Discover 9 critical American Bully Health issues every owner should know

American Bullies have grown in popularity in the last decade following the United Kennel Club recognition in 2013. The breed is a cross between American Pitbull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers and is renowned for its muscular build combined with loyal and friendly temperaments.

Although the breed is primarily considered healthy, if you’re considering adopting one, you need to consider some common American Bully health issues.

We will explore these health issues and briefly outline the available types of American Bully.

Types of American Bully

Although all leading kennel clubs do not recognize the American Bully as a dog breed, the American Bully Kennel Club (AKBC) was set up to create a legitimate authority that standardizes breeding practices in the United States.

The AKBC currently recognizes five American Bully types, briefly described below.

Standard

The Standard American Bully is medium to large-sized and characterized by having a blocky head and muscular body. Standard American Bullies typically stand 16 to 20 inches tall.

Classic 

Classic American Bullies tend to be narrower, lighter, and less muscular than Standards. Despite this, they also stand 16 to 20 inches tall and have a similar temperament.

Extreme

Extreme American Bullies have a wide range of sizes due to being bred with various Pitbulls and Terriers. Extremes typically have larger body mass and a heavier frame with more wrinkles.

Pocket

Pocket American Bullies are the smallest American Bullies available. They are known for their compact body shape, deep-filled chest, and muscular build.

XL

XL American Bullies are the largest variety of the breed. The XL Bully are large dogs with classic Bully features and temperament, and they stand taller and bulkier than the Standard variety.

Common American Bully health problems

The dogs have a stocky build and are prone to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia refers to the ball and socket hip joint failing to fit together snugly, which causes intense pain and lameness.

American Bullies’ broad and muscular build makes them particularly prone to this issue. The standard solution if the pain becomes unbearable is a total hip replacement.

Elbow dysplasia

American Bulldogs are also prone to elbow dysplasia. It is a similar joint issue, commonly a congenital abnormality. The condition can cause other joint problems due to self-correction to reduce pain and arthritis.

Pocket American Bullies are most likely to suffer from this condition due to their compact build.

Elbow dysplasia can often be managed through a good diet and exercise.

Heart disease

Congenital heart failure can occur in American Pit Bull Terriers. The condition is often present at birth and can lead to heart failure later in life if not treated appropriately.

Heart failure can also impact the brain and nervous system, so if you have a genetic diagnosis, you should get regular vet check-ups.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a hormonal condition that can lead to other health issues, such as hair loss, weight gain, and extreme tiredness. American Bullies and Pitbull breeds are prone to developing this condition caused by a genetic disorder or autoimmune disease.

Allergies

Allergies are a broad umbrella; some of the most common are broken down below.

Food allergies

Individual American Bullies can be allergic or build an intolerance to certain foods such as chicken, beef, wheat, corn, soy, or dairy products. Allergic reactions manifest themselves through itchiness, hair loss, and redness.

Environmental allergies

Environmental elements commonly cause allergies in American Bullies, including mold, fleas, pollen, and dust mites.

These types of allergies typically lead to coughing, sneezing, and wheezing.

Eye problems

American Bully dogs are often prone to suffer from eye conditions, including:

• Cataracts
• Cherry eye
• Glaucoma
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Most eye issues can be managed effectively if treated early, so it is essential to seek medical advice early.

Skin conditions

American Bullies are known for their short, smooth skin. However, the breed can be prone to various skin problems, as outlined below.

Hot spots

Caused by either allergies, stress, or bacterial infection, hot spots are a type of dermatitis that leads to inflamed, red skin spots with pus. Your American Bully naturally wants to chew or lick the spot, which can worsen symptoms.

Mange

This skin issue is caused by tiny mites which burrow themselves under the skin. Mange is very contagious and passes from dog to dog. The skin condition causes itchy sores, intense itchiness, and sometimes hair loss.

Seborrhea

Seborrhea causes dry, flaky, or greasy, oily skin. It is a skin condition caused by genetics, hormonal imbalance, or allergies.

Seborrhea is a different condition from mange.

Ear infections

American Bullies often suffer from ear infections caused by ear mites, bacteria, or allergies. An ear infection results in smelly discharge from the ear or itchiness.

Dental disease

A lack of cleaning and care mainly causes dental issues. A buildup of tartar and plaque on the teeth can lead to toothache, periodontitis, or gingivitis.

