American Bully XL vs XXL: Understanding the differences

Introduction

American Bully is a breed that has gained immense popularity in recent years due to its friendly and affectionate nature. This breed is a result of crossbreeding various bulldog and terrier breeds. One of the unique features of American Bully is that it comes in different size variations. Among them, XL and XXL are the two most popular ones. When it comes to choosing the right size variation of American Bully, it’s essential to consider your personal needs and lifestyle.

The purpose of this article is to shed light on the differences between XL and XXL American Bully, helping you make an informed decision when choosing the right size variation for you.

In this article, we will cover the following topics:

• Definition and recognition of XL and XXL American Bully
• Characteristics and appearance of XL and XXL American Bully
• Exercise requirements of XL and XXL American Bully
• Space requirements of XL and XXL American Bully
• Training and behavior of XL and XXL American Bully
• Health concerns of XL and XXL American Bully

By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the differences between XL and XXL American Bully and will be able to make an informed decision on which size variation is right for you.

Definition and recognition of XL and XXL American Bully

XL American Bully refers to the larger size variation of the breed, while XXL American Bully refers to the largest size variation of the breed. The adult height of XL American Bully males is over 20 inches (51 cm)  – 23 inches (57 cm) at the withers and females over 19 inches (48 cm) – 22 inches (54 cm) at the withers. The exact size difference between XL and XXL can vary based on the breeder, but typically, XXL American Bully is approximately 2-3 inches taller and 20-30 pounds heavier than XL American Bully. Both XL and XXL Bully dogs share the same build, body type, and breed type as the Standard American Bully, and are expected to carry a heavily muscled, massive, bulky body type. 

However, a significant difference lies in the recognition of these size variations by Kennel Clubs. 

Our favorite bulky four-legged friend that we call the American bully today, was first recognized as a dog breed by the American Bully Kennel Club (AKBC), followed by the European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC), and later on by the United Kennel Club (UKC). Different Kennel Clubs have different sets of standards for the same dog breed, while there might be little to significant differences. If you are interested in all the registries which recognize the American Bully dog breed in addition to these three major ones, we wrote an article about it with a comparison table of the breed standard according to the various Kennel Clubs. 

Up to this day, neither The Kennel Club nor American Kennel Club (AKC) have recognized or accepted the American Bully into their registry as a purebred dog. This means they’re not pedigree dogs according to these Kennel Clubs, have no standard across the breed, and cannot be entered into Kennel Club shows. However, this is not something that should deter you from the American Bully dog if you have fallen in love with him.

The UKC stated the following: “At this time, UKC has no plans to add classes for or recognize other breeds or varieties of American Bullys.” In other words, any American Bully dog which doesn’t meet the breed’s standards according to the Official UKC breed standard is not recognized by this Kennel Club.

In 2008 the American Bully dog breed was recognized by the European Bully Kennel Club and in 2010 it created Amendments to the Official Breed Standard which include size variations in addition to the Standard American Bully as Pocket, Classic, and XL American Bully.

The American Bully Kennel Club recognizes four size variations within the American Bully dog breed: Standard, Pocket, XL, and Classic.
In conclusion, XL American Bully is recognized by two major dog Kennel Clubs, while XXL American Bully is considered an unofficial type of American Bully. The name may be used informally by breeders or owners to describe dogs that are larger than the XL American Bully.

Similarities and differences in the Characteristics and Appearance of XL and XXL American Bully

Both the XL American Bully and XXL American Bully share the same build, body type, and breed type as the Standard American Bully, and are expected to carry a heavily muscled, massive, bulky body type while they are simply taller than the Standard American Bully. Important to note that any disproportionate, overdone characteristic that would interfere with physical activity or working ability, for example excessively large, heavy, head disproportionate to the body and too broad chest is considered a fault which is penalized at shows.

An adult male XL American Bully’s size measures 20 to 23 inches (51 to 57 cm) at the withers, while a female’s is 19 to 22 inches (48 to 54 cm) with a weight range of 70-120 pounds (31 to 54 kg).

The American Bully XXL, on the other hand, is even larger, with a weight range of 120-200 pounds (55-90 kg) and a height range of 23 inches (57 cm) or taller at the wither. They are known for their massive size and heavily muscled physique.

Breeding a genuine XXL Bully requires a high level of care and precision from breeders. This is due to the fact that the goal is to produce a larger dog than the Standard and XL American Bully while maintaining all the characteristics of the Standard American Bully dog. The exact composition of breeds used to produce the XXL American Bully can vary among breeders and lines, usually, there is a presence of DNA from breeds like Bullmastiffs.

