Which Dogs Are Considered Bully Breeds?

If you have any interest in dogs, you’ve surely heard about bully breeds. But what are bully breed dogs, exactly? What makes a dog a bully breed? And what kind of dogs are they? There’s also a good chance you’ve heard rumors about bully dogs—perhaps you’ve heard that they’re aggressive, or unpredictable, or maybe you’ve heard that they’re actually loving, loyal companions.

We wrote this post to set the record straight on bully breed dogs, which are among our favorite dog breeds in the world. Read on to learn more about these wonderful yet frequently misunderstood dogs, along with some advice for anyone who’s interested in owning a bully breed.

Short answer: a bully breed, or bully dog, is any dog descended from the old bulldog and Molosser lines, built with a muscular, stocky frame and a broad head. Here are the breeds most often called bully dogs:

Why Are They called Bully Breeds?

The term “bully dog” refers to a group of dog breeds that share a common ancestry and have similar physical characteristics. These breeds are generally descendants of the Old English Bulldog and were originally bred for various purposes, such as bull-baiting, dogfighting, and as working or companion animals. Today, bully breeds are known for their unique appearance, strength, and loyalty. It’s important to note that the term “bully” does not mean that these dogs are inherently aggressive or mean-spirited. In fact, most bully breeds have a friendly and loving temperament.

Before we go further, a quick note on fuel: if your bully breed needs more strength and energy from the bowl, a meat-based, high-protein dog food is the simplest place to start.

FUEL YOUR DOG WITH BULLY MAX 30/20 HIGH-PROTEIN FOOD

Fuel strength and energy with meat-based nutrition, 30% protein, 20% fat, and 535 calories per cup.

$55.97 · 15 lb

ADD TO CART

What are the Physical Characteristics of Bully Breeds?

Bully breeds share several physical traits that make them easily identifiable. Some common features include:

• Muscular, stocky build. Bully breeds typically have a strong, sturdy frame and well-developed muscles, giving them a powerful appearance.
• Broad chest and shoulders. These dogs have wide chests and shoulders, which contribute to their overall strength and stability.
• Square-shaped head. Bully breeds often have a distinct square-shaped head with a wide, flat forehead and a short, broad snout.
• Wrinkled skin. Many bully breeds have loose, wrinkled skin, particularly around the face and neck.
• Short coat. Most bully breeds have a short, dense coat that requires minimal grooming.

What is the Temperament of a Bully Dogs?

Despite their tough appearance, bully breeds are generally known for their loving, friendly, and loyal nature. Some common temperament traits include:

• Affectionate. Bully breeds are known for their strong bond with their owners and love being part of a family.
• Intelligent. These dogs are quick learners and can be easily trained with positive reinforcement techniques.
• Protective. Due to their loyalty, bully breeds can be protective of their family and home, making them excellent watchdogs.
• Energetic. Many bully breeds have high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
• Sociable. With proper socialization, bully breeds can get along well with other dogs and animals.

Bully dogs are a diverse group of breeds with unique physical characteristics and temperaments. Despite their tough appearance, these dogs are often friendly, loyal, and loving companions. It’s essential to remember that every dog is an individual, with their own unique personality and behavior.

Why Were Bully Breeds Created?

Bully breeds are descendants of the ancient Molosser dogs that originated in Greece. Molossers were large, powerful canines known for their exceptional strength, courage, and loyalty, making them excellent guardians and protectors. These dogs were employed in a variety of roles, including livestock herding, military duties, and even as companions to royalty. As the Molosser breed diversified, they spread across Europe and Asia, influencing the development of numerous modern dog breeds.

These dogs were originally bred in England for the purpose of bull-baiting, a sport in which dogs were pitted against bulls in a brutal contest of strength and endurance. In the early 19th century, bull-baiting was outlawed in England, and breeders turned their attention to developing dogs that were better suited for other purposes.

In the early 20th century, the bully breed was brought to the United States, where it quickly gained popularity. These dogs were valued for their strength and agility, and they were used for a number of different purposes, from hunting to police work. In the 1970s, however, the breed began to face a new challenge: a reputation for aggression and violence.

In the years that followed, the bully breed became increasingly controversial. Some people saw these dogs as dangerous and unpredictable, while others viewed them as loyal and affectionate family pets. The breed became the subject of much debate, with advocates on both sides of the issue arguing over the best way to handle the breed.

Today, the bully breed remains a popular choice for dog owners around the world. These dogs are known for their loyalty, strength, and affectionate nature, and they continue to be used for a variety of different purposes. Despite their sometimes-controversial reputation, the truth is that the bully breed is a loving and valuable member of the canine community.

Which Breeds Are Considered Bully Dogs?

Next, we’ll list and describe the breeds typically considered “bully dogs” and discuss their unique characteristics. Let’s start with some of the more common bully breeds:

American Pit Bull Terrier

American Pit Bull Terrier

Physical Appearance: The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, muscular dog with a short coat and a broad, flat head. They have wide-set eyes and a strong, powerful jaw.

Temperament: Despite their reputation, American Pit Bull Terriers are generally friendly, affectionate, and loyal dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable.

