Official ICCF Breed Description
Brief Historical Background
The American Bully is a modern breed developed in the United States at the end of the 20th century through the crossing of the American Pit Bull Terrier with other bulldog-type breeds to create a strong, balanced, and harmonious dog. The primary goal of selective breeding was to maintain a muscular, powerful body while ensuring a friendly and devoted temperament. The breed quickly gained popularity due to its versatility: it is suitable for protection, sports, and family life. Today, the American Bully is valued for its stable temperament, loyalty, high trainability, and physical endurance, combining strength and friendliness without aggression.
General Appearance
The American Bully is a medium to large-sized dog with a powerful, muscular, and harmonious build. The body is short and slightly elongated, the back is straight and strong, and the chest is broad and deep. The head is large, square, with well-developed cheeks and a wedge-shaped muzzle, strong jaws, and a pronounced stop. The ears are set high, semi-erect or cropped according to regional standards. The eyes are dark, expressive, almond-shaped. The tail is medium-length, low-set, straight or slightly curved. The coat is short, smooth, dense, and lies close to the body. The overall impression is strength, endurance, and confidence.
Important Proportions
The body is compact, with the length slightly exceeding the height at the withers, forming a harmonious and slightly elongated outline. The chest is deep, with moderately arched ribs. The head is proportionate to the body, with the muzzle approximately half the length of the skull. The neck is muscular, of medium length, blending smoothly into the withers. The limbs are strong, straight, with correct joint angles. The tail reaches to the hock and is slightly curved. These proportions ensure balance between strength, stability, and endurance, contributing to efficient movement and a well-rounded appearance.
Behavior and Temperament
The American Bully is well-balanced, friendly, and devoted to its owner. This is a brave, confident dog, calm with the family, and especially gentle with children. The breed demonstrates high trainability, intelligence, and activity, easily learning commands and responding to instructions. It is alert with strangers but not aggressive without cause. For mental and physical well-being, regular exercise, play, and training are essential. Proper upbringing reveals the best traits of the breed—courage, loyalty, confidence, obedience, and sociability with both family and others.
Head
The head of the American Bully is large, square, powerful, and muscular, in proportion to the body. The skull is broad, the forehead flat, and the stop is moderately defined. The muzzle is short, with a straight profile, a strong lower jaw, powerful teeth, and a black or dark-pigmented nose. The lips are tight, dry, and not pendulous. The cheeks are well-developed, highlighting strength and determination. The eyes are almond-shaped, dark, and expressive. The ears are high-set, mobile, semi-erect or cropped, giving the head an alert and confident expression. The head reflects the breed's strength, activity, and working character.
Facial Part
The muzzle is wedge-shaped, short, with a straight profile and strong jaw. The nose is black or dark-pigmented. The lips are tight, with a soft angle and no drooping. The cheeks are moderate and not coarse, accentuating facial expression. The teeth are strong, with a scissor bite. The facial expression is confident, alert, and intelligent. This facial structure corresponds with the overall appearance, emphasizing power and balance. The alertness and attentiveness of the face reflect readiness for action, courage, and obedience.
Eyes
The eyes of the American Bully are almond-shaped, medium-sized, dark, expressive, and attentive. The eyelids are tight-fitting and pigmented. The expression reflects confidence, friendliness, and intelligence. Light or round eyes are considered a fault, as they detract from the typical expression. The eyes highlight the temperament, attentiveness, and composure of the dog, demonstrating activity and readiness for interaction with its owner. The gaze must be lively, friendly, and focused, in accordance with the breed’s character.
Ears
The ears are high-set, of medium size, and either semi-erect or cropped according to local standards. In a natural state, the ears are flexible and mobile, enhancing the alert and confident expression. Low-set, overly large, or fully pendant ears are considered a fault. The correct ear structure contributes to the breed’s characteristic appearance and expression.
Neck
The neck is of medium length, muscular, and dry, smoothly transitioning into the withers. The set of the neck is high, giving a proud carriage. The skin is tight and free of wrinkles. The neck provides freedom of head movement and supports a strong, balanced body. In males, the neck is more powerful but always proportionate. The correct neck shape emphasizes strength, endurance, and balance in conformation.