Keep your American Bully healthy

Keeping your American Bully healthy involves providing them with love and affection and a proper diet and exercise routine.

Despite their muscular build, American Bullies do not require intense or rigorous exercise routines like other breeds.

However, regular physical activity is essential for keeping American bully puppies fit and happy. Generally, 30-60 minutes of moderate exercise daily is sufficient to keep your Bully at a healthy weight.

Some suitable exercises for these dogs include brisk walks, jogs, or playing fetch in a fenced yard. They also enjoy activities such as swimming or hiking with their owners. It is important to note that while exercising your Bully outdoors, always use a leash to maintain proper control.

It is essential to understand that excessive exercise can harm an American Bully’s joints due to their heavy build. Avoid high-impact activities like jumping or running on hard surfaces.

The nutrition needs and dietary requirements of an American Bully vary depending on age, weight, and activity level. As a rule of thumb, adult Bullies should consume around two cups of high-quality, high-protein dry food daily divided into two meals.

When choosing food for your American Bully, choose brands specifically formulated for large breed dogs. These diets contain appropriate levels of proteins and fats required by active canines.

Ensure your Bully has access to fresh water, as dehydration can lead to various health issues.

Avoid overfeeding treats as they can contribute to weight gain, and limit table scraps as they may upset their stomachs.

In addition to a balanced diet, certain supplements can benefit your American Bully’s health.

Omega-3 fatty acids support joint health and improve coat condition in these dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin also help maintain healthy joints, crucial for an active breed like the American Bully.

American Bully temperament

The American Bully is known for its gentle and friendly temperament.

They have an affectionate nature and make loyal companions, often showing great affection towards their family members.

The dogs also tend to be good with children, making them great family pets.

American Bullies are generally confident and outgoing. They can be quite social and enjoy interacting with other dogs and people.

Proper socialization from an early age is essential to ensure that they are well-adjusted and friendly around other animals and unfamiliar individuals.

When it comes to training, consistency and positive reinforcement are key.

American Bullies are intelligent and eager to please, so they respond well to reward-based training methods.

Using treats, praise, and play as incentives can help teach them basic commands and good manners. Teaching the dogs basic obedience commands is vital.

Socializing American Bullies from a young age is essential to prevent any potential behavioral issues.

Exposure to various environments, people, and animals can help them become well-rounded and confident adults. Supervising their interactions, especially with other dogs, is essential to ensure positive experiences.

Overall, American Bullies thrive in a loving and structured environment. They can become well-mannered, friendly, and well-adjusted companions with the right training and socialization.

American Bully care tips

American Bullies have short coats that are fairly low-maintenance, but they still require regular grooming and care to stay healthy and happy.

Here are some tips for grooming and general care:

Brushing

American Bullies have a short, smooth coat that only requires occasional brushing to remove loose hair and dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush or grooming mitt to keep their coat looking clean and healthy.

Weekly brushing should keep their coats clean and healthy.

Bathing

Bathe your American Bully as needed using a mild dog shampoo. Be sure to thoroughly dry your dog after bathing to prevent skin issues.

Nail trimming

Keep your American Bully’s nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Overgrown nails can cause discomfort and affect your dog’s mobility.

Dental care

Regular dental care is essential for American Bullies. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly and provide dental chews or toys to help maintain good oral health.

Ear care

Check your dog’s ears regularly for signs of infection or irritation. Clean them as needed using a gentle ear-cleaning solution and cotton balls.

Exercise

American Bullies are active dogs and require regular exercise to stay healthy. Provide plenty of opportunities for exercise, such as daily walks and playtime.

Veterinary care

Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to ensure your American Bully remains healthy. Keep up with vaccinations, parasite control, and other recommended healthcare measures.

Recognize American Bully health issues 

Owners should constantly closely monitor the American XL Bully.

Regular monitoring allows you to tell if pets are behaving unconventionally quickly. Typical signs of ill health in American Bullies include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight gain/loss
• Lethargy
• Itchiness
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Panting and drooling
• Constipation

If you notice one of these American Bully health issues, contact your vet for a check-up as soon as possible.

Tom Novo is an enthusiastic owner of an eight-year-old American Bully named Rocky. He fell in love with the breed a decade ago when his friends adopted a rescued Bully from a neighborhood shelter. Tom was inspired to acquire his American Bully and become a dog behavioralist and trainer. He now helps households maximize the potential of the American Bully breed and regularly writes helpful, informative content on the breed.

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