If you’re an American Bully owner or breeder, two names come up often: UKC (United Kennel Club) and ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club). Both play an important role in defining what makes a true American Bully, but their standards and approaches have some differences worth knowing.

Importance of Breed Standards 

Breed standards aren’t just an arbitrary set of rules about how a dog should look. They exist for real, practical reasons. At their core, breed standards outline both the structural build and the temperament that define a particular breed. You can think of them as the official blueprint for what makes an ideal specimen.

For breeders, these standards are a guide. Ethical breeders use them to shape their programs, working to produce dogs that are not only healthy but also true to the breed’s character and history. For judges, breed standards are the benchmark in conformation shows, where dogs are evaluated against that blueprint. In the ring, the dog that best matches the breed standard takes home the win.

Even outside the show world, breed standards matter. They help everyday dog owners and prospective owners understand the traits that make a breed unique and assess whether a dog is a strong representation of its breed.

Understanding the UKC (United Kennel Club) Standard

Founded in 1898, the United Kennel Club (UKC) is an international registry of purebred dogs created to celebrate the bond between owners and their dogs. Unlike some registries that historically focused only on conformation, the UKC has always promoted the idea of the “total dog,” placing equal value on performance and appearance.
Today, the UKC recognizes all bully breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Bully. For the American Bully, the UKC standard outlines the breed’s history, overall appearance, and key traits. Notable points include:

• Head: Large and broad, but always proportionate to the dog’s body.

• Body: Square build with a broad, deep chest and well-sprung ribs.

• Sizes: Recognized in three categories—Pocket, Standard/Classic, and XL.
  The UKC also specifies eliminating faults, which are serious flaws that disqualify a dog from competition.
  
  

  

Understanding the ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club)

Founded in 2004, the American Bully Kennel Club or the ABKC is an official registry for the American Bully breed. The ABKC was formed to showcase the specific qualities of bully-type dogs of all sizes and breeds. It is also an official registry for this newer breed, which has been growing in popularity. The ABKC recognizes four sizes of the American Bully Breed, the Standard, the Pocket, the XL and the Classic. The ABKC is specialized in Bully breeds in general and recognizes and has a registry for all Bully breeds, including The American Pit Bull Terrier, The American Bully, as well as breeds like the Cane Corso, Bull Terrier, French Bulldog, and Dogo Argentino. 

Comparison of UKC and ABKC Standards

Historically, the UKC recognized only one size of American Bully, while the ABKC acknowledged all variations from the start. In 2024, the UKC updated its standard to include Pocket, Standard/Classic, and XL Bullies, bringing it closer in line with ABKC classifications.
This update opened more opportunities for breeders and owners to register and compete in both organizations. Today, both registries recognize multiple size variations, reflecting the American Bully’s continued development as a distinct breed.

Registration Process and Requirements

Registering your bully breed is the first step to participating in official shows, sports, and events—and it also helps preserve the breed’s future.

UKC Registration

• Apply online through the UKC website.

• If your dog is already recognized by a UKC-acknowledged registry, use the Single Registration option.

• Provide a three-generation pedigree along with 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.

• Keep in mind: because the American Bully is still considered a young breed, the ABKC does not accept every application. Their goal is to ensure responsible growth and long-term preservation of the breed.

Some owners choose one registry, but many decide to dual-register with both the UKC and ABKC. This opens the door to a wider range of events and supports the efforts of both organizations in advancing the breed.

(If you’re preparing your dog for competition, check out our guide on feeding for muscle.

Ultimately, the decision which organization to register your dog with, UKC or ABKC is a personal decision. The UKC is an older and more established organization with a more robust array of programming and events to participate in while the ABKC has played an active role in the growth of the The American Bully breed has a specialized breed focus, whereas the UKC is an all-breed registry focused on health, preservation, and the total dog from performance sports like agility, dock diving, and weight pull in addition to conformation. 

What to Know Before Getting in the Ring

Whether you register with the UKC, ABKC, or both, your American Bully gains access to shows, sports, and the recognition that comes with being part of an established breed community.
For those aiming to compete—or simply wanting to better understand what makes their dog unique—breed standards are the foundation. But success in the ring also depends on preparation. Proper conditioning, training, and high-performance nutrition will ensure your Bully looks and performs their best.

In our next article, we’ll break down exactly what to expect before stepping into the conformation ring and how to get your Bully ready.