All dog owners want to make sure their furry friend is healthy and growing at a normal rate, but it can be difficult to determine whether or not this fairly new dog breed has already reached its maximum growth cycle.
However, there are a few things you can look at to get a general idea of when an American Bully breed will stop growing.
We will cover the American Bully and its ancestry, American Bully Growth Chart, American Bully puppy growth, food for American Bullies optimal growth, and many other important topics about this companion dog – The American Bully breed.
So When Should an American Bully Stop Growing?
Typically, American bullies stop growing between one and two years of age. However, this is just a general rule and some dogs may continue to grow until they are three years old.
Though dogs grow to their adult size at different rates. Small breeds mature faster than larger breeds. And within a breed, males will usually be larger than females.
Bully breeds may have their growth plates close later than other breeds.
American Bully: It’s Ancestry’s Influence on Growth
American bullies and their growth are vastly influenced by their genetic makeup. Coming from various bloodlines of dog breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier, American Bulldog, American Pit Bull Terrier, Pit Bulls, and other short-haired dogs, the American Bully’s growth pattern may vary.
In the Bully world, a dog’s growth and behavior can be influenced by the percentage of each specific breed in their bloodline.
For example, an American Bully with a higher percentage of Staffordshire Terrier in their bloodline will likely grow taller and leaner than an American Bully with a higher percentage of Pit Bull in their bloodline, who will likely be shorter and more muscular.
American Bully Growth Chart
American Bully dogs body mass and dog weight may depend on their variety. American Bully Kennel Club recognizes American Bully types into four categories. With the growth chart, we can better understand the weight, height, and age of an American Bully.
American Bully Breed Weight and Height
American Bully dog breed weight and height variation:
Standard American Bully
Standard American Bully weighs between 60 to 70 pounds (27 to 32 kg) and they are 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall. A Standard Bully typically stops growing around 18 to 24 months old. Standard bully weight is reached by 12 to 18 months.
Classic American Bully
American Bully Classic or Classic American Bully weighs between 50 to 60 pounds (23 to 27 kg) and they are 16 to 19 inches (41 to 48 cm) tall. A Classic Bully typically stops growing around 18 to 24 months old. However, some may continue to grow until they are three years.
Classic Bullies reach their weight by 12 to 18 months.
Pocket American Bully
Pocket American Bully or Pocket Bully weighs between 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kg) and they are 14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 cm) tall. Pocket Bullies stop growing around 18 to 24 months old, but some may continue to grow until they are three years. They reach their adult weight by 12 to 18
A Pocket Bully typically stops growing around 18 to 24 months old. However, some may continue to grow until they are three years.
XL American Bully
XL American Bully or AmericanXL weighs between 71 to 120 pounds (32 to 54 kg) and they are 21 to 24 inches (53 to 61 cm). An XL Bully typically stops growing around 24 to 36 months old. They reach their adult weight by 18 to 24 months.
American XL Bullies that are considered “micro,” “mini,” or “petite” may reach their full adult height sooner than those that are not considered as such.
Extreme American Bully
Extreme Bully or Extreme American Bully weighs over 120 pounds (over 54 kg). They are over 24 inches (over 61 cm). Extreme Bullies typically stop growing around 36 months old. They reach their adult weight by 24 to 36 months.
American Bully growth and size as a new dog breed may vary depending on their bloodline, dominant ancestral bold, and variety. American Bully weight chart may tell us whether our American bullies have a healthy weight, gaining weight, or are underweight dogs.
American Bully Growth Stages
The American Bully breed typically goes through five stages of growth.
Stage one: birth to four weeks
During this stage, American Bully pups will double their birth weight.
Stage two: four to eight weeks
During this stage, American Bully pups will be weaned from their mother’s milk and start to eat solid food.
Stage three: eight to twelve weeks
During this stage, American Bully pups will start to lose their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth.
