American Bully XL Dog Breed: Vet-Verified Info, Pictures, Care & History

An American Bully XL is a very large variety of the American Bully breed. That being said, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the American Bully as a distinct breed, though other dog registries, such as the United Kennel Club (UKC) or the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC), do. American Bullies were first recognized by the ABKC in 2004. They were developed by crossing American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and similar bulldog-type breeds, including the American Bulldog and the Olde English Bulldogge.

Despite being intimidating, these dogs are actually gentle and affectionate. They were bred to be family pets, which makes them great with children. However, they are quite strong and require proper training and socialization. Therefore, they’re best for those with at least a bit of experience.

While this dog isn't technically a breed yet (in that they aren’t recognized by most kennel clubs), they do have a well-recorded history.

American Bully XL Breed Characteristics

The Earliest Records of the American Bully XL in History

This breed started being developed in the late 1980s. They were bred using a mix of American Pit Bull Terriers and other bully breeds. The American Bulldog and the Olde English Bulldogge were likely used, for instance.

This means the American Bully XL is still relatively new. They were developed with the goal of creating a muscular, powerful dog that was also gentle and fine for families. They tend to be compact and stocky for this reason, able to reach upward of 100 pounds fairly easily.

The early history of the American Bully XL was marked by some controversy. Some people argued that the breed was too dangerous and should be banned. However, the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) and other supporters defended the dog, arguing that American Bully XLs were no more likely to be aggressive than any other breed.

Still, when you have a dog that looks as intimidating as this one, it isn’t odd to have some controversy around them.

How the American Bully XL Gained Popularity

These dogs gained popularity due to their muscular appearance and impressive size. However, they’re also known for being affectionate. Therefore, they’re perfect for families with children and other pets.

American Bully XLs have been featured in a number of popular movies and TV shows. This has helped to raise awareness of the breed and increase their popularity. They also tend to be popular on Instagram and TikTok, which has led to more people seeking them out. Exposure is the first step to a breed becoming popular.

That said, they tend to be extremely expensive, so they’re a bit of a “premium” breed. Since they’re rare and pricey, they’re more sought after by some individuals.

Formal Recognition of the American Bully XL

In the early 1990s, these dogs started gaining popularity among dog enthusiasts and breeders. In 2004, They were recognized by the ABKC, a breed registry founded to promote the American Bully breed and preserve their unique characteristics.

However, this breed isn’t recognized by any of the major kennel clubs, including the AKC or The Kennel Club in the UK.

Top 4 Unique Facts About the American Bully XL

1. They have a very short coat.

These dogs have extraordinarily short coats, which can be any color. When they were being bred, the focus was on their size, not on their coloration.

2. They have a “blocky” head.

Their “blocky” head is another key feature of this breed. They have a short-medium muzzle, a large and broad head, and a muscular neck, making them stand out from many other breeds.

3. American Bully XLs are very strong.

Since so much focus was put on their weight and size, these dogs are exceptionally strong today. They can pull heavy weights several times bigger than them.

4. They’re good with children and other pets.

Despite their looks, they’re known for being affectionate, gentle dogs. They also get along with other pets, especially since they do not have much of a prey drive.

Does the American Bully XL Make a Good Pet?

This dog can absolutely make a good pet. However, it does depend on the family. This large, strong dog does best with an experienced owner who can properly train them. They also are a newer breed, so we do not know as much about their health and temperament.

Despite this, they’re known for being gentle with children and loving with just about everyone. They don’t have significant guarding instincts and tend to get along with strangers. However, their large size can make them a bit much to handle for some families, so that is something to keep in mind. They probably aren’t the best choice for seniors, for instance.

These dogs are also quite active. Therefore, they do best in an active family with plenty of time to keep them moving. They aren’t best for those with a sedentary lifestyle for this reason. As always, it's important to find a quality breeder who focuses on the health and temperament of the breed. Since these dogs are so powerful, their temperament must be properly reined in.

Conclusion

The American Bully XL dog does look powerful and intimidating, but they have been bred mostly to be companion animals. Therefore, they tend to be affectionate and gentle. They’re known for making good family pets, getting along with both children and other pets.

However, they are still stocky, powerful dogs. They’re best for experienced families that have plenty of time on their hands and tend to live a more active lifestyle. These dogs need regular exercise and plenty of training to ensure they’re well-behaved.

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Featured Image Credit: BAUER Alexandre, Shutterstock