ABKC vs UKC: American Bully Standards, Sizes and Registration
The ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club) and the UKC (United Kennel Club) are the two main registries for the American Bully. The ABKC is a bully-focused registry founded in 2004 that recognizes four American Bully sizes: Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL. The UKC is an older all-breed registry, founded in 1898, that recognized the American Bully in 2013 and judges the "total dog," including performance sports. Here is how their standards, size classes and registration compare, and how to choose.
ABKC vs UKC: quick answer
- ABKC: founded 2004, focused on bully breeds, four American Bully sizes including Classic.
- UKC: founded 1898, all-breed registry, recognized the American Bully in 2013, strong performance-sports program.
- Both call for a friendly, confident dog. Aggression toward people is a serious fault in both.
- Many owners register with both to access more shows and events.
Why Breed Standards Matter
Breed standards are not arbitrary rules about looks. They describe the structure and temperament that define a breed, a blueprint for the ideal dog.
Ethical breeders use standards to plan litters that are healthy and true to the breed. Judges use them in conformation shows, where the dog that best matches the standard wins. And everyday owners can use them to understand what makes their breed unique and whether a dog is a good example of it.
The UKC (United Kennel Club) American Bully Standard
Founded in 1898, the United Kennel Club is an international registry of purebred dogs. It has always promoted the "total dog," valuing performance as much as appearance. The UKC recognizes many bully breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Bully, which it recognized in 2013.
Key points of the UKC American Bully standard:
- Head: large and broad, but always in proportion to the body.
- Body: compact, with a broad, deep chest and well-sprung ribs.
- Size: height ranges for Pocket, Standard and XL dogs, with weight kept in proportion to height.
- Temperament: friendly and confident. Aggression toward people is a serious fault.
- Eliminating faults: serious flaws that rule a dog out of competition.
The ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club) Standard
Founded in 2004, the American Bully Kennel Club was created to register and showcase the American Bully, a then-new breed that was growing fast. The ABKC focuses on bully breeds and also registers breeds such as the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Bully, the Cane Corso, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the French Bulldog and the Dogo Argentino.
The ABKC recognizes four American Bully sizes: Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL. The Classic shares the Standard's height range but has a lighter frame and less bulk, closer to the breed's early look.
The Four ABKC American Bully Classes
Pocket, Standard and XL share the same heavy, muscular build and differ by height. Classic matches the Standard's height but carries less bone and mass. Here is what each class looks like:
ABKC vs UKC American Bully Sizes
| Size | Male height | Female height | ABKC | UKC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 to under 17” (36–43 cm) | 13 to under 16” (33–40 cm) | Yes | Yes | |
| Standard | 17–20” (43–51 cm) | 16–19” (40–48 cm) | Yes | Yes |
| Classic | 17–20” (43–51 cm) | 16–19” (40–48 cm) | Yes | No separate class |
| XL | Over 20 to 23” (51–57 cm) | Over 19 to 22” (48–54 cm) | Yes | Yes |
Heights are measured at the withers. Heights follow the ABKC American Bully standard. Neither registry sets a fixed weight; weight should stay in proportion to height. Check each registry's current standard before showing.
Which Class Is My Dog?
Under the ABKC standard, three of the four classes come down to one number: your dog’s adult height at the withers. The fourth, Classic, comes down to build. Here is how to work it out.
- Wait for adult height. Most American Bullies are close to adult height by about 10 to 12 months, but keep filling out after that. Class is based on the adult dog.
- Measure at the withers. Stand your dog square on a flat floor, lay a level or book across the top of the shoulder blades, and measure straight down to the floor. Take two or three readings and average them.
- Match the height. Males 14 to under 17 inches (females 13 to under 16) are Pocket. Males 17 to 20 inches (females 16 to 19) are Standard or Classic. Males over 20 to 23 inches (females over 19 to 22) are XL.
- In the 17 to 20 inch range, look at the build. Heavy bone, a wide chest and a bulky, heavily muscled body point to Standard. A lighter frame and less overall mass, with the bully head and short muzzle, point to Classic.
Weight does not decide the class. The ABKC states that “there is no particular weight for the breed.” Two dogs of the same height can differ a lot in weight and both be in great shape, so judge condition by feel and shape: ribs easy to feel, a visible waist from above. Our guide to your dog’s ideal weight shows how to check.