History: The American Pit Bull Terrier descends from bull-and-terrier dogs brought from England, Ireland and Scotland in the 1800s, and the breed was developed in the United States. They were used for various purposes, including farming, hunting, and as family companions.

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Staffordshire Bull Terrier

Physical Appearance: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, stocky breed with a short, smooth coat. They have a broad head, strong jaw, and a muscular build.

Temperament: Staffordshire Bull Terriers are known for their affectionate, playful nature and their love of children. They are intelligent and trainable, making them excellent family pets. Feeding one? See our guide to the best dog food for Staffies.

History: The Staffordshire Bull Terrier originated in England, where they were bred for bull-baiting and dogfighting. After these sports were banned, the breed was refined and developed as a companion animal.

American Bully

American Bully

Physical Appearance: The American Bully is a medium to large-sized breed with a muscular, stocky build. They have a broad head, short snout, and a thick, strong neck.

Temperament: American Bullies are friendly, affectionate, and loyal dogs. They are intelligent and highly trainable, making them suitable for various roles, including therapy and service work.

History: The American Bully was developed in the United States in the late 20th century. It was created by crossing the American Pit Bull Terrier with other bully breeds and non-bully breeds to create a unique, versatile companion dog.

Despite their common ancestry, American Bullies are not the same as Pit Bulls. While they share some physical traits, American Bullies were bred to have a distinct temperament and appearance that sets them apart from their Pit Bull relatives.

Learn more about the American Bully Standards for sizes and how to train an American Bully.

Boxer

Boxers

Physical Appearance: Boxers are medium to large-sized dogs with a muscular, square build. They have a short coat, a broad, flat head, and a distinctive wrinkled forehead.

Temperament: Boxers are known for their playful, energetic nature and their love of people. They are intelligent, trainable dogs that make excellent family pets.

History: The Boxer originated in Germany, where it was developed from the Bullenbeisser, a hunting dog used to hold large game, and later worked as a guard and police dog. The breed later gained popularity as a family pet and show dog.

English Bulldog

English Bulldog

Physical Appearance: The English Bulldog is a medium-sized, stocky breed with a distinctive wrinkled face, short legs, and a broad, muscular body.

Temperament: English Bulldogs are known for their easygoing, affectionate nature. They are generally friendly with people and other animals, making them suitable family pets.

History: The English Bulldog was originally bred in England for bull-baiting. After this sport was banned, the breed was refined to create the gentle, companionable dog we know today.

These breeds are often associated with the term “bully dog” due to their common ancestry and similar physical characteristics. Despite some negative stereotypes, bully breeds are generally friendly, loyal, and affectionate dogs that can make excellent companions for the right owner.

But that’s just the beginning! There are many different breeds of bully dogs, some of which can even be hard to distinguish from one another.

American Bulldog

A strong, muscular breed with a powerful build, known for its athleticism and bravery.

American Staffordshire Terrier

A medium-sized, muscular breed with a short coat, known for its intelligence and friendly nature.

Boston Terrier

A compact and friendly breed, known for its distinctive "tuxedo" coat and expressive, large round eyes. Referred to as the "American Gentleman", this breed is intelligent, easily trained, and has a gentle nature. Ideal for apartment living, they are protective yet well-suited for families.

Bull Terrier

A medium-sized breed with a distinctive, egg-shaped head and muscular build, known for its agility and strength. The Miniature Bull Terrier is a smaller version of the same dog.

Cane Corso

A large, powerful breed with a muscular build, known for its protective instincts and loyalty to its family.

Dogo Argentino

A large, powerful breed with a muscular build, bred for its strength and hunting capabilities.

Dog de Bordeaux

A large, powerful breed with a distinctive wrinkled face, known for its loyalty and protective instincts.

French Bulldog

A small to medium-sized breed with a muscular build, known for its distinctive bat-like ears and affectionate nature. French Bulldog is the most popular Bully Breed in the United States.

Mastiffs

A giant breed with a muscular build, known for its strength, loyalty, and gentle temperament.

Olde English Bulldog

A medium-sized breed with a strong, muscular build, bred for its agility and friendly temperament. See how it compares in English Bulldog vs Olde English Bulldogge.

Rottweiler

A large, powerful breed with a muscular build, known for its intelligence, loyalty, and protective instincts.

Standard Bull Terrier

A medium-sized breed with a distinctive, egg-shaped head and muscular build, known for its agility and strength.

What to Feed a Bully Breed

Most bully breeds carry a lot of muscle for their size, and many are high-energy. That makes protein quality and portion control the two things that matter most:

• Animal protein first. Look for a named meat as the first ingredient to support lean muscle.
• Calories that match activity. A working Pit Bull and a couch-loving English Bulldog need very different amounts. Check calories per cup, not just protein.
• Lean body condition. Extra weight is hard on the joints and breathing of heavier and flat-faced bully breeds.
• Puppies need a growth formula fed in measured meals.

Get a starting portion from our dog food calculator, or read our breed guides: best dog food for American Bullies and best dog food for Pitbulls.

See what owners say in these short Bully Max dog food reviews:

TRY BULLY MAX 30/20 HIGH-PROTEIN DOG FOOD

Fuel strength and energy with meat-based nutrition, 30% protein, 20% fat, and 535 calories per cup.