Exercise Requirements of XL and XXL American Bully

It’s important to remember that XL and XXL American Bullies are a muscular breed and can be prone to obesity, so it’s important to monitor their food intake and exercise levels to ensure that they maintain a healthy weight.

XL American Bully requires moderate to high levels of exercise to maintain its physical and mental well-being. They enjoy a variety of physical activities, including running, playing fetch, and agility training. On the other hand, XXL American Bully requires lower levels of exercise due to its massive size and weight. They are not as active as XL American Bully and are more suited for short walks or leisurely play sessions.

Here are some of the recommended exercise requirements for these breeds:

• Daily walks: XL and XXL American Bullies need at least one hour of daily exercise, which can be achieved through a brisk walk. This helps to keep them fit and prevents boredom.
• Playtime: These breeds enjoy playing and interacting with their owners. Engaging in physical play, such as fetch, tug-of-war, and obstacle courses can help to satisfy their exercise needs.
• Swimming: Swimming is an excellent way to provide low-impact exercise for XL and XXL American Bullies. It can help to strengthen their muscles, improve their cardiovascular health, and provide a fun and enjoyable activity.
• Training: Training sessions are a great way to provide physical and mental stimulation for XL and XXL American Bullies. These breeds are highly intelligent and enjoy learning new things, so incorporating training into their exercise routine can help to keep them motivated and engaged.
• Weight pulling can be a suitable sport for XL and XXL American Bully dogs, but it’s important to be cautious and consult with a veterinarian and professional dog trainer before starting the activity, and to be mindful of the dog’s welfare at all times.

Space Requirements of XL and XXL American Bully

There is no significant difference between the space requirements for XL and XXL American Bullies, they are both well-suited for living in both smaller and larger spaces. While the exact space requirements will depend on the individual dog and its activity level, it is generally recommended that they have access to a yard or an indoor area where they can move around freely. 

However, larger dogs will require more space simply because of their size. If you have an XL or XXL American Bully, it’s important to make sure that you have enough space for them to live comfortably and stay physically active. Additionally, it’s important to provide plenty of opportunities for mental stimulation, such as interactive toys and training exercises, to help keep your dog mentally stimulated and happy.

Training and Behavior of XL and XXL American Bully

Both XL and XXL American Bully are highly trainable and eager to please their owners. They are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them great companions. However, due to their large size and strength, they require proper training and socialization from a young age to prevent behavioral issues such as aggression, separation anxiety, and destructive chewing. It’s essential to establish yourself as the pack leader while using positive reinforcement training methods to avoid any behavioral issues in the future.

Diet and Health care

The diet and healthcare requirements for XL and XXL American Bullies are largely similar. Both sizes of this breed typically require a balanced diet that includes a good quality source of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. 

In terms of any differences between XL and XXL American Bullies, the larger XXL-sized dogs may have slightly higher caloric needs, due to their increased size and muscle mass. However, both sizes of this breed have a tendency towards obesity, so it’s important to monitor their food intake and body condition carefully. Regular veterinary check-ups and appropriate preventative health care, such as vaccinations, flea and tick control, and dental care, are also important for maintaining the overall health and longevity of XL and XXL American Bullies.

Both sizes are generally healthy breeds, but they are prone to certain health conditions such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and skin allergies. It’s important to research the specific health concerns of each size variation and to ensure that you’re purchasing from a reputable breeder who conducts health screenings on their breeding dogs.

Conclusion

Both XL and XXL American Bully share the same build, body type, and breed type as the Standard American Bully, but are simply taller, with XXL being the largest unofficial variation of the breed.

An adult male XL American Bully’s size measures 20 to 23 inches (51 to 57 cm) at the withers, while a female is 19 to 22 inches (48 to 54 cm) with a weight range of 70-120 pounds (31 to 54 kg). The American Bully XXL, on the other hand, is even larger, with a weight range of 120-200 pounds (55-90 kg) and a height range of 23 inches (57 cm) or taller at the wither. 

However, an important difference between the XL and XXL American Bully is that the XL American Bully is recognized by two major kennel clubs, while the XXL American Bully is considered an unofficial type and is not recognized by any Kennel Club. 

When it comes to choosing between an XL or XXL American Bully, it is a matter of individual taste and way of life. It may be important to you that your American Bully is recognized by the ABKC, in which case you will want to choose the XL American Bully. If you fell in love with the monumental figure of the XXL American Bully, you already have your answer. 

Both sizes have their own advantages and disadvantages and it is crucial to do thorough research and gain knowledge about each size before making a decision. Take into account factors such as space needs, level of energy, and health-related issues when deciding on the right size for you. Purchasing from a reputable breeder will save you a lot of future headaches. With proper training, socialization, and care, both XL and XXL American Bully can make excellent pets for the right family.