One of the most common arguments surrounding the breed has always been: "The American Bully isn't a real Pit Bull." No kidding. One look should tell you there is a significant physical difference between an American Pit Bull Terrier and the much bulkier American Bully.

That does not require putting down the American Pit Bull Terrier. We loved the APBT long before we began breeding American Bullies, and both breeds deserve to be understood on their own terms.

The purpose of this original guide was simple: cut through the endless labels and explain what people meant when they used terms such as Pocket, Standard, Classic, XL, XXL, Exotic and Micro.

First Understand the American Bully's History

The American Bully developed during the modern era of bull-breed breeding and became increasingly organized as a distinct breed during the 1990s and early 2000s. The American Bully Kennel Club helped formalize the emerging breed community, while the United Kennel Club later recognized the American Bully in 2013.

The breed was developed from American Pit Bull Terrier–based stock, with influence from other bull breeds playing a role in its development. The resulting dogs carried considerably heavier bone, broader frames and more mass than the traditional American Pit Bull Terrier.

Whatever arguments surrounded its creation, the American Bully became immediately recognizable: the power and presence people associated with a bull breed, combined with a heavier, more exaggerated physical build and an emphasis on companion temperament.

One point we made repeatedly in the original publication remains important: creating a breed historically through multiple influences is not the same thing as continually adding unrelated breeds in an attempt to shortcut a breeding program. Once breed type has been established, consistency matters.

American Bully Traits & Temperament

American Bullies are thick, muscular and physically impressive dogs. When bred correctly, however, appearance should not come at the expense of function. A well-built American Bully should still be able to move comfortably and live an active life.

The breed was developed primarily as a companion dog. Confidence, willingness to engage with its family and a stable temperament are fundamental qualities.

Despite the American Bully's powerful appearance, an unstable or dangerous temperament should never be treated as desirable breed type. Genetics matter, but so do socialization, training, environment, responsible ownership and proper handling.

American Bully Breed Standards & Classes

One of the biggest sources of confusion in the American Bully world has always been the number of labels used in advertisements and social media. Marketing terminology and official breed varieties are not the same thing.

What About the "XXL Bully"?

The original BULLY KING article was direct about this: XXL was not a separate official American Bully classification.

The label has often been used to describe especially large dogs, but descriptive marketing terminology should not be confused with an official breed variety.

That distinction remains useful for buyers today. Before paying more because a dog is advertised with a dramatic size label, determine what registry standard is actually being referenced and whether the term represents a recognized classification at all.

The Rise of the Exotic Bully

By the time this original material was written, the term Exotic Bully had become increasingly common for dogs bred toward a shorter, more exaggerated appearance.

Our concern then was not that someone preferred a different visual style. It was what happened when exaggerated appearance became more important than structure, movement, breathing and long-term health.

Some breeders were producing visually dramatic dogs without sufficient regard for functional structure. Others entered breeding with very little understanding of genetics or basic selection principles because demand and prices were increasing rapidly.

The purpose of the original discussion was to educate rather than simply attack a style of dog. If buyers prefer an extreme appearance, the responsibility to research health, structure, lineage and breeder practices becomes even more important.

Micro Bully, Super Pocket & the Problem With Labels

Even when this material was originally published, breeders were using terms such as Micro and Super Pocket to market very short dogs at premium prices.

Our position was that buyers should never confuse a sales label with a guarantee about what a puppy will become at maturity.

Producing a very short adult dog that also carries substantial bone, head type, correct structure and genuine functionality is far more difficult than simply producing the smallest dog possible.

That distinction became part of the historical Venomline story. Two dogs we specifically highlighted during that era were Louis V Line's Venom and his half-sister Super Skittles, winners in the 2016 BULLY KING Magazine People's Choice Awards Micro category.

What We Would Add Today

Nearly a decade later, the central lesson of the original article is even more relevant: learn the standard before learning the marketing vocabulary.

Search results and social media can make terminology look official simply because enough people repeat it. Buyers should work in the opposite direction: identify the registry standard first, understand adult height and structure, evaluate temperament and health, and only then consider individual breeders or available dogs.

The recognized American Bully varieties should not be interpreted as a ranking system. Pocket is not automatically better than Standard. XL is not automatically more valuable because it is taller. Classic is not inferior because it carries less mass.

Quality exists inside each variety.

American Bully Frequently Asked Questions