The 4 Main Types of American Bully: Size, Weight, and Traits (2026 Guide)

⚡ TL;DR: The Quick Breakdown

* Pocket Bully: The smallest official class. Males stand 14–17 inches; females are 13–16 inches. They are compact, yet they remain heavy for their size.
* Standard Bully: The blueprint for the breed. Males measure 17–20 inches; females are 16–19 inches. They strike a balance between muscle and agility.
* Classic Bully: Shares the same height as the Standard but carries a lighter frame. They look much more like their American Pit Bull Terrier ancestors.
* XL Bully: The largest official class. Males reach 20–23 inches; females are 19–22 inches. They are massive, but they shouldn't look obese or sloppy.

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You see two dogs at the park. Both registration papers say "American Bully," yet they look nothing alike. One is a squat, wide tank, and the other is tall and athletic. Why the difference? It comes down to the fact that this breed isn't one-size-fits-all. The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) recognizes four distinct variations. We call them "classes," and they are determined almost entirely by height.

If you are looking to buy one, you need to know the difference. A Pocket Bully might work well in a smaller home, but an XL needs serious space and an experienced handler. This guide breaks down the official types of american bully so you can identify which dog actually fits your lifestyle in 2026.

<h2>Official Types of American Bully Explained</h2>

The American Bully is a companion breed that started with the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. Breeders then mixed in other bulldog breeds. The goal was to create a dog with heavy bone structure but a gentle, family-friendly temperament.

The ABKC separates the breed into four categories. Height calls the shots here. Weight doesn't determine the class, though heavier weights usually go hand-in-hand with larger sizes.

<h3>1. The Pocket Bully</h3>

The Pocket Bully gets a lot of confusion. When people hear "pocket," they picture a teacup dog fitting in a purse. That's way off base. A true Pocket Bully is just a Standard Bully on shorter legs. They carry the same muscle mass and heavy bone structure; it's just packed onto a shorter frame.

Height Requirements:
* Males: 14 inches to 17 inches at the withers.
* Females: 13 inches to 16 inches at the withers.

Physical Build:
These dogs are thick and blocky. They feature a wide chest and a large head. The neck is heavy and arches slightly. Despite their shorter legs, they should still move freely. If a Pocket Bully can't run or breathe well, it's a poor example of the breed.

Living Requirements:
Their lower center of gravity makes them strong. They do fine in apartments if you exercise them regularly, but don't mistake them for lap dogs. They play rough and have bursts of high energy.

<h3>2. The Standard Bully</h3>

Think of the Standard Bully as the prototype. When you read the official breed description, this is the dog they're talking about. Every other class is just a variation of this primary type.

Height Requirements:
* Males: 17 inches to 20 inches at the withers.
* Females: 16 inches to 19 inches at the withers.

Physical Build:
The Standard displays the ideal balance. They are muscular, yet not so bulky that it ruins their movement. The head is broad with powerful jaws. They should look intimidating but act friendly. This class usually suffers fewer joint issues than the more extreme sizes because their proportions remain natural.

Best For:
Families who want a medium-sized, strong dog. They are sturdy enough for hiking and active play, but they are also calm enough to relax indoors.

<h3>3. The Classic Bully</h3>

You might mistake the Classic Bully for an American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). It happens all the time. They stand at the same height as the Standard Bully, but their body structure is different. They carry less muscle mass and a lighter frame.

Height Requirements:
* Males: 17 inches to 20 inches (Same as Standard).
* Females: 16 inches to 19 inches (Same as Standard).

Physical Build:
Classic Bullies have a narrower chest and lighter bone density compared to the Standard. They look more athletic and terrier-like. This usually happens because the pedigree leans heavier on the APBT bloodlines. You won't see the exaggerated "bull" features found in the other classes here.

Why Choose Classic:
This type often has higher energy and agility. If you want a dog for agility sports or long-distance running, the Classic is a solid choice. They carry less weight on their joints.

<h3>4. The XL Bully</h3>

At the top of the size chart sits the XL Bully. They are taller, heavier, and more imposing than the Standard.

Height Requirements:
* Males: 20 inches to 23 inches at the withers.
* Females: 19 inches to 22 inches at the withers.

Physical Build:
An XL Bully is a massive animal. They retain the breed's blocky build but on a much larger scale. Proportions matter here. Some breeders prioritize mass over structure, which leads to dogs that look sloppy or have swayed backs. A correct XL is tall, muscular, and clean.

Ownership Note:
These dogs are powerful. An untrained XL can easily overpower an adult human. They require strict obedience training starting from puppyhood. We generally don't recommend them for first-time dog owners.

<h3>Comparison Table: Official ABKC Classes</h3>

| Bully Class | Male Height | Female Height | Build Type |
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| Pocket | 14" – 17" | 13" – 16" | Compact, Heavy Muscle |
| Standard | 17" – 20" | 16" – 19" | Balanced, Muscular |
| Classic | 17" – 20" | 16" – 19" | Lighter Frame, Athletic |
| XL | 20" – 23" | 19" – 22" | Tall, Massive, Heavy |

<h2>Unofficial and Exotic Varieties</h2>

Look beyond the four ABKC classes, and you'll see breeders advertising other terms. These are unofficial categories. Major kennel clubs don't recognize them, and they often come with serious health risks.