Watch: How to Tell What Class Your Bully Is
We walk through the four ABKC classes, with real dogs, in this video:
Key Differences Between the UKC and ABKC
| UKC | ABKC | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1898 | 2004 |
| Scope | All-breed registry | Bully-breed registry |
| American Bully recognized | 2013 | From its founding |
| Sizes | Pocket, Standard, XL | Pocket, Standard, Classic, XL |
| Events | Conformation plus sports such as weight pull, agility and dock diving | Bully-focused conformation shows and events |
The biggest practical difference is focus. The UKC is a long-established, all-breed organization with a wide range of performance events. The ABKC has played a central role in the growth of the American Bully and is built around bully breeds specifically. Both registries now describe multiple American Bully sizes, so owners of most bullies can register and compete with either.
Whichever registry you show under, a well-conditioned dog makes the best impression. A high-calorie performance food helps support the muscle and energy show and sport dogs need.
TRY BULLY MAX PRO SERIES 31/25 DOG FOOD
High-calorie performance nutrition with 31% protein, 25% fat, and 600 calories per cup for working and sport dogs.
How to Register Your American Bully
Registering your bully is the first step to joining official shows, sports and events, and it helps keep accurate records for the breed.
UKC Registration
- Apply online through the UKC website.
- If your dog is already registered with a registry the UKC recognizes, use the Single Registration option.
- Expect to provide pedigree information and clear color photos of your dog.
ABKC Registration
- Complete and submit the official ABKC registration form.
- Include clear photographs of your dog and documented pedigree information.
- Not every application is accepted. The ABKC reviews applications to protect the breed's long-term development.
Requirements and fees change, so check each registry's site for the current rules before you apply.
Should You Register With Both?
Many owners dual-register with the UKC and ABKC. It opens the door to more events and supports both organizations' work on the breed. If you mainly want bully-focused conformation shows, the ABKC is a natural fit. If you want a wider range of sports, such as American Bully dog sports like weight pull, the UKC offers more options.
Getting Your Bully Ready for the Ring
Whichever registry you choose, success in the ring takes preparation. Judges reward a dog that matches the standard and is in great condition:
- Training: teach your dog to stand, gait on a loose leash and accept handling from a stranger. Start with our guide to training an American Bully.
- Conditioning: regular exercise builds the firm, defined muscle judges look for. See our 30-day dog muscle building guide.
- Nutrition: a complete, meat-based diet with enough protein and calories supports lean muscle. Read our guide to putting muscle on your dog.
- Weight: keep your bully lean. Extra fat hides muscle and adds stress to the joints.
Many owners prepping for the ring also add a daily muscle support supplement to their dog's conditioning routine.
TRY BULLY MAX MUSCLE BUILDER TABLETS
Daily tablets that support muscle growth, strength and recovery as part of a conditioning routine.
Want to know what happens on show day? Read our guide on what to expect before stepping into the conformation ring.
FAQ
What is the ABKC?
The American Bully Kennel Club is a registry founded in 2004 that focuses on the American Bully and other bully breeds. It registers dogs and runs shows and events.
Is the ABKC or the UKC better?
Neither is better for every owner. The ABKC is bully-focused and recognizes the Classic size. The UKC is an older all-breed registry with more performance sports. Many owners register with both.
Does the AKC recognize the American Bully?
No. The American Bully is recognized by the UKC and the ABKC, but not by the American Kennel Club.
What are the ABKC American Bully sizes?
Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL. Pocket, Standard and XL are defined by adult height at the withers. Classic has the Standard's height with a lighter frame and less mass. There is no set weight; weight should stay in proportion to height.
How do I know what class my American Bully is?
Measure your adult dog at the withers. Males 14 to under 17 inches are Pocket, 17 to 20 inches are Standard or Classic, and over 20 to 23 inches are XL (females: 13 to under 16, 16 to 19, and over 19 to 22). In the 17 to 20 inch range, a heavy, bulky dog is a Standard and a lighter-framed dog is a Classic.
Conclusion
Choosing between the UKC and the ABKC is a personal decision. The UKC brings a long history, an all-breed program and a wide range of sports. The ABKC brings a specialized focus on the American Bully and its sizes. Either way, breed standards are the foundation, and a well-trained, well-conditioned dog is the best way to show what your bully is made of.
1 comment
Quisiera informarme más sobre las razas ABKC