American Bully: A Banned and Unpredictable Breed (9 photos)

The American Bully is a very controversial breed. In some countries, they are kept as companions and nannies for children. In others, owning such a dog is illegal and is considered the same as carrying a weapon! How is this possible? Let's figure it out!





— Does your dog bite? — No, she swallows everything whole.

The history of all American bull-type dogs began in the mid-1800s. Animals were brought to the country from England for the bloody "sport" of dog fighting. In the New World, the dogs continued their grim career. At that time, all fighters were called "pit bulls" without distinctions between breeds. In 1976, dog fights were banned in all US states. But this did not stop the underground dealers. And so, in 1980, American bullies separated from the motley pack of fighters.



Have you gone jogging today? No? Let me help you!

The breeders wanted to create an "extra format" - so that the animal would look like a pit bull on steroids. The same ring-winning fighters with well-developed muscles participated in the breeding. No matter what they tell you, there were no couch companions, nannies or other cuties there.





Tell me, which gym do I need to go to get so pumped up?

Then the era of hip-hop, rappers and other street romance began. Pumped-up bullies were constantly appearing in music videos. Celebrities got themselves such animals, and off we go. In the 2000s, America experienced a boom in brutal fighting dogs — the emerging breed of already complex dogs fell into the hands of unscrupulous breeders. The animals were bred according to the principle that the bigger and more muscular, the better. For their beautiful muscles, they were forgiven almost everything.



That same epic cover of the video from the 00s.

The rest of the world learned about American bullies relatively recently, and the breed has hit a second peak in sales. The dogs are advertised as ideal and absolutely safe companions. On the one hand, this is true. For the last couple of decades, bullies have not participated in fights — even the underground fighters have closed up shop. In conscientious breeding, friendliness and calmness are welcome.



With such a dog, you don't need a pony!

On the other hand, each wave of popularity gave birth to a lot of unscrupulous breeders. Today, some bullies have big problems with their heads, excitement and self-control - their fighting past takes its toll. The breed can really be considered potentially dangerous. Because they are not at all sofa-pocket mutts.



Dogs are especially prone to zooaggression. That is, aggression towards other dogs and smaller animals.

American Bullies have bred and officially registered 4 types of dogs of different sizes. The largest XXL versions grow over 60 centimeters at the withers and weigh over 60 kilograms. And the small version of the breed grows about 25 centimeters at the withers and weighs 10 kilograms. This is a huge difference in size, which is not found in any other breed.



The world destruction team is ready.

It is because of its dangerous size that the breed was banned in some countries. For example, in England alone, from 2021 to 2023, XXL Bullies were responsible for 10 out of 19 deaths from dog teeth. Because of this, the country introduced a strict ban on keeping dogs of this version. For the same reasons, the breed has recently been completely banned in Turkey, the UAE, Ireland and Germany. Bullies cannot be bred, sold, bought or given away there. Owners of all dogs are required to chip and sterilize their pets, otherwise they face a serious fine. And on the street, bullies can only appear on a short leash and in a muzzle.



I'll do a cardio workout. I work for food, if I can catch up.

In our country, these mutts have not yet been blacklisted, but you still shouldn't joke with the breed. Incompetent breeding + huge size = real danger to others. Therefore, it is extremely important to buy a bully puppy only from trusted breeders and raise the animal correctly. With proper training, these are very affectionate, loving and tactile dogs. They can become wonderful companions for people with a moderately active lifestyle. But you still shouldn't leave a child or other animals alone with them. Even the pocket format can inadvertently injure those who are smaller than them.



I don't understand: is this an attack or a hug?..