5 Different Types of American Bully — Which One is Right for You?

People new to American Bullies often get mixed up because everyone talks about five main types of American Bully, but the American Bully Kennel Club officially recognises just four: Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. That confusion leads folks straight into bad buys or mismatched dogs for their homes. In the UK community, owners end up with giants in tiny flats or tiny pups that can not keep up with active kids. These American Bully classes split by height and build, not personality, so all share that loyal, people-loving vibe if bred right.

Stick with me here. We will break down each American Bully breed class, what makes it tick, and who really fits. No hype, just straight talk from years owning these blocks of muscle across sizes.

Pocket American Bully

The pocket American Bully tops out smallest in the official lineup. Males stand 14 to 17 inches at the shoulder, females 13 to 16 inches. Weight runs 30 to 50 pounds for males, 25 to 45 for females, all packed into that signature blocky head, wide chest, and short, sturdy legs.

Temperament stays spot on across classes: confident, stable, and dead affectionate with family. Pockets love laps despite the muscle. They suit apartment dwellers or anyone short on space. Energy level sits moderate. A solid 30-45 minute walk daily plus play keeps them happy, no marathons needed.

Who grabs a pocket? First-time owners with kids or small yards. They are easy to handle at vet visits or pick up if needed. In UK bully circles, owners rave about pockets fitting urban life without drama.

Price? Expect $2,000 to $5,000 from a solid breeder. Backyard deals go cheaper but risk health or papers.

Health watch outs hit all bullies hard, but pockets dodge some giant-size issues. Hip dysplasia, skin allergies, and heart murmurs top the list. Responsible lines screen parents via OFA or PennHIP. Keep weight tight; obesity slams joints fast in these compact builds.

Standard American Bully

The standard American Bully counts as the original class, the baseline for the breed. Males measure 17 to 20 inches tall, females 16 to 19 inches. Weight hits 50 to 70 pounds males, 40 to 60 females. Body screams balanced muscle: broad head, deep chest, straight topline, no extremes.

Energy runs medium. They thrive on daily walks, fetch, or bully-specific training. Not couch potatoes, but not hyper either. Socialise early, and they mesh with other dogs and strangers fine.

Best pick for first-time owners. Standards forgive newbie mistakes better than extremes. We have watched rookies nail training on standards when XLs overwhelmed them. Families love the size: not too small, not overwhelming.

Flats work if you commit to exercise. Prices sit $2,500 to $6,000. Hunt ABKC-registered lines for show-quality structure. Health mirrors pockets: elbows, hearts, allergies. Standards often live longest with good care, hitting 12 to 15 years.

Classic American Bully

The classic American Bully stands athletic, leaner than standards. Same height: males 17-20 inches, females 16-19 inches. But lighter bone, less bulk overall. Think closer to old-school Pit Bull roots, with that rangy bully look, still blocky head and wide stance.

Temperament holds steady: people-focused, stable. Energy edges higher than standards. Classics need more run time, maybe an hour daily plus mental games. They shine in agility or weight pull if you compete.

Who fits? Active singles or couples without tiny kids. Not the lap dog crowd. In UK bully circles, classics appeal to those wanting Pit heritage without full working drive. Skip if you want pure brute power.

Prices match standards, $2,500 to $6,000. Health similar, but lighter frames cut joint stress some. Watch for underweight breeding; lean does not mean skinny. Classics grow on you if you value movement over mass.

XL American Bully

The XL American Bully scales up big. Males 20 to 23 inches, females 19 to 22 inches. Weight? Males 80 to 120 pounds, females 70 to 100 pounds. Same proportions as standards, just supersized: massive head, thick neck, explosive muscle.

Food costs stack quick. Quality kibble runs $100 to $150 monthly for adults. Space matters too. Terraced houses work with big gardens or nearby parks. Cramping an XL leads to bored destruction.

UK law flags them under XL Bully rules since 2024. You need an exemption certificate, neutering by a set age, and a mandatory microchip. Check gov.uk for updates; bans hit irresponsible owners hardest.

Misconceptions scream loudest here. XLs are not aggressive by breed. Poor breeding or no training causes issues, same as any dog. Well-raised XLs stay gentle giants, great with kids if supervised. Prices soar $4,000 to $10,000+. Health risks climb with size: bloat, heart conditions, hips. Vet bills add up.

XXL and Exotic Bully

XXL and Exotic Bullies push beyond official classes. XXLs top 23 inches, sometimes 26+, chasing extreme size. Exotics warp structure: exaggerated heads, short legs, overdone muscle. Neither is ABKC-recognised, often called Micro Exotic or Extreme in some registries.

Controversy runs hot. Communities split; some love the look, others call it wrecking the breed. Health trade-offs are gut-wrenching: breathing issues, spinal problems, short lives under 10 years. Breeding ignores function for flash.

Worth buying? From experience, no, unless you are showing extremes and accept the risks. Pups hit $5,000 to $15,000, but resale tanks on health fails. Stick to the official classes if longevity matters. Too many XXLs have been lost young in owner communities.

Which Class Should You Get?

Pick based on your life, not trends. Here is a straight framework:

• Small flat, low exercise: Go Pocket. Fits anywhere, minimal food cost.
• First owner, family: Standard. Forgiving, perfect middle ground.
• Active lifestyle, sports: Classic. Handles more without bulk.
• Big space, experience: XL. Epic presence if you manage law and costs.
• Avoid: XXL/Exotic unless health risks are a tradeoff you accept.

Factor in kids (pockets and standards safest), other pets (all classes fine with proper intros), and time for training. Visit breeders, meet the parents. UK weather means indoor toys are key for rainy days.

Your setup dictates. Getting the wrong size wrecks homes, but the right one bonds with your family forever.

Ready to choose right? Grab the American Bully Buyer’s Guide at bullyowners.com for the full breakdown of classes, breeders, contracts, health checks, and UK regulations. It covers everything you need before handing over a single dollar.