Breed Standard

#appearance #characteristics #head #teeth #eyes #ears #neck #body #forequarters #hindquarters #feet #tail #height #coat #color #gait #eliminations #disqualifications #pedigree #examples #traditional-vs-modern #suggestions

GENERAL APPEARANCE

Traditional American Bully Breed Characteristics [Top]

The Traditional American Bully’s appearance has remained fairly consistent since the 1990s-2000s, and reflects a subtle blend of bull breeds.

Key features include:

Balance and Proportions: Essential for a harmonious overall appearance
Muscle Tone and Soundness: Absolute necessities for a healthy, athletic build
Coat: Smooth and sleek
Strength and Agility: Exceptional power and agility relative to its size
Presence: Exudes confidence, power, stamina, and a loyal temperament

Faults to Eliminate

Any exaggerated feature that hinders physical activity

Disqualifications

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid (undescended testicles)

CHARACTERISTICS

The American Bully: A Loyal Companion [Top]

The Traditional American Bully breed is a companion breed first and foremost. All other aspects of the breed are secondary.

At its core, the Traditional American Bully breed is a devoted companion, radiating confidence and a joyful enthusiasm for life. Beneath its powerful exterior lies a gentle and friendly nature, making it an exceptional family dog.

Although it is highly versatile, the Traditional American Bully is not intended to be a working breed, and not a protection breed. Overprotectiveness is undesirable. Companionship and show are its primary purposes. This requires a gentle disposition.

Key Characteristics

Confident and Exuberant: Zestful approach to life
Gentle and Friendly: Ideal temperament for a family pet
Athletic: Possesses the agility and endurance for performance events

Unacceptable Traits

Aggressive behavior towards humans is contrary to the breed’s nature and highly undesirable

Disqualifications

Extreme Shyness: Excessive fearfulness or timidity

Viciousness: Displaying extreme aggression

HEAD

American Bully Breed Head Characteristics [Top]

The American Bully’s head is a distinctive feature, boasting a unique blend of size, shape, and proportions. Key attributes include:

Skull

Large and Broad: Yet always in harmony with the overall dog
Flat Top: No dome between the ears
Defined Stop: Moderately deep and well-defined

Muzzle

Broad and Blocky: Or slightly square in shape
Length: Shorter than the skull, comprising roughly 1/3 of the head’s overall length
Straight Top: No curvature or deviation
Well-Developed Lower Jaw: Wide and deep, with no weakness

Nose

Large: With well-opened nostrils
Pigment: All colors acceptable, typically harmonizing with coat color

Faults to Eliminate

Nose Deviation: Upturned or pushed back, disrupting the head’s harmony

Excessive Head Size: Disproportionate to the body

Respiratory Interference: Muzzle too short and blunt, hindering normal breathing

Snipey Muzzle: Narrow and pointed

Weak Lower Jaw: Lacking development or substance

Excessive Flews: Loose or flaccid lips

TEETH

American Bully Dental Characteristics [Top]

The American Bully’s dental structure is characterized by:

Complete Set: A full complement of teeth
Even Spacing: Uniformly arranged for optimal biting and chewing
White Teeth: Clean and healthy, with no discoloration
Scissors or Even Bite: Teeth meet in a precise, harmonious alignment

Serious Faults

Missing Teeth: Any gaps or missing teeth are considered a significant flaw

Eliminating Faults

Undershot Bite: Lower teeth protrude beyond the upper teeth
Overshot Bite: Upper teeth protrude beyond the lower teeth
Wry Bite: Teeth are misaligned, causing an uneven bite

Note: These faults can affect the dog’s overall health, comfort, and ability to eat and function properly.

EYES

American Bully Eye Characteristics [Top]

The American Bully’s eyes are defined by:

Medium Size: Neither too large nor too small
Oval to Almond Shape: A smooth, curved shape
Well-Set Apart: Spaced evenly, with no crowding
Low on the Skull: Positioned below the center of the skull
Acceptable Colors: All colors are equal in merit, except blue
Haw: Should not be visible, with no redness or protrusion

Faults

Round Eyes: Lacking the desired oval or almond shape
Unmatched Colors: Eyes that do not match in color
Visible Haw: Redness or protrusion of the haw

Serious Faults

Bulging or Protruding Eyes: Eyes that protrude excessively

Disqualification

Blue Eyes: Either one or both eyes, regardless of shade or intensity. Blue eyes are not acceptable in the American Bully breed.

