When it comes to grooming, the American Bully doesn’t ask for much. The short coat will need brushing with a firm bristle brush several times a week and that’s about it. They generally keep themselves pretty clean and don't need regular bathing unless they roll in something offensive.
Parents will need to carry out the same essential tasks as they would for all other breeds — that includes brushing teeth once a week at least, clipping nails regularly and checking ears for signs of infection.
When it comes to exercise, this muscly dog needs a lot to stay happy and healthy — we’re talking about an hour of activity a day and 16 miles of walking a week, although these figures can differ depending on your dog’s size. Similarly, watch out for American Bullies with short muzzles, as they can become easily breathless or overheated.
American Bully Health Risks
American Bullies are generally considered to be healthy animals, but that doesn’t mean they don’t suffer from hereditary or breed-specific ailments. Health issues that can affect the American Bully include:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Skin Issues
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
The one thing a parent can do to increase the chances of a robust American Bully is to only deal with breeders that carry out screening on their animals and take those affected by certain genetic conditions out of the breeding pools. Many American Bully breeders will only be too happy to talk you through the lineage and medical history of their dogs.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
More commonly spotted in larger breeds,
hip or
elbow dysplasia has been seen to be overrepresented in the American Bully dog. This is a nasty problem that occurs when the
joints fail to develop correctly. As a result, the ball and socket become misaligned, leading to friction between the two.
Your vet might lean towards a hip or elbow dysplasia diagnosis if you bring your dog to them with symptoms of limping or pain in the back or front legs. Physical exams and radiographs can offer confirmation.
There are a range of treatment options available to treat this condition and the route will depend on the severity of the symptoms. Supplements and dietary changes are often enough for mild cases, but physiotherapy and surgery are options for more serious instances.
Skin Issues
Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier are no strangers to skin conditions. These can often be passed down to the American Bully.
You might spot your American Bully suffering from itchiness, red skin or patches of hair loss. This can be caused by a range of afflictions, including allergies and Seborrhea.
Brachycephalic Syndrome
This is something that’s more likely to be spotted in a Pocket American Bully, particularly ones with short snouts and exaggeratedly squashed faces. This compressed facial anatomy can cause respiratory issues, including heavy breathing and overheating.
In some cases, surgery can ease the worst problems, whether that’s to correct a cleft palate or enlarge the airways. In other instances, your vet might recommend lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight and walking at cooler points of the day.
A pet insurance policy will come to your aid when your dog isn’t quite themselves for whatever reason — shop around for the best options using Wag!’s comparison tool.
What to Feed an American Bully?
Just like human bodybuilders, American Bullies have formidable appetites and should be treated to recipes that are high in protein, vitamins and minerals to ensure healthy muscle growth.
The amount you should put in their bowl will depend on their weight. It’s important not to overfeed an American Bully, as this will put them at risk of obesity and a range of secondary conditions, such as Diabetes Mellitus.
In addition, an American Bully puppy and a senior Bully should be given dog food formulated with their specific needs in mind.
Stuck for ideas on what to feed your American Bully? Head over to our partner Dog Food Advisor’s site and look over their list of the best recipes available to buy today.
