What Breed is Most Similar to the American Bully?

Pinpointing the absolute “closest” breed to the American Bully is complex because the American Bully is itself a relatively new breed developed in the late 20th century. It’s essentially a mix of several breeds, primarily the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, with influence from other bully breeds. This intentional combination makes identifying a single, most-related breed a bit nuanced.

However, if forced to choose, the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) stands out as the most genetically and historically related breed to the American Bully. Here’s why:

• Foundation Breed: The APBT is undeniably a foundational breed in the American Bully’s creation. Breeders heavily utilized APBTs to establish the desired muscle mass, bone structure, and confident temperament that are hallmarks of the American Bully. While the Bully aims for a gentler demeanor than some APBT lines, the APBT genes are undeniably prevalent.
• Similar Ancestry: Both breeds trace their lineage back to bull-baiting dogs in England and later to early terrier types. They share a common history of working and sporting roles, although the American Bully has largely transitioned into a companion animal.
• Shared Traits: While the American Bully is bred for a more exaggerated, stockier build, you’ll find many shared physical characteristics with the APBT. These include a muscular physique, strong jaws, a broad chest, and a short, smooth coat. Even the head shape, though often more extreme in the Bully, has its roots in the APBT.

Why not the American Staffordshire Terrier? The American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is also a key ingredient in the American Bully mix. However, AmStaffs have been selectively bred for a more refined and consistent appearance for longer. While sharing a common ancestry with the APBT, the AmStaff has diverged more significantly, emphasizing show qualities over raw athleticism and power. The American Bully’s broader variation in type and size, often displaying a more “bully” build reminiscent of working APBT lines, arguably makes the APBT a closer relative in overall appearance and genetic makeup.

Other Influences: It’s essential to acknowledge that breeds like the English Bulldog, Olde English Bulldogge, and even some Mastiff types likely played a role in shaping the American Bully, particularly in achieving its heavier bone structure and head size. These breeds contributed to the Bully’s unique characteristics, but their influence is less direct compared to the APBT and AmStaff.

In conclusion, while the American Bully is a blend of several breeds, the American Pit Bull Terrier remains the closest breed due to its significant contribution to the Bully’s genetic makeup, shared historical origins, and overall physical similarities. Understanding this connection helps appreciate the American Bully’s unique identity and the complex history of bully breeds in general.