American Bully Weight Chart by Age: Growth Guide (Pocket to XL)

Most weight charts you find online are useless. They try to give you a single growth curve for a breed that ranges from a 25-pound Pocket to a 130-pound XL. That is like trying to use the same growth chart for a gymnast and a linebacker. It does not work.

To understand the american bully weight chart by age, you first need to know exactly which class of Bully you have. A healthy weight for a six-month-old XL would be clinically obese for a Standard. This guide breaks down the growth patterns for each specific class so you can track your dog’s health accurately without the guesswork.

Understanding the American Bully Weight Chart by Age

The American Bully is unique because it is divided into four distinct classes by the ABKC: Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. While they share the same DNA, their height and weight goals are radically different.

Before you look at the numbers, remember that height dictates the class, not weight. If your dog is under 17 inches at the withers (shoulder) as an adult male, he is a Pocket, regardless of how heavy he is.

Here is the breakdown of the adult goals for each class to give you a baseline.

Do not obsess over the scale every single day. Weigh your puppy once every two weeks. If they are active, eating well, and their ribs are not showing, they are likely on the right track.

Pocket American Bully Growth Chart

The Pocket American Bully is the shortest of the classes. They are compact and stout. People often think “Pocket” means “tiny” or “teacup,” but a well-bred Pocket is a tank. They carry a lot of muscle on a short frame.

Pockets tend to reach their full height faster than the other classes, often maxing out their vertical growth around 9 to 11 months. However, they will continue to spread and pack on muscle mass well into their second year.

If you are looking for more specifics on this class, check our Pocket American Bully guide for details on temperament and care.

Standard American Bully Growth Chart

The Standard is the original mold for the breed. This is what the breed creators were aiming for: a heavy bone structure and blocky head, but on a medium-sized frame.

Standards have a steady growth rate. They don’t shoot up as fast as an XL, but they don’t cap out as early as a Pocket. You will see a “lanky phase” around 4 to 7 months where they look a bit out of proportion. This is normal.

XL American Bully Growth Chart

The XL class is where you see the biggest numbers and the most variation. An XL male must be over 20 inches tall. Because they have larger frames to fill, they take the longest to mature.

An XL puppy grows rapidly. You might see gains of 2 to 4 pounds a week during growth spurts. It is vital that you do not overfeed them during this window. Excess weight on a growing XL puppy puts massive strain on their joints, which can lead to [hip dysplasia](https://bullyowners.com/american-bully-hip-dysplasia/) later in life.

Note for UK Readers: As of 2024, XL Bullies are banned in England and Wales unless registered. If you own one, you must adhere to strict rules regarding muzzles and insurance.

For a deep dive into ownership requirements for the biggest class, read our XL American Bully buyer’s guide.

Classic American Bully Growth

The Classic class is often misunderstood. They have the same height as a Standard (17″-20″) but a lighter frame. They carry less mass and look more like their American Pit Bull Terrier ancestors.

Because they have a lighter build, their weight numbers will be lower than a Standard of the same height. Do not try to force-feed a Classic to look like a Standard. You will just end up with a fat dog, not a muscular one.

If you prefer a dog with more athleticism and less bulk, this is the class for you. Learn more in our Classic American Bully guide.

Key Growth Stages Explained

0 to 4 Months: The Rapid Phase

In the first few months, your puppy is a growing machine. They need high-quality nutrition to support bone development. However, “high quality” does not mean “high quantity.” Stick to a structured [feeding schedule](https://bullyowners.com/american-bully-puppy-feeding-schedule) to prevent gorging.

4 to 8 Months: The “Ugly Duckling” Phase

Almost every American Bully goes through this. They get tall before they get wide. They might look lanky, their head might look too big for their body, or their ears might look huge. This is normal. Do not panic and start adding weight gainers to their food. Let the frame grow first.

9 to 18 Months: The Filling Out Phase

This is when the magic happens. The vertical growth slows down, and the chest starts to drop and widen. The shoulders begin to pack on muscle.

