A guide from a breeder
What's the difference? An American Bully is not a Pit Bull anymore, but it comes from one. It was developed in the 1990s from the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, for a heavier body and a calmer temperament.
The short answer
Not anymore, but it comes from one. The American Bully was developed in the 1990s from the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, bred for a heavier, more muscular body and a calmer, family-focused temperament. The ABKC began registering it in 2004, and the UKC recognized it as a separate breed in 2013. Many people still call both dogs "Pit Bulls".
Side by side
Why I can tell you this firsthand
We were already raising American Pit Bull Terriers when the American Bully was still taking shape. We watched breeders like Dave Wilson of Razor's Edge build a heavier, calmer companion dog in the 1990s, watched the ABKC take off in the 2000s, and saw the UKC recognize the American Bully as its own breed in 2013. Razor's Edge is one of the old school bloodlines in our dogs today. That's why our old website said Pit Bulls and our new one says American Bullies: the dogs changed with the breed, and the family didn't.
Where the American Bully came from
The UKC registered the American Pit Bull Terrier as its very first breed in 1898, and the ADBA followed in 1909. In the late 1980s and 1990s, breeders started selecting Pit Bull and AmStaff lines for a wider, heavier, more muscular dog with less of the terrier's edge and a gentler temperament. Dave Wilson of Razor's Edge is the name most linked to the start of it, and he described the goal as the ultimate companion breed. Other old school lines, among them Gotti, Greyline and Gangis Kon, shaped the look that became the American Bully.
The classes
The ABKC recognizes four American Bully classes, set by height at the shoulder. Pocket is the smallest, Standard and Classic share the middle height, with the Classic lighter in build, and XL is the largest: over 20 up to 23 inches for males and over 19 up to 22 for females. "Exotic", "micro" and "XXL" are terms you'll see online, but none are recognized classes.
Our XL puppiesTemperament
Both can be wonderful family dogs when they're well bred and well raised. The American Bully was bred specifically to be a calmer companion with lower drive, so it suits many families who want a big, relaxed dog. The American Pit Bull Terrier is more athletic and driven, and it does best with an active owner. With either breed, temperament comes from the parents and from how the puppy is raised. That's why we raise every litter in our home, around our kids.
Names you'll hear
"Pit Bull" or "Pitbull" is often used for a whole group of dogs, not one breed. "Bully Pit", "XL Pitbull" and "Pitbull Bully" usually mean an American Bully. "Blue nose" and "red nose" describe color, not breed. When you shop, ask what registry the parents are with. That tells you what you're really getting.
About blue nose puppiesQuestions
It started from one, but it's a separate breed now, recognized by the ABKC and the UKC.
It was developed from Pit Bull and AmStaff lines, with some other breeds added along the way, especially in the larger classes. Today it breeds true and has its own standard.
Often, yes. Many local rules, landlords and insurers group American Bullies with Pit Bulls. Check where you live before you buy.
The American Bully, especially the XL class. A Pit Bull is usually a medium-sized, lean dog.
Today our litters are mostly American Bullies, including XLs and blue nose puppies, from bloodlines with deep Pit Bull roots.
Today our litters are mostly American Bullies, including XLs and blue nose puppies. Start with an application.
