The "Bully Breeds" include five breeds originating
from strong and massive Bull dogs and a variety of terrier breeds. Originally known as "Bull and Terrier" dogs, these
include the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American
Bull Dog.
American Pit Bull Terrier
(APBT)
This breed descends from
the Staffordshire Bull Terrier crossed with other fighting dogs. The American Pit Bull is as much a victim of the media as
its historical breeding to fight other dogs. When trained from a early age to obey commands, the breed proves to be a companionable,
even gregariously fawning dogs.
Profile:
30 to 60 pounds
Coat: Any color
Nose: Any
color
Eyes: All colors except blue
Ears: Cropped or uncropped
Tail: Short and tapered
Body:
Solidly Built and muscular
Head: Wedge-shaped with forehead wrinkles
Nature: Zest for life, courageous, good with children
American Staffordshire
Terrier (AmStaff)
Originally identical to
the British Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American was selectively bred for greater height and weight and a bulkier build.
In 1936, it was recognized as a separate breed by AKC. This breed can be extremely gentle and affectionate with children and
adults. This breed is typically a loyal and obedient canine member of the family.
Profile:
40 to 50 pounds
Coat:
Any color
Nose: Black
Eyes: Dark, round
Ear: Cropped or uncropped
Tail: Short and tapering
Body: Stocky and
muscular; broad head
Head: Broad head with distinct cheek muscles
Nature: Happy, intelligent, confident, good with children
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
(Staffy)
Originated in Staffordshire
Great Britain, this well muscled and affectionate breed traces its ancestry to crosses between thickly muscled
Bull dogs and agile, feisty terriers. It was bred as a dual purpose sporting dog, to participate in organized ratting and
dog fighting. This breed was a true split personality. There is probably no breed that is more loving with its family, and
often with strangers. It thrives on affection and devotes itself to being accepted as part of the human family.
Profile:
25 to 38 pounds
Coat:
Many colors
Nose: Black
Eyes: Dark
Ears: Uncropped; rose
Tail: Short and tapering
Body: Muscular, agile, wide
chest
Head: Round, broad head with distinct cheeks muscles
Nature: Affectionate, stable, courageous, good with children
Bull Terrier
The Bull Terrier was developed
by James Hinks of Birmingham, Great Britain, who bred the dog with the now extinct white English Terrier to produce a dazzling
super dog in both the dog fighting pit and the show ring. White was his favored color. With the Bull Terrier, the bulldogs
strength was combined with the Terriers tenacity to create the ultimate fighting dog. James Hinks favored white Bull Terriers,
an these became and still are fashionable companions. The colored Bull Terrier has inherited medical problems such as juvenile
kidney failure. This breed does have a lower than average tendency to snap and bite and is good with people.
Profile:
24 to 33 pounds
Coat: White
or colored variety
Nose: Black
Eyes: Dark, small, triangular and piercing
Ears: Uncropped; erect and thin
Tail:
Short and tapering
Body: Muscular and symmetrical
Head: Egg-shaped, full head
Nature: Jaunty air, sweet disposition
American Bulldog (ABD)
The American Bulldog may
well be the breed that most closely resembles the "Bull" part of the bully breeds history. Its sturdy, powerful, slightly
leggy frame, massive head and impressive jaws evoke images of refined Mastiff or stocky Great Danes. Yet the American Bulldog
originated not in England, but in the Southern United States. Originally bred to track and subdue cattle and wild hogs. The
American Bulldog did double duty as a guard dog and sport fighter. This resulted in a bulldog with agility and strength. The
American Bulldog is accepted by the United Kennel Club
Profile:
Males: 60 to 125 pounds
Coat: Any color, except solid
black, blue or tricolor
Nose: Any color
Eyes: Any color
Ears: Cropped or uncropped, drop, semi-prick or rose
Tail:
Medium, tapering; can be docked
Body: Sturdy, compact and agile
Head: Broad head with full lips
Nature: Alert, outgoing,
self-assured