18 Months to 3 Years: Maturity

American Bullies mature slower than many breeds. While a Labrador might be done growing at 18 months, a male American Bully (especially XLs) can continue to widen and “head out” (develop their skull shape) until they are three years old.

Never use weight gainers or creatine on a puppy under 12 months old. Their organs and joints are still developing. Focus on a high-protein kibble or raw diet and let genetics do the rest.

Factors That Influence Size

Genetics and Bloodlines

This is the single biggest factor. If your puppy comes from parents who are both 60 pounds, no amount of food will turn that puppy into a 120-pound monster.

Bloodlines play a huge role here. Lines like Gottiline are known for being shorter and wider with heavy bone. Lines like Razor’s Edge tend to be more correct and athletic. When you are buying a puppy, look at the parents. That is the best crystal ball you have.

Nutrition

Food is fuel. A puppy fed cheap, filler-filled kibble will not reach their full genetic potential. You want a diet rich in animal proteins. In the US, look for foods where the first ingredient is a named meat (like “Chicken” or “Beef,” not “Meat Meal”). In the UK, the same rules apply.

Health and Parasites

A puppy with worms will not grow. They are being robbed of nutrients. Ensure you are up to date on deworming schedules. If your puppy is eating a lot but looks ribby or has a potbelly, get a fecal test done at the vet.

Is My American Bully Overweight?

There is a dangerous trend in the Bully community called “power feeding.” This is where owners overfeed their dogs to make them look “thicker” for Instagram photos.

A fat dog is not a muscular dog. Obesity in American Bullies leads to:

• Torn ACLs (Cruciate ligaments)
• Early arthritis
• Heat intolerance (they overheat faster)
• Heart strain

The Eye Test: Look at your dog from above. You should see a waistline behind the ribs. If they look like a sausage from head to tail, they are overweight. Look from the side. The abdomen should tuck up slightly.

If you are unsure if your dog is struggling with weight or a deeper issue, consult our guide on American Bully health problems.

Walking is the best exercise for building muscle without hurting joints. You don’t need weight vests or drag sleds for a puppy. A 30-minute walk on a leash builds functional muscle and keeps them lean.

Common Myths About Bully Size

Myth: The Runt always stays small. False. The smallest puppy in the litter often catches up by the time they are six months old. “Runts” are often just smaller at birth due to placement in the womb.

Myth: Big paws mean a big dog. Sometimes, but not always. Paws can be a decent indicator of bone structure, but they are not a guarantee of final height or weight.

Myth: You can tell the class at 8 weeks. It is very difficult to guarantee a class at 8 weeks old. A puppy sold as a “Pocket” might grow an extra inch and technically become a Standard. A reputable breeder will give you a good estimate based on previous litters, but nature can be unpredictable.

Final Thoughts

Tracking your American Bully’s weight is about health, not bragging rights. A 70-pound Standard that is lean, active, and can run without wheezing is far more impressive than a 100-pound dog that can barely walk across the yard.

Use the charts above as a guideline, not a rulebook. If your dog is slightly under or over these averages but looks healthy to your vet, you are doing a great job.

American Bullies typically reach their full height by 12 to 14 months. However, they continue to “fill out”—gaining muscle mass and chest width—until they are 2 or even 3 years old.

You cannot force your dog to grow beyond their genetics. The best way to maximize their size is through proper nutrition (high-protein diet), regular low-impact exercise, and keeping them free of parasites. Never use steroids or weight gainers on a puppy.

It depends heavily on the class. A Pocket might weigh 25 lbs, a Standard 45 lbs, and an XL could be 70 lbs at 6 months old. Always compare your dog to their specific class, not the breed as a whole.

Puppies go through “lanky phases,” especially between 4 and 8 months. If your dog has high energy, clear eyes, and firm stool, they are likely just in a growth spurt. If they are lethargic or losing weight despite eating, see a vet immediately.