How to Pick the Best American Bully Puppy From a Litter

Getting a stable, healthy dog starts way before you actually pay the breeder. If you pick the wrong pup, you’re signing up for years of pricey vet bills and serious behavioral stress. You want a companion that fits into your life. You definitely don’t want a project that just drains your bank account.

1. Assessing Temperament and Drive

An American Bully should be happy, outgoing, and totally stable with humans. Aggression toward people is a major disqualifying fault for this breed.

The “Keys” Test
Drop a set of keys on the hard floor near the puppies.
* Pass: The puppy startles but investigates the object.
* Fail: The puppy runs away and refuses to come back.
* Fail: The puppy attacks the keys aggressively.

The Handling Test
Pick the puppy up and hold it on its back (cradled like a baby) for 30 seconds.
* Pass: Struggles slightly, then settles and makes eye contact.
* Fail: Freezes in terror (stiff) or bites/screams uncontrollably.

Steer clear of the puppy staying in the back of the pen. That shyness often turns into fear-biting down the road. You also want to avoid the one constantly pinning down its littermates. That level of dominance can be tough for a new owner to manage.

2. Evaluating Structure and Conformation

Even if you never step foot in a show ring, structure matters. Poor structure leads to joint pain, arthritis, and surgeries that cost a fortune.

Legs and Pasterns
Look at the front legs from the front. They should be straight. A slight turn-out is acceptable in some classes, but “East-West” (feet pointing in opposite directions like a ballet dancer) is a weakness.

Check the pasterns (the wrist area above the paw). Weak pasterns look like the dog is walking flat on its wrists. This causes pain as the dog gets heavier.

The Topline
The back should be level. A high rear (where the butt is higher than the shoulders) puts stress on the front joints. A “roach back” (arched spine) is also a fault.

The Tail
Run your hand down the tail. It should be straight. A “kinked” tail or a screw tail indicates spinal deformities. These issues are common in lines mixed with English Bulldogs.

3. Health Indicators (The Physical Exam)

American Bullies are prone to specific health issues. Doing a quick physical exam yourself can save you a lot of heartache.

Breathing (Stenotic Nares)
Look at the nostrils. They should be wide and open. If they look like pinched slits, the dog will struggle to breathe. This condition requires surgery to fix. Listen to the puppy’s breathing. It should be quiet. Heavy rasps or clicks in the chest are immediate red flags.

Skin and Coat
The coat should be shiny. Part the hair and look at the skin.
* Redness/Scabs: Could be mange or severe allergies.
* Bald Spots: Often a sign of Demodex mites.
* Fleas: If a breeder has puppies with fleas, walk away. It shows a lack of basic care.

Eyes and Ears
Eyes should be clear with no green discharge. Eyelids should not roll inward (Entropion) or droop excessively (Ectropion). These conditions require surgical correction. Ears should be clean and smell neutral. A yeasty or foul smell indicates an infection.

4. Analyzing the Pedigree and Parents

You can’t judge a puppy fully without seeing the parents. The sire (father) and dam (mother) contribute 50% of the genetics each.

Ask to See the Dam
The mother should be on-site. Observe her behavior. Is she friendly? Does she look healthy? If the mother is aggressive or fearful, the puppies have a high chance of inheriting those traits.

Health Testing Documentation
Don’t take the breeder’s word. Ask for proof.
* OFA Hips/Elbows: X-rays grading the joints.
* Cardiac Test: Heart check.
* Genetic Panel: Tests for NCL (Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis) and other genetic diseases.

If the breeder says “my vet checked them” but has no paperwork, that’s a risk. A general vet check is not the same as orthopedic scoring.

Understanding American Bully Classes

The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) recognizes four main classes. Knowing the class helps you predict how big that puppy will get.

Note: In 2026, regulations in the UK and parts of Europe regarding XL Bullies are strict. If you are in these regions, verify the puppy’s projected height and registration status carefully.

Red Flags When Selecting a Breeder

Puppy quality depends heavily on the breeder’s ethics.

Avoid breeders who:
* Charge extra for “rare” colors like Merle (which can carry health risks).
* Sell puppies before 8 weeks old.
* Refuse to let you see where the puppies are raised.
* Market dogs as “Micro” or “Exotic” (these often have severe health defects).
* Don’t offer a health contract or return policy.

The “Pick of the Litter” Myth

Many people pay extra for “first pick.” For a pet home, this is often a waste of money. The “best” puppy for a show home might be high energy and dominant. That same dog could be a nightmare for a family with small kids.

The “best” puppy is the one that matches your lifestyle. If you want a couch potato, pick the lower-energy pup with good structure. If you want a sport dog, pick the one with high food drive and curiosity.

Final Selection Checklist

Before you commit, run through this final mental check:
1. Bite: Scissors bite is preferred. Undershot is common but shouldn’t be extreme.
2. Movement: The puppy moves freely without limping or hopping.
3. Reaction: The puppy approaches you willingly.
4. Paperwork: ABKC or UKC registration papers are in hand or guaranteed.

Taking the time to check these details protects your family and supports ethical breeding. A healthy American Bully is a loyal, loving companion. A poorly bred one is a liability. Choose wisely.