EARS

American Bully Ear Characteristics [Top]

The American Bully’s ears are defined by:

High Set: Positioned high on the skull
Natural or Cropped: Either natural or cropped ears are acceptable, with no preference given to one over the other
No Preference for Prick Ears: While not disqualified, prick ears are not the preferred ear type

Disqualifications

Bat Ears: Ears that are abnormally large or rounded, resembling bat ears

Unilateral or Bilateral Deafness: Any degree of deafness in one or both ears

NECK

American Bully Neck Characteristics [Top]

The American Bully’s neck is defined by:

Moderate Length: Neither too long nor too short
Muscular: Well-developed and sturdy
Slight Arch: A gentle curve at the crest
Gradual Widening: Smoothly broadens from the skull to the shoulders
Well-Laid-Back Shoulders: Seamless transition from neck to shoulders
No Excessive Dewlap: Skin on the neck is taut, without loose folds

Faults

Thin or Weak Neck: Lacking muscular development
Ewe Neck: An excessively curved or bent neck
Excessive Dewlap: Loose, hanging skin on the neck

Very Serious Faults

Out of Proportion Neck: Either too long or too short, disrupting body harmony

Short Neck: Interferes with functional ability or movement

BODY

American Bully Body Characteristics [Top]

The Traditional American Bully’s body is defined by:

Proportional Measurements: Length and height in balanced proportions
Semi-Square Appearance: Balanced proportions, with a broad, deep chest and well-sprung ribs in proportion with overall body length
Chest: May be wider than deep, but without exaggeration
Forechest: Slightly extends forward, not beyond the shoulder point
Back: Width proportional to length, strong, and firm, with a level and straight topline
Croup: Slightly slopes downward to the tail base
Loin: Wide and short

Faults

Weak Topline: Lacking strength and stability
Roached Back: Excessive curvature or arching
Rear Higher than Withers: Unbalanced structure
Disproportionate Measurements: Legs or back disproportionately long

Serious Faults

Excessive Mass: Overdone musculature, frame, or body mass
Excessively Terrier-Like: Excessive length and narrowness
Excessive Bulldog Traits: English Bulldog or French Bulldog structure

Eliminating Fault

Excessively Wide Chest: Interferes with normal movement and function

FOREQUARTERS

American Bully Forequarters Characteristics [Top]

The American Bully’s forequarters are defined by:

Muscular Shoulders: Long, wide, and well-laid-back shoulder blades
Balanced Upper Arm: Roughly equal in length to the shoulder blade, joining at a 90-degree angle
Strong Forelegs: Muscular with sturdy bone
Elbows: Set close to the body
Moderate Stance: Forelegs set apart at a moderate width, perpendicular to the ground, with straight forward feet
Strong Pasterns: Flexible and nearly erect

Faults

Upright Shoulders: Lacking layback and muscle
Short Upper Arm: Disrupting balance and proportion
Down in Pastern: Weakness or excessive angulation

Eliminating Faults

Excessive Bowing: Front legs so bowed that they interfere with normal movement and function

HINDQUARTERS

American Bully Hindquarters Characteristics [Top]

The American Bully’s hindquarters are defined by:

Strength and Muscle: Broad, muscular, and powerful
Well-Filled Rump: Deep and well-developed
Thick Thigh Muscles: Well-defined and prominent
Proper Hock Alignment: Viewed from the side, hocks are well let down and perpendicular to the ground
Parallel Rear Pasterns: Viewed from the rear, pasterns are straight and parallel to each other
Balanced Width: Hindquarters width is in harmony with the forequarters

Serious Faults

Bowed Legs: Legs that are excessively curved or bowed

Narrow Hindquarters: Lacking breadth and muscle

Lack of Muscle: Insufficient development and definition

Stifle Issues:

Straight Stifle: Lacking proper angulation

Over-Angulated Stifle: Excessive angulation

Hock Faults:

Cow Hocks: Hocks turning inward

Sickle Hocks: Hocks turning outward

Feet

American Bully Foot Characteristics [Top]

The American Bully’s feet are defined by:

Tight and Round: Compact and circular in shape
Proportionate Size: In harmony with the dog’s overall size
Well-Arched: Curved and springy, with a defined arch

Dewclaws

Rear Dewclaws: Removal is preferred, but not required

Eliminating Faults

High Toe: Toes that are too elevated or pointed upward

Splayed or Flat Feet: Lacking arch and curvature

Long Toes: Excessively long or narrow toes

Tail

American Bully Tail Characteristics [Top]

In the American Bully breed, the tail is a distinctive feature with the following characteristics:

Tail Type

Crank or Pump Handle Tail: A curved tail with a distinctive shape
Straight Tail: Also acceptable, as long as it meets the other criteria

Tail Set and Carriage

Natural Extension: Set on as a continuation of the topline
Tapers to a Point: Narrowing to a point at the end
Level Carriage: Carried level with the topline when moving
Slight Lift: May be carried slightly higher when excited, but never over the back
Relaxed Carriage: Carried low, extending to the hock when standing and relaxed

Faults

Incorrect Height: Tail more than one inch above or below the hock
Gay Tail: Tail carried excessively high or with an unnatural curve

Serious Faults

Kinked, Knotted, or Fused Tail: Any abnormal twisting or joining of the tail

Disqualifications

Bobbed or Docked Tail: A tail that has been shortened or altered surgically

Screw Tail: A twisted or spiral-shaped tail

HEIGHT

Traditional American Bully Height Standards [Top]

The ideal height range for the Traditional American Bully is:

Males: 17-23 inches (43-58 cm) at the withers (the highest point of the shoulder blades)
Females: 16-22 inches (40-56 cm) at the withers

Note: These height ranges are for mature dogs, and individuals may vary slightly.