$55.97 · 15 lb

ADD TO CART

Are Bully Dogs Right for You?

Next, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of owning a bully dog, and provide tips for potential owners who are considering adopting one.

Pros of Owning a Bully Breed Dog

• Loyalty. Bully breeds are known for their strong bond with their owners and their loyalty to their families.
• Trainability. These intelligent dogs are quick learners and can be easily trained using positive reinforcement techniques. Start early with our pitbull training guide for puppies.
• Protective. Due to their loyalty, bully breeds can make excellent watchdogs and can be protective of their family and home.

Cons of Owning a Bully Breed Dog

• Aggression. Although most bully breeds have a friendly and loving temperament, some may exhibit aggressive tendencies if not properly socialized and trained.
• Breed-specific legislation. In some areas, bully breeds face restrictions due to breed-specific legislation, which may include mandatory spaying/neutering, muzzling in public, or even breed bans.
• Exercise requirements. Many bully breeds have high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. This may be challenging for owners with limited time or mobility. (Get our best tips on how to exercise your dog.)

5 Tips for Potential Owners of a Bully Breed Dog

1. Research

Before adopting a bully breed, make sure to research the specific breed you are interested in to ensure it is the right fit for your lifestyle and living situation. It also pays to be aware of the most common pitbull health issues.

2. Find a reputable breeder

If you decide to adopt a bully breed puppy, make sure to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and temperament of their dogs. Avoid purchasing from pet stores or online sellers, as these sources often support puppy mills.

3. Consider adoption

Consider adopting a bully breed from a rescue organization or shelter. These dogs may be in need of a loving home, and adopting can help reduce the number of dogs in shelters.

4. Use a professional trainer

Working with a professional trainer experienced in bully breeds can help ensure proper socialization and training for your new pet. This can help prevent behavioral issues and ensure a well-adjusted, well-behaved dog.

5. Consider breed-specific legislation

Before adopting a bully breed, research your local laws and regulations regarding these dogs. Be prepared to comply with any breed-specific legislation in your area, and consider the potential challenges that may come with owning a breed that faces restrictions.

(Related: 6 tips on buying a pit bull puppy)

Bully dogs can make wonderful pets, but potential owners should carefully consider the pros and cons before adopting one. By doing thorough research, finding a reputable breeder or adopting from a shelter, and working with a professional trainer, you can ensure that your bully dog becomes a well-adjusted and loving member of your family.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Bully Dogs!

As you can see, bully breed dogs have a long and interesting history. They’ve been subject to unfair and undeserved stereotypes, though they remain a wonderful breed full of loyalty and love for their owners. Bully dogs may not be right for everyone, but rest assured that if you bring one into your life, they’ll be among the most loyal and dependable companions you’ve ever met.

Bully Breed Popularity in the United States

Bully breeds are some of the most popular dogs in America. In our bully breed popularity infographic, the French Bulldog leads the pack, followed by the English Bulldog and the Boxer.

It's clear that despite some misconceptions, many people recognize the lovable nature of these breeds. From the muscular American Bulldog to the wrinkly-faced Dogue de Bordeaux, each bully breed offers its own unique characteristics and charm. Whether you're drawn to the compact French Bulldog or the imposing Cane Corso, there's a bully breed out there for every dog lover. As always, remember that responsible ownership, proper training, and lots of love are key to bringing out the best in these wonderful dogs.

The Most Popular Bully Breeds in the United States

Our earlier infographic, created with NowSourcing, looked at bully breed popularity by AKC registrations and by state. Among AKC-registered bully breeds, the French Bulldog, Bulldog and Boxer led the list, followed by the Rottweiler, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Bull Terrier, Miniature Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier.

Infographic: The Most Popular Bully Breeds in the United States. Created by NowSourcing, presented by Bully Max. Feel free to share it with attribution to Bully Max.

The infographic also notes when some bully breeds were first recognized. The American Kennel Club recognized the Bulldog in 1886, the Boston Terrier in 1893, the Boxer in 1904, the Cane Corso in 2010 and the Dogo Argentino in 2020. The American Pit Bull Terrier is not an AKC breed; the United Kennel Club recognized it in 1898.

FAQ

Is a pitbull a bully breed?

Yes. The American Pit Bull Terrier is one of the best-known bully breeds, along with the American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Bully.

Are bully breeds aggressive?

No breed is aggressive by default. Most bully breeds are affectionate and people-focused. Some can be selective with other dogs, so early socialization and training are important.

What is the biggest bully breed?

The Mastiff is the largest, followed by breeds like the Dogue de Bordeaux and Cane Corso. If you feed one of these giants, see our guide to the best dog food for Mastiffs.

What is the smallest bully breed?

The Boston Terrier and French Bulldog are the smallest common bully breeds.

Like this article? Share it with a friend to help spread the word!

TRY BULLY MAX 30/20 HIGH-PROTEIN BEEF DOG FOOD

Chicken-free, meat-based nutrition with 30% protein, 20% fat, and 530 calories per cup for strength and energy.

$55.97 · 15 lb

ADD TO CART