The American Bully is a popular breed known for its muscular build, loyal nature, and distinct appearance. As a Bully owner, it’s important to understand the growth stages of your dog to ensure they are developing properly and maintaining good health.
This guide dives into the growth stages of an American Bully, offering a comprehensive look at how your pup should grow, what to expect at each stage, and how you can support healthy growth.
American Bully Growth Chart
Every dog grows at its own pace, but it’s essential to have a baseline growth chart to compare and track your American Bully’s progress. Below is a general growth chart that outlines the expected weight and height range for American Bullies at different stages of life:
| Age | Weight (lbs) | Height (inches) |
| 0-4 Weeks | 2-4 | 3-5 |
| 1-2 Months | 5-15 | 5-8 |
| 2-3 Months | 15-30 | 8-10 |
| 3-4 Months | 30-40 | 10-13 |
| 4-6 Months | 40-55 | 13-15 |
| 6-12 Months | 55-85 | 15-20 |
| 12-18 Months | 85-100+ | 20-23+ |
Remember, this growth chart varies depending on the American Bully’s size category (Pocket, Standard, Classic, or XL), which we’ll discuss later.
American Bully Growth Stages: A Detailed Breakdown
Let’s break down each growth stage in detail, so you can understand what to expect at every step of your Bully’s development.
0-4 Weeks: Neonatal Stage
During the first few weeks of life, American Bully puppies are entirely dependent on their mother. This stage is all about survival and basic development.
- Sensory Development: Puppies are born blind, deaf, and toothless. Their senses will slowly begin to develop during this stage.
- Feeding Habits: During the first two weeks, they rely solely on their mother’s milk for nutrition. Around week three, puppies may start to nibble on solid food.
It’s crucial that the puppies remain close to their mother during this stage for warmth and nutrition. Early handling by humans should be gentle and limited.
1-2 Months: Early Puppy Stage
By the time they hit 4-8 weeks, your American Bully puppy will begin exploring the world more. This stage marks a rapid change in physical development.
- Weaning: Puppies will start transitioning from mother’s milk to solid food around this time. Make sure the food is high in protein to support muscle growth.
- Socialization: This is a critical time for social development. Early exposure to different environments, people, and animals is essential to avoid behavioral problems later.
- Growth Spurts: Expect rapid weight gain. Most puppies double or even triple their birth weight during this period.
It’s essential to provide a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support this fast-growing stage.
2-3 Months: Rapid Growth Phase
At around 8-12 weeks, American Bullies go through one of their most significant growth spurts. This stage is marked by visible changes in their body shape and size.
- Muscle Development: You’ll begin to notice a sturdier, more muscular build, especially around the chest and shoulders.
- Health Checks: Puppies should have their first set of vaccinations by this time. Regular vet visits are essential for tracking growth and ensuring their health.
- Training and Socialization: This is the prime time to start basic training. They’re learning fast, so establish good behaviors now.
3-4 Months: Exploring the World
Your American Bully is now in the adventurous puppy phase. At 3-4 months, their bone structure and muscles continue to develop at a rapid pace.
- Bone Growth: Watch for changes in their height and frame as bones lengthen. Their legs and body may appear disproportionate for a while, which is normal.
- Exercise and Play: Short, structured play sessions are essential to develop muscle without over-exerting growing joints.
- Balanced Diet: Ensure your Bully is on a high-protein, grain-free diet to promote lean muscle development.
4-6 Months: Juvenile Stage
By this stage, your American Bully will start to look more like an adolescent dog. Growth continues, but your pup may seem awkward and lanky for a while.
- Physical Development: The head, chest, and limbs grow at different rates, often making your pup look out of proportion.
- Exercise: Begin muscle-building exercises like controlled walks, tug-of-war, and play that involves jumping. However, avoid high-impact activities like running long distances as joints are still developing.
6-12 Months: Adolescent Stage
This is a crucial period for social and physical maturity. Most American Bullies reach 75-85% of their adult size by this time, though they’ll continue to fill out in terms of muscle mass.
- Sexual Maturity: If your dog hasn’t been neutered or spayed, expect hormonal changes that can affect behavior.
- Slower Growth: While growth slows down, muscle continues to develop well into the second year.
- Diet: Maintain a protein-rich diet to support muscle development. Supplements like glucosamine and fish oil can support joint health.
Differences in American Bully Sizes
American Bullies come in several size categories, each with different growth expectations. Let’s break down the most common Bully types and their growth specifics.
Pocket Bully
- Height: Up to 17 inches
- Weight: 30-50 lbs
- Growth Considerations: Pocket Bullies tend to grow rapidly in the first 6 months. Monitor their joints closely to avoid over-exertion.
Standard Bully
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 50-70 lbs
- Growth Considerations: This is the most common Bully size. Growth should be steady, and a good balance of exercise and diet is essential to maintain muscle mass.
Classic Bully
- Height: 17-20 inches
- Weight: 50-70 lbs (leaner build than Standard)
- Growth Considerations: While similar to the Standard Bully, the Classic Bully has a leaner build and will require a slightly different diet to avoid excessive weight gain.
XL Bully
- Height: 20-23+ inches
- Weight: 80-150+ lbs
- Growth Considerations: These dogs are the largest American Bullies and tend to grow slower than their smaller counterparts. Their growth can continue up to 18-24 months, so patience is key.
When Do American Bullies Stop Growing?
Most American Bullies reach their full height by 12 months, but muscle mass will continue to develop until they are about 18-24 months old. Growth varies by the type of Bully you have, with XL Bullies often taking longer to fill out.
- Maturity Stages: While height growth tapers off by one year, expect muscle mass and width to continue developing for another 6-12 months.
- Late Bloomers: Some Bullies, particularly larger ones, may experience growth well into their second year.
Factors That Affect American Bully’s Growth Rate
Genetics
The genetic makeup of your Bully is the most significant factor in determining size and growth rate. A puppy from a well-bred lineage with large parents will likely grow to a larger size, while smaller parents produce smaller offspring.
- Key Genetic Traits: Size, muscle structure, and even head shape are largely determined by genetics.
Nutrition
Diet plays a vital role in your American Bully’s growth. High-quality food rich in protein, calcium, and essential vitamins supports healthy bone and muscle growth.
- High-Protein Diet: Feed a diet with at least 25-30% protein for muscle development.
- Supplements: Include omega-3s, glucosamine, and calcium if necessary, but always consult your vet.
Physical Activity
Regular exercise is essential for muscle development, but too much can strain your dog’s growing joints.
- Recommended Activities: Light play, short walks, and mental stimulation exercises.
- Avoid: Over-exercising during the first year to prevent joint damage.
Health
Health issues can sometimes stunt growth or cause abnormal development. Monitor for common conditions like hip dysplasia or growth plate injuries.
- Vet Visits: Regular check-ups are necessary to ensure your Bully is growing on track and free of growth-related health issues.
Why Is My American Bully’s Head Small?
One of the most common concerns among Bully owners is the size of their dog’s head. The head often grows at a slower rate than the rest of the body, but it typically catches up as the dog matures.
- Normal Growth Patterns: The head and chest are usually the last parts to fully develop.
- Genetics: Some lines produce dogs with smaller heads, but as long as the dog is healthy, this is typically not an issue.
Conclusion
The American Bully is a unique breed that requires proper care, nutrition, and exercise to reach its full potential. By understanding the growth stages