Body
The body is muscular, strong, compact, and slightly elongated. The back is straight and firm, the loin short and strong. The chest is deep, with moderately arched ribs, and the abdomen is slightly tucked up. The withers are well-defined, and the croup is slightly sloped, blending into the tail. The body lines are harmonious, highlighting strength, agility, and endurance. The body format allows for free and confident movement and high physical activity. A correct body structure demonstrates working potential, strength, stability, and a balanced combination of power with elegance.
Tail
The tail is medium-length, low-set, straight, or slightly curved. It reaches the hock in length and maintains a natural carriage. A tail that is too short, curled severely, or overly stiff detracts from the typical outline. A correct tail complements the body’s proportions and movement, underlining confidence and balance.
Forequarters
The forequarters are straight, strong, with well-developed musculature. The shoulder blades are long and sloping, fitting close to the thorax. The forearms are straight, with elbows close to the body, and the pasterns are strong and slightly sloping. The feet are oval and compact, with tough pads and strong nails. The forequarters provide stability, power, and freedom of movement, enabling the dog to maneuver confidently, demonstrating strength and endurance in various conditions.
Hindquarters
The hindquarters are powerful, muscular, and angulated, providing a strong drive and stability. The thighs are long and well-muscled. The stifle joints are well-defined, with balanced angulation. The lower thighs are dry and lead to low-set, solid hock joints, ensuring elasticity and smooth movement. The feet are compact, oval, with resilient pads. The correct hindquarters structure allows for free, balanced, and energetic movement, enabling the dog to move effectively and show agility.
Gait and Movement
The gait is free, energetic, springy, with a powerful rear drive and smooth forward reach. The topline remains straight and stable while moving. Movement is straight and balanced, demonstrating strength, agility, endurance, and confidence. At a trot, the stride is springy and harmonious, without stiffness or cow-hocked movement. Any irregular rhythm, excessive body roll, or weak rear drive is considered a fault. The gait of the American Bully reflects its working nature and confident character.
Coat
The coat is short, smooth, dense, and fits tightly to the body. The undercoat is minimal but may be present depending on climate. The coat should be shiny and healthy, emphasizing the dog's musculature and outline. Long, wavy, or overly soft hair is undesirable. The correct coat type protects the dog and highlights its athletic build.
Permissible Colors
All colors are allowed: black, blue, red, brown, fawn, chocolate, tricolor, with tan points or white markings. White markings may appear on the chest, feet, or muzzle, but should not cover more than one-third of the body. The color should be rich, even, glossy, and enhance the dog’s muscular lines. Dirty or uneven shading is considered undesirable.
Size
Height: Males 43–51 cm (17–20 in), Females 40–48 cm (16–19 in). Weight must be proportionate to height and build. The body should be compact, muscular, and balanced, not overly heavy or lightweight. Correct size and proportions ensure strength, mobility, and functional performance in both working and family environments.
Faults
Faults include weak musculature, overly short or long body, soft or sparse coat, light eyes, light nose pigment, low-set or overly large ears, and weak angulation. Behavioral faults: excessive shyness, stubbornness without obedience, or hyperactivity. Any traits that disrupt balance, movement, or working potential reduce the breed’s quality.
Disqualifications
Disqualifying faults: aggression or extreme shyness; overshot or undershot bite; absence of more than three teeth; blue, light, or heterochromic eyes; depigmented nose, eyelids, or lips; cropped ears in countries where cropping is prohibited; kinked, short, or limp tail; long, soft, or wavy coat; severe structural deformities; excessive white or non-standard colors; signs of mixed breeding. Dogs exhibiting these faults must be disqualified.
Important Notes
The American Bully requires regular physical and mental stimulation, an active lifestyle, and proper training. This breed is friendly, loyal to the family, especially children, highly trainable, and social when properly raised. Coat maintenance is minimal: brushing and general hygiene are sufficient. Breeding should focus on preserving mental stability, strong health, and structural balance. The dog must remain confident, energetic, active, and obedient to fully express its potential as a companion and active working dog.
Conclusion
The American Bully is a harmonious, muscular, and confident breed that combines strength and kindness. Loyal, attentive, active, and easy to train, it is suited for family life, sports, and active environments. It presents a powerful, balanced image, with a strong head, solid limbs, and agile movement. With proper upbringing and care, the American Bully demonstrates intelligence, bravery, loyalty, and structural balance, becoming a reliable, confident, and well-behaved companion capable of combining power, energy, and friendliness in daily life.