Stage four: twelve to eighteen weeks
During this stage, American Bully pups will start to look like adults.
Stage five: eighteen weeks and older
During this stage, American Bully pups will be considered adults.
While most American Bully dogs will stop growing by the time they are two years old, some may continue to grow until they are three years old. It is important to monitor your American Bully’s weight and height to ensure they are within the healthy range for their age and size.
American Bully Puppy Growth
The American Bully puppies growth chart helps us understand the development of our American Bully pups. Standard, Classic, and Pocket American Bully puppies have a rapid growth rate during their first four months.
During this time, Bully puppies will gain around five to ten pounds every month. From four to twelve months, Bully puppies ‘ growth rate will start to decline, and they will gain around two to five pounds each month.
By the time our American Bully puppies are one year old, they should be close to their full adult weight.
10 Signs of a Healthy Growing American Bully Puppy
- Puppy’s paws are well-rounded, and their toenails are short
- The Bully puppy has a soft, shiny coat
- Eyes are clear and bright
- Bully Puppies are playful and friendly
- Noses are cool and moist
- Puppies’ weight gain is consistent
- Weight gain is between five to ten pounds each month for the first four months
- Puppies grow a healthy appetite
- Bellies are rounded, but not bloated
- The poop is soft and shaped like a sausage
American Bully pups grow at a rapid rate during their first four months. Puppies continue to grow until they are around one year old. American Bully weight chart may tell us whether our American bullies have the ideal dog’s weight, weight gain, or are underweight dogs.
Puppy spends, like most dog breeds, around 50% of their time sleeping.
Puppy Food and a balanced diet play vital roles in American Bully puppies’ growth. So, it is essential to feed them the best quality food we can afford.
American Bully: Vaccination and Food Supplements
Generally, American Bullies stop growing around 36 months old. As with any other dog breed like the American Pitbull Terrier, American Bully dogs need a well-balanced diet and routine vaccinations to stay healthy and prevent diseases.
Dog lovers secure their companion dogs to retain a relatively healthy muscle mass by providing them with routine physical activity, a healthy diet, and the appropriate food supplements.
Vaccination
Vaccination of American Bullies is usually administered by injecting the appropriate vaccine subcutaneously or intramuscularly. The following are the core vaccines for American Bullies:
- Canine Adenovirus
- Canine Distemper
- Canine Parvovirus
Rabies.
- Non-core vaccines for American Bullies are:
- Bordetella Bronchiseptica
- Canine Influenza Virus
- Lyme Disease
Intestinal parasites are commonly diagnosed in American Bullies. The following deworming schedule is recommended for an American Bully puppy:
Age Worming Schedule
- Puppies From two to four weeks of age, puppies should be dewormed every two weeks.
- From four to twelve weeks of age, puppies should be dewormed every three to four weeks.
- From twelve weeks of age and older, puppies should be dewormed every six to eight weeks.
- Adults From six to eight weeks of age, adults should be dewormed every two to four weeks.
- From eight weeks of age and older, adults should be dewormed every six to eight weeks.
All their vaccinations and routine deworming should be up-to-date to protect our American Bullies from diseases.
As your American Bully dog gets older, you may notice some changes in their behavior and physical appearance. These changes are a natural part of the aging process.
Food and Growth Supplement
Boosting the growth of bully breeds is a priority for many pet parents. To achieve this, some may turn to food supplements.
- One such supplement is IGF-I, which is a natural hormone that helps promote growth. It is found in milk and works by helping the body to better absorb nutrients.
- Another supplement that is sometimes used to promote growth is the human growth hormone (HGH). This is a synthetic form of the hormone that is injected into the muscle.
Other Food Supplements to Support Bully Dogs Growth
Here are some other food supplements that can help support the growth of your bully dog:
- Omega-three Fatty Acids – These support healthy skin and coat, joint health, and immune system function. Omega-three fatty acids are found in fish oil supplements.