<h3>Micro Bully</h3>
A Micro is smaller than a Pocket. Breeders try to get dogs under 13 inches tall. To achieve this, they often breed runts or introduce other small breeds like French Bulldogs. These dogs frequently suffer from severe health issues, including respiratory distress and joint deformities.

<h3>XXL Bully</h3>
This term describes dogs larger than the official XL standard. While the size can be impressive, giant dogs often suffer from short lifespans and heart problems.

<h3>Exotic Bully</h3>
The "Exotic" is the most controversial. These dogs are bred for exaggerated features like bowed legs, smashed faces, and excessive width. They often look like caricatures. Many registries refuse to recognize them because their quality of life is poor. They struggle to run, breathe, and give birth naturally.

<h2>Physical Characteristics Breakdown</h2>

No matter which class you pick, all American Bullies should share specific traits. If a dog lacks these, it may be a mixed breed or a poor example of the standard.

<h3>Head and Skull</h3>
It starts with the head. It should be large and broad. The stop (the break between the forehead and muzzle) is deep and well-defined. The ears are often cropped, though uncropped ears are accepted. The jaw muscles are pronounced, giving them a "cheeky" look.

<h3>Body and Coat</h3>
The coat is short, glossy, and stiff to the touch. Any color or pattern is allowed, except for merle in some registries. The body should appear hard. Soft, flabby dogs get penalized in the show ring. The chest is deep and broad, filling the space between the front legs.

<h3>Tail</h3>
The tail acts as a rudder. It should be straight or have a slight "pump handle" curve. Kinked tails, knotted tails, or tails that curl over the back are considered faults.

<h2>Temperament and Personality</h2>

Breeders focused on scrubbing out the dog aggression found in the Pit Bull Terrier when creating the American Bully. The goal was to build the ultimate family companion.

<h3>Family Compatibility</h3>
These dogs are known for being gentle with children. They have a high pain tolerance, meaning they don't snap easily if a child accidentally plays too rough. However, supervision is always required with any dog and child interaction.

<h3>Aggression Levels</h3>
Aggression toward humans is a disqualifying fault in the American Bully standard. A stable Bully is confident and friendly with strangers. They make poor guard dogs because they are more likely to lick an intruder than bite them.

<h3>Energy Levels</h3>
* Pocket/Standard/XL: Low to medium energy. They enjoy a walk but are happy to lounge on the couch.
* Classic: Medium to high energy. They need more active play.

<h2>Health and Lifespan</h2>

The American Bully is usually robust, but their heavy build invites specific problems.

Common Issues:

Hip Dysplasia: The heavy weight puts pressure on the hip joints.
Elbow Dysplasia: Common in front-heavy dogs.
Heart Disease: Congenital heart defects can occur.
Skin Issues: Allergies and mange are frequent in the breed.
Heat Intolerance: Their shorter muzzles make it hard for them to cool down.

Lifespan Estimates:

* Pocket/Standard/Classic: 10–13 years.

* XL: 9–12 years.

* Micro/Exotic: 5–8 years (due to health complications).

Buying Guide: 2026 Price Expectations

Prices have leveled out a bit in 2026, but you will still pay a premium for top-quality bloodlines.

Factors Influencing Price

* Pedigree: Dogs with famous ancestors (like Dax, Miyagi, or newer champions) cost more.

* Class: XL and Pocket Bullies often command higher prices than Standards or Classics.

* Structure: A dog with perfect conformation will always be expensive.

* Color: Rare colors like Lilac, Champagne, or Tri-color can increase the fee.

Average Price Ranges

* Pet Quality (No breeding rights): $1,500 – $3,000.

* Show Quality: $3,000 – $8,000.

* Top Bloodline/Stud Quality: $10,000 – $20,000+.

Warning: Watch out for “cheap” Bullies under $1,000. These are often backyard-bred dogs with no health testing. You will likely pay more in vet bills than you saved on the purchase price.

Selecting the Right Class for You

Picking the right types of american bully depends on your living situation and your goals.

Choose a Pocket if:

* You have limited indoor space.

* You want the “bully” look without the height.

* You can handle a strong dog in a small package.

Choose a Standard if:

* You want the traditional representation of the breed.

* You want a dog capable of moderate athletic activities.

* You have a yard for them to patrol and play in.

Choose a Classic if:

* You prefer a dog that looks like an old-school Pit Bull.

* You want an active jogging or hiking partner.

* You prefer a dog with less bulk.

Choose an XL if:

* You have experience with large, powerful breeds.

* You have plenty of space (large home and yard).

* You want a dog with a physically imposing presence.

The American Bully is a versatile breed. Whether you choose a Pocket, Standard, Classic, or XL, you get a loyal companion with a stable temperament. Focus on health and structure first, and you will find the perfect addition to your family.

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