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Working · United States

American Bully

A walker's guide to the American Bully: how much exercise they need, what to expect on and off the lead, and what to ask the owner before the first walk.

Medium, 20 to 60 kgEasy-goingBull breedVery muscularLegal restrictionsHeat sensitive
Exercise a day60 min plus
Energy2 of 5
Walk styleStocky swagger, short bursts
With other dogsOften fine, varies

Overview

The American Bully was created from the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier with bulldog breeds added for bulk, aiming for a low, wide, muscular companion rather than a working dog. It comes in several sizes, from pocket to XL, and the character is generally confident, affectionate and keen on people.

The XL type is now subject to legal restrictions in the UK. Dogs on the exemption register must be kept muzzled and on a lead in public, and there are rules about who can walk them and what insurance applies. Before you take on any Bully, establish which type it is and what the law requires of you, and check that your own insurance covers it.

Exercise and walking needs

An hour a day in two moderate walks suits most. The build favours short bursts of effort rather than stamina, and many are happy with a steady stroll and a game of tug. Overworking a heavy dog in a muzzle is unkind and risky.

Heat is a serious issue for a wide, deep-chested dog with a shortened muzzle. Walk early and late in summer and keep the route short.

Daily minimum60 minutes
Ideal2 walks a day
Off-lead timeEnclosed, or not at all

On the walk

  • The law: If the dog is an exempted XL, it must be muzzled and on a lead at all times in public. No exceptions, no quick off-lead runs in a quiet field.
  • Strength: Low centre of gravity and huge muscle mass. A sudden pull can be brutal on your shoulder. Use a harness and a lead you can hold with two hands.
  • Other dogs: Many are sociable, some are not. A muzzled dog cannot defend itself, so keep other dogs well away and avoid tense meetings.
  • Breathing: Listen for rasping or wheezing, especially in a muzzle. Stop, rest in shade and let the dog recover before carrying on.

Tips for professional walkers

  1. Ask to see the exemption paperwork and the muzzle the dog is trained to wear; do not improvise with a different one.
  2. Pick quiet routes and wide paths where you can keep distance from other dogs without fuss.
  3. Expect public attention, some of it hostile. Stay polite, keep moving and do not engage.
  4. Check the muzzle fits and the dog can pant and drink in it before every walk.
Every dog is an individual. Treat this as a starting point and go with what the owner tells you about their dog. Anything to do with health belongs with the owner and their vet.

What to ask the owner

  • Which type is the dog, is it registered as an exempted XL, and what does the exemption require of a walker?
  • Is the dog comfortable in its muzzle for the full walk, and how does it drink while wearing it?
  • How does it react to other dogs and to people approaching, and what should you avoid?
  • Any skin, breathing or joint issues, and how does it manage warm weather?
American Pit Bull TerrierA muscularAmerican Staffordshire TerrierA heavierStaffordshire Bull TerrierA muscularAmerican BulldogA tall