The American bully is one of the best dogs that you can welcome into your home. That said, they’re not the right dog for everyone. What’s more, learning how to adopt one and where to find one to adopt can be tedious if you don’t know where to begin.
Fortunately, we have your back in this guide. We bring you through what you need to know before you adopt an American bully.
American Bully Breed Characteristics
First and foremost, it helps to understand what an American bully is and what they’re like.
American Bully Size and Build
American bullies vary greatly in size. You’ll find that there are pocket bullies that are 14 to 17 inches at the shoulder, and XL bullies are around 20 to 23 inches at the shoulder. In between these sizes, you have the standard, classic, and extreme sizes that are 18-20 inches at the shoulder.
While there isn’t much height variation, many of their size differences come down to weight. Their build is stocky, and they tend to have dense bones and big muscles. Even smaller American bullies are around 40 pounds, and XL bullies can get close to 125 pounds.
For these reasons, you need to consider the specific American bully breed before you adopt.
Temperament
When it comes to temperament, you’ll find that they’re friendly and gentle dogs. Sure, they have a rugged exterior, but these dogs love to cuddle up, seek a strong bond with their companions, and even get downright goofy.
What’s more, American bullies are intelligent, and you’ll find that they’re easy to train. They can learn a wide variety of commands and are highly intelligent; this includes emotional intelligence.
That said, it’s possible for American bullies to vary based on the individual dog, so keep this in mind.
Coat and Grooming
When it comes to caring for their coats, American bullies are straightforward. Their coats are short, smooth, and even a little glossy. The coats also come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Examples include brindle, solid colors, brown, tan, fawn, and many more.
Grooming-wise, their coats are hardy and don’t need too much attention. That said, they still shed a little bit, so make sure you brush them weekly, especially during season changes.
Health
American bullies tend to be healthy dogs. Plus, this applies to most American bully sizes. However, this doesn’t mean that they always live perfectly healthy lives. For example, larger American bullies are prone to joint issues, especially later in life.
Cancer is also something to keep an eye on, along with hip dysplasia. Regular veterinarian checkups can help.
How to Adopt an American Bully
Knowing that an American bully is a good fit is only half the battle. If you want to adopt one, you’ll need to find an organization that has one. This is the first step.
The good news is that organizations like Dog Academy can point you in the right direction. They can help you connect with animal shelters, rescues, and foster programs in your area, which can help you find American bullies to adopt.
From there, there are a few steps that you need to follow. We cover these steps below:
- Find and bond with an American bully that meets your size needs.
- Provide information about yourself, your home, and the other people who live with you.
- Pass a background check, home inspection, and reference check.
- Pay the necessary adoption fees.
- Have your American bully spayed/neutered if you need to do so.
Once you follow these steps, all you need to do is bring your American bully home with you.
Adopt an American Bully Today
American bullies are some of the best dogs you can welcome into your home. That said, they may not be the right fit for everyone. For example, if you don’t have space for an XL bully, you’ll need to choose a smaller American bully or another breed.
It’s also important to note that you need to make sure you choose the right American bully for you, so make sure you bond with one before you bring them home. And if you need help finding an American bully to adopt near you, Dog Academy can always help.
