm them early to protect against parasites, which they are particularly vulnerable to at this age.
4 Weeks Old (1 Month): Eyes Open, Ears Perk Up
By one month, your American Bully puppy’s eyes will open, and their ears will begin to function. This is also when they start transitioning to solid food, thanks to the development of their milk teeth.
You’ll notice their tail wagging as they socialize with their littermates. Human interaction at this stage is vital to prevent socialization issues later in life.
8 Weeks Old (2 Months): Ready for a Forever Home
At two months, your puppy will experience rapid growth. This is an exciting milestone as they are ready for their first vaccinations and to move to their forever home.
Socialization is key at this age. Expose them to different environments, people, and gentle interactions to help them adapt to the world around them.
11 Weeks Old: Active and Curious
An 11-week-old American Bully puppy is full of energy but still developing physically. Avoid over-exercising as their joints and growth plates are not yet strong enough for intense activity. Short, supervised play sessions are perfect at this stage.
12 Weeks Old (3 Months): Entering Adolescence
At three months old, your puppy’s growth rate begins to slow, and their senses are fully developed. This is the perfect time to focus on consistent training and socialization. Remember, puppies at this age have short attention spans, so keep training sessions brief and engaging.
16 Weeks Old (4 Months): Testing Boundaries
By four months, your American Bully is officially a teenager and might start testing their boundaries. Training becomes even more important to reinforce good behavior and discourage bad habits.
Dedicate at least 20 minutes daily to training, focusing on patience and positive reinforcement.
6 Months Old: Reaching Sexual Maturity
At six months, your puppy is entering sexual maturity. Female Bullies may experience their first heat cycle, and males often mature faster. However, they’re still considered puppies, so mating at this age is not recommended.
This is also the stage when behavioral challenges, such as aggression or selective friendliness, can arise. Proper training and socialization are critical to prevent these issues.
1 Year Old: Transitioning to Adulthood
By their first birthday, your American Bully will have reached their adult height and weight. This is when you can transition them from puppy food to adult food, tailored to their activity level and size. Explore our guide on Best Dog Food for American Bully.
Your dog’s growth plates will begin to harden, and their muscles will fill out, giving them the characteristic strong and stocky American Bully appearance. Ensure they get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent conditions like obesity or diabetes.
8 Key Factors Affecting American Bully Growth
The growth of your American Bully is influenced by factors such as health, diet, and the timing of spaying or neutering. Understanding these factors will help ensure healthy development and prevent potential issues. Here are eight key factors that affect your American Bully’s growth:
- Health Conditions: Health issues or injuries can impact growth, especially if left untreated.
- Growth Rate Variations: Avoid stunting or accelerating growth artificially to prevent long-term health issues.
- Body Condition Score (BCS): An ideal BCS of 3/5 or 5/9 indicates a well-proportioned dog. Anything too low or high requires veterinary attention.
- Weight Management: Proper diet and low-calorie treats can help manage weight, while protein-rich treats like freeze-dried liver are great for underweight dogs.
- Spaying/Neutering Age: Ideally performed between 4-9 months, timing affects growth and can influence behaviors.
- Hormones & Growth: Early spaying or neutering can impact development, so consult your vet for the right timing.
- Newborn Weight Range: Newborn American Bullies typically weigh between 7-10 ounces and double in size within the first few weeks.
- Growth by Type: All American Bully variants grow at similar rates but reach different sizes based on their category.
Conclusion: Tracking Your American Bully’s Growth
American Bullies are known for their muscular build and imposing size, which makes them a popular breed for those seeking a loyal and protective companion. Most of their growth occurs in the first year, with continued muscle development until about two years of age.
The size of your American Bully will depend on their specific type, diet, and genetics. Regular vet visits, balanced nutrition, and the right exercise will support a healthy growth pattern, ensuring your American Bully becomes a robust and balanced adult.
Want to learn more about this loyal breed? Check out our guide on best dog foods for large breeds(links) and tips on socializing your puppy.