As the name suggests, the American Bully XL is a large pooch with massive muscles and a part of the Pit Bull Terrier family. His appearance is both charming and intimidating. However, beneath the heavily muscled body is a heart of gold.
American Bully XL Facts
The American Bully XL is a new breed that’s quickly gaining popularity. They are often known as nanny dogs, thanks to their gentle and loving temperament.
What is an American Bully XL?
To understand the American Bully XL, first you need to understand the term pitbull. Pitbull is often used as a breed, but technically, it’s a type of dog instead.
There are four breeds within the pitbull type. One of these is the American Pitbull Terrier, which is often what’s meant by the term pitbull. Then there’s the Stafordshire Terrier, the American Bulldog, and the American Bully.
The breeds have a lot of similarities, but there are distinct differences as well.
So, an American Bully is a pitbull type dog. When it comes to the American Bully, there are four sizes. These are pocket, standard, XL, and XXL. The American Bully XL is on the large end of the scale, only surpassed by the Bully XXL.
American Bully XL History
Pitbulls were first bred in the 1800s. English Bulldogs were bred with terriers to create a breed that was smaller, agile, and very tough. These dogs were, unfortunately, used for fighting each other, as well as rats.
These bloodsports fell out of favor eventually, and pitbulls became more common as pets than gladiators. In the 1980s, certain American Pitbull Terriers with specific traits were bred. This was the beginning of the American Bully. They were also crossed with the American Bulldog and English Bulldog.
The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) began registering the breed in 2003. Eventually, the United Kennel Club, UKC, also began recognizing the breed.
American Bully XL Price
American Bullys are on the higher end of the price range, particularly American Bully XL. Pitbulls typically cost between $800 to $3,000, with $1,600 being the average price.
The standard American Bully typically costs $2,000-$5,000 on average. Pocket Bullies are a bit more expensive, ranging from $3,000 to $8,000. XLs are the most expensive, and cost between $5,000 to $10,000.
Dogs within the pitbull group, including Bullies, can be more expensive if they have a very rare or prestigious bloodline. It’s possible for them to sell for $20,000 or more.
American Bully XL Rarity
The American Bully XL is considered rare for a few reasons. First, the Bully breed is still relatively new, so there are fewer breeders for the breed.
When it comes to American Bullies, the standard Bully is the most common. The American Bully XL is almost the rarest. The only Bully that is harder to find is one that surpasses the Bully XL in size, known as the Bully XXL.
American Bully XL Life expectancy
The lifespan for the American Bully is shorter than for the average pitbull breed. American Pitbull Terriers can live for 10-15 years, with a few surpassing 20 years old.
The Bully XL can be expected to live for 10-12 years, but it’s possible for them to live longer.
Genetics, health, diet, and exercise are all crucial. These factors will determine the lifespan of your Bully.
American Bully XL Size and weight
Let’s take a look at the different sizes in the American Bully breed, and where the XL “stands”.
Pocket Bullies grow up to 17 inches in height, and weigh 10-22 pounds.
The Standard American Bully will grow to 16 to 20 inches in height, and weigh between 65 and 85 pounds. Their height is close to that of the American Pitbull Terrier, which is 17-21 inches tall. However, Pitbulls weigh 30-65 pounds, making the Bully potentially shorter, and certainly heavier than their Pitbull cousins.
The XL Bully is 19-23 inches tall, and weighs 80 to 150 pounds, making them massive cuddling companions. Bullies taller than 23 inches tall are considered XXL.
American Bully XL Health
American Bullies are a healthy breed overall. However, they are prone to a few health issues. The most common problems for the XL are structural or skeletal issues, including hip dysplasia and luxating patella.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a common problem in medium to large breeds. It occurs when the hip joint becomes loose, which typically happens during the growth phase.
This leads to pain, and can decrease their mobility and range of motion as well.
You can reduce the chances of your Bully getting hip and elbow dysplasia by feeding them a healthy diet, controlling their weight, and ensuring they get proper exercise.
Luxating Patella
Luxating patella is also a concern for the Bully XL. Luxating patella occurs when the knee joint comes out of place. This ranges from grade 1, which is mild, to grade 4, which is severe and requires surgery.
Generally, the condition gets worse over time, particularly if it isn’t treated. It can lead to pain, particularly when walking, inflammation, and loss of range of motion.
Eye Problems
There are two eye problems that occur in the American Bully. The first is cataracts. Cataracts typically occur in elderly dogs, and even people. A cloudy film forms on the eye, which affects their eyesight.
PRA is another condition Bully owners should be aware of. PRA, or Progressive Retinal Atrophy, causes the dog to go blind. This usually occurs at 2 to 3 years old. Essentially, the dog’s eyes are programed to go blind at a certain age.
Allergies and Skin issues
Allergies, particularly skin allergies, are common in all pitbull, including the Bully. Allergies can be caused by environmental factors, like grass or dust, or foods, including wheat and corn.