- Glucosamine and Chondroitin – This helps to support joint health. Glucosamine and chondroitin are found in most joint supplements.
- Probiotics – These support a healthy digestive system. Probiotics are found in yogurt, cottage cheese, and some pet supplements.
- Antioxidants – This helps to protect cells from damage. Antioxidants are found in fruits and vegetables, as well as some pet supplements.
- Vitamins and Minerals – This helps to support overall health. Vitamins and minerals are found in a variety of foods, as well as most multivitamins.
While these supplements may help to promote growth, it is important to talk to your vet before giving them to your American Bully. This is
American Bully: Dog Food
Adult dogs may close growth plates around 18-24 months, so it’s essential to feed high-quality food during the Bully growth stages to ensure they reach their full potential height and weight.
Bully Breeds Food Choices
A healthy weight for pups to adult XL bullies are pet owners’ top priorities when it comes to their dog’s food. It is necessary up until they reach their sexual maturity to provide food that will help support their growth.
Here are the top food choices to help support the growth of your bully dog:
High-quality dry kibble
Kibbles are an excellent way to make sure your bully is getting all the nutrients they need in their diet. Look for a kibble that is high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates.
Wet food
Wet food is a great way to add moisture to your bully’s diet. It is also a good source of protein and fat. Wet food is usually higher in calories than kibbles, so they can help your bully gain weight.
Raw diet
A raw diet is a great way to give your bully the nutrients they need. Raw diets are usually high in protein and fat. The meat diet for an American Bully puppy typically consists of chicken, turkey, beef, and lamb.
Home-cooked meals
Home-cooked meals are a great way to control what your bully eats. You can cook meals that are high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates.
Each of these food choices has its pros and cons, so it’s important to do your research to decide which one is best for your bully.
Commercial Dog Food
Puppies like other pets need higher protein and fat content than adult dogs since they are growing and developing rapidly. Premium-quality dog food on both dry and wet food options that are made specifically for larger dogs can help ensure your Bully grows healthy and strong.
Dog’s diet should have 22% of protein and fat content for dry food and 28% for wet food. Amino acids, vitamins, and minerals are essential for the growth and development of American Bully pups.
These are some of the premium quality dog food brands that we recommend:
- Taste of the Wild
- Orijen
- Blue Buffalo Wilderness
- Wellness CORE
- Earthborn Holistic
- Fromm Family Foods.
All of these brands have a wide variety of flavors and ingredients appropriate for a dog’s age that your American Bully will love. Growing puppies and sustaining adult American Bullies, like other dog breeds need to maintain their muscle mass.
Veterinary Care
Even with available over-the-counter supplements and dog food, you should not forget the importance of professional veterinary care. Properly vaccinated American Bullies are less likely to experience health problems during sexual maturity and later in life.
All their vaccinations and food supplements for gaining weight and muscle mass throughout their growth cycle should be discussed with your veterinarian. Your vet will also be able to give you the best advice on how often to bring your Bully in for check-ups.
What to Look For in a Veterinarian?
When looking for a veterinarian, you should find one that:
- Is licensed and insured
- Has experience with American Bullies or other large breeds
- Has a good reputation
- Is affordable.
The bottom line is that your American Bully’s health and well-being are in your hands. You should do your research to find the best food, supplements, and veterinary care for your Bully. With proper care, your Bully will be healthy and happy for many years to come.
Common Health Problems in American Bullies
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Heart disease
- Allergies
- Skin problems
- Eye problems.
American Bullies are susceptible to these health problems, so it is important to take them to the vet for regular check-ups. Your vet will be able to catch these problems early and treat them accordingly.
Final Thoughts
The growth of XL American Bully depends on several factors such as diet, supplements, and veterinary care. Proper nutrition is essential for your bully to grow healthy and strong. Your choice of diet will determine how fast your bully grows and how big they will get.
May you find this article helpful in your search for the best way to care for your American Bully. Thank you!