COAT

American Bully Coat Characteristics

The ideal coat of the American Bully is:

Glossy: Shiny and lustrous
Smooth: Even and flat, with no waves or curls
Close: Lies flat against the body
Moderately Stiff: Has a slight firmness to the touch, but is not hard or brittle

Faults

Curly Coat: Any degree of curl or ringlet formation
Wavy Coat: A coat with a wavy or rippled texture
Sparse Coat: A coat that is thin, bare, or lacking in density

Disqualification

Long Coat: A coat that exceeds the breed’s standard length, or has a distinctly “longhaired” appearance

COLOR

American Bully Color Standards [Top]

The American Bully breed allows a wide range of colors and patterns, with the following exceptions:

Acceptable Colors

Any solid color
Any color pattern (e.g. brindle, fawn, piebald)
Any combination of colors

Disqualifications

Albinism: Complete lack of pigmentation, resulting in a white coat with pink skin and blue eyes
Merle: A mottled, patchy color pattern caused by a genetic dilution of the coat color

Note: Merle is considered a disqualification due to the potential health risks associated with the merle gene.

GAIT

American Bully Movement Standards [Top]

The American Bully breed is characterized by a distinctive movement pattern, showcasing:

Jaunty, Confident Attitude: An air of excitement and anticipation
Effortless, Powerful Gait: Smooth, well-coordinated trotting with:
- Good reach in front
- Drive behind
- Level backline with slight flexing
- Parallel tracking with diagonal leg movement
Proper Leg Alignment: Legs neither turn in nor out, with no crossing or interference
Gradual Foot Convergence: As speed increases, feet may converge toward the center line of balance

Faults

Pounding (heavy, stiff movement)

Legs Overreaching: Excessive front leg extension

Legs Crossing Over: In front or rear, indicating poor coordination

Rear Legs Too Close: Touching or moving too close together

Incorrect Gaits:

Rolling
Pacing
Paddling
Sidewinding
Hackney action

ELIMINATING FAULTS

Eliminating Faults in American Bully Conformation [Top]

The following faults are considered serious enough to eliminate a dog from receiving any awards in a conformation event:

Disproportionate Characteristics: Any overdone feature that hinders physical activity or working ability
Head Faults:
- Excessively large or heavy head, disproportionate to the body
- Muzzle too short and blunt, interfering with normal breathing
- Snipey muzzle (too narrow or pointed)
- Weak lower jaw
- Excessive flews (loose, hanging lips)
- Nose turned up or pushed back
- All pink nose (lack of pigmentation)
Bite Faults:
- Undershot or overshot bite
- Wry bite (crooked or twisted bite)
Leg and Foot Faults:
- Front legs so bowed as to interfere with normal movement
- Splayed feet or flat feet
- Long toes or high toe (excessively long or elevated toes)
Chest Fault:
- Chest so wide as to interfere with normal movement

These faults can significantly impact the dog’s quality of life, movement, and overall well-being, making them ineligible for awards in conformation events.

DISQUALIFICATIONS

American Bully Disqualifications [Top]

The following conditions are considered disqualifications, and dogs exhibiting them must not be considered for placement in a bench show/conformation event. These disqualifications must be reported to UKC:

Reproductive Disqualifications:
- Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid (undescended testicles)
Sensory Disqualifications:
- Unilateral or bilateral deafness
Behavioral Disqualifications:
- Viciousness
- Extreme shyness
Coat and Color Disqualifications:
- Albinism
- Merle
- Blue eyes (one or both)
Structural Disqualifications:
- Bat ears
- Long coat
- Screw tail
- Bobbed tail
- Docked tail
Size Disqualifications:
- Overly massive dogs
- Dwarfism

Dogs with these disqualifications are not eligible for awards or recognition in conformation events, and their owners must report them to UKC.

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PEDIGREE

Traditional American Bully Heritage

The American Bully has been in production for decades. At this point, there should be no unknown or mixed ancestry in any American Bully pedigrees for a minimum of 5 generations.

American Bullies with unknown or mixed ancestry are unacceptable and will not be registered in TABKC.

EXAMPLES

These illustrations represent the general appearance of the Traditional American Bully. It is important to note that it is acceptable for there to be some variation between individual dogs and different bloodlines. For example, some individuals may possess slightly more, or less, body mass, head size, muzzle length, or muzzle squareness than others.