Symptoms of allergies include frequent licking, scratching, hair loss, and ear infections. They may also have a runny nose or cough.
American Bully XL Behavior/Characteristics
You may imagine pitbulls as being dangerous, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. This is particularly true for the American Bully XL. From the beginning, American Bullies were bred with temperament in mind. Breeders bred gentle dogs who bonded well with their owners, and got along with strangers and other animals well.
Committed and Cuddly
The American Bully XL is highly affectionate. They are content to spend hours cuddling with their owner. They develop very close relationships with their family, and don’t do well if they are left alone for long periods of time. In fact, it’s essential to provide them with plenty of attention each day.
The Test of Temperament
The American Temperament Test is a great way to get an idea of the breeds temperament. It measures several factors, including aggression and friendliness. Unfortunately, the American Bully hasn’t been tested yet.
However, 87% of American Bulldogs and American Pitbull Terriers pass the test, compared to 85% of German Shepherds. It’s safe to say that the American Bully should perform as well as other pitbulls, and potentially even better.
How to care for an American Bully XL
An American Bully XL is pretty low maintenance, but they still require care. Knowing how to care for your bully will help you give them their best life.
Exercise
American Bullys need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day. However, their large size must be considered as well. They are very muscular, and need physical activity to keep themselves in good shape. They also need mental exercise, which is just as tiring for your pooch as physical exercise.
If they are 18 months old or younger, you should avoid intense activities like prolonged jogs. Their bones haven’t completely formed, and can become damaged if they are over exercised.
Great ways to exercise your Bully XL include playing fetch, setting up a spring pole, and going on walks. Give them mental exercise with puzzle toys, training or teaching tricks, and playing games with them.
Diet
Diet is important for any breed, but it’s extremely important for your Bully XL. Their large muscles mean they need a higher protein diet than most breeds.
Look for a food that contains at least 30% protein. Meat should be the first ingredient in the food. Generally, premium dog foods are a better choice, but be sure to check the label.
The dog food may be advertised as high protein, or for large dogs. The important thing is that it has a high enough protein content.
Puppies should be fed a puppy food 3 times a day, or at least 2 times a day. When they are 12-18 months old, you can switch them to an adult food, 1 to 2 times a day.
If you want to supplement your Bullys diet, this is also an option. Chicken feet are a wonderful addition. They are safe, provide nutrients, and give your pooch something to chew on.
Training
American Bullys have a gentle temperament, which takes a little pressure off when training. However, you’ll need to remember how large these pooches get.
You don’t want to get into a battle of wills or a tug of war with an adult Bully XL. Training them early allows you to avoid this.
Bullies are easy to train because they live to please their owner. You should be gentle but firm. Never use negative reinforcement during training.
You should also socialize your Bully. In fact, this is important for any breed. Bullies are friendly with dogs, other pets, and strangers as long as they are socialized. Start early, and you’ll have an outgoing pooch who enjoys making friends.
American Bully XL Needs
The biggest need for an American Bully is a close relationship with their owner. If you don’t give them affection and attention, behavioral problems are guaranteed to develop. Before you bring one home, be sure you have the time to devote to them.
When it comes to space, they aren’t ideal apartment dogs because of their large size. However, if they have a green space to exercise each day, this can work.
When they aren’t exercising, they are content to relax most of the time. This means they can do well within a limited space, as long as they are allowed a space to play and run.
How do you buy an American Bully XL?
Buying an American Bully XL is an exciting experience. However, there are some things you should know before purchasing a Bully.
Adopting a Bully
Adopting a dog is wonderful, but you’ll have a hard time finding a Bully XL at a shelter. Its worth a look, but you’ll need a back-up plan.
Purchasing a Bully XL
Purchasing a Bully XL is the surest way to bring one into your life. However, it’s very important to be sure you are buying from a reputable breeder.
It’s best to find a breeder who registers their dogs. This will let you know their pedigree, and is an indication the breeder is ethical.
The AKC doesn’t recognize the Bully. However, you can check out the UKC registry, and the American Pitbull Registry. There are other organizations, like the American Bully Registry, that provide registration. However, they do not have a breeder registry.
Not everyone needs a registered Bully. Bullies who aren’t registered are typically less expensive than those that are. If you aren’t planning on breeding your Bully, you may choose to purchase an unregistered pooch.
Regardless of whether the dog or breeder is registered, you’ll need to do some homework. Chat with the breeder. Ask how they determine if a dog is suitable for breeding. Do they consider health and temperament, or only build or color?
You should also ask how they ensure the health of their dogs. Do they perform genetic testing? Vet health checks?
Lastly, it’s a great idea to visit the dog’s home. The conditions of the dogs are the fastest way to determine if the breeder is ethical. Unethical breeders aren’t concerned about the dogs, simply the profits. Ethical breeders have a passion for the breed, and take excellent care of their dogs.