American Bully XL: Pictures, Facts, & History

An American Bully XL is a very large type of American Bully dog. It is a relatively new breed that didn’t show up until the 2000s when breeders began creating it in America. It is a cross between an American Pit Bull Terrier and other bully breeds, including the American Bulldog and the Olde English Bulldog.

Breed Overview

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

While these dogs aren’t technically a breed yet (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 Terrier and other bully breeds. The American Bulldog and the Olde English Bulldogge were likely used, for instance.

This breed 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 very compact and stocky for this reason, able to reach upwards 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 breed supporters have defended the breed, arguing that American Bully XLs are no more likely to be aggressive than any other breed of dog.

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

How the American Bully XL Gained Popularity

These dogs gained popularity thanks 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 its popularity. Today, 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.

They also tend to be extremely expensive, so they’re a bit of a “premium” breed. Because 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 amongst dog enthusiasts and breeders. The breed was first recognized by the ABKC in 2004. The ABKC is a breed registry that was founded to promote the American Bully breed and to preserve its unique characteristics.

However, this breed isn’t recognized by any other kennel club, including any of the major ones.

Top 4 Unique Facts About the American Bully XL

1. They have a very short coat.

These dogs have extraordinarily short coats. However, it can be of 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 snout and wrinkled forehead, making them stand out from many other breeds.

3. American Bully XLs are very strong.

Because so much focus was put on their weight and size, these dogs are exceptionally strong today. They’re able to pull heavy weights that are 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?

These dogs absolutely can make a good pet. However, it depends largely on the family. They’re large, strong dogs that do best with an experienced owner who can properly train them. They also are a newer breed, so we may not know as much about their health and temperament.

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

These dogs are also pretty 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 that focuses on the health and temperament of the dog breed. Because these dogs are so powerful, it’s important that their temperament is properly reigned in.

Conclusion

American Bull XLs do look like powerful, intimidating dogs. However, they have been bred mostly to be companion animals. Therefore, they tend to be very affectionate and gentle. They’re known for making good family pets, getting along with both children and other pets.

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

Featured Image Credit: BAUER Alexandre, Shutterstock