American Bully Sizes — Every Class Explained

Written by BreedersBreeding Since 2015Sedona, Arizona

American Bully types are defined by size and build, not by temperament or bloodline. A micro and an XXL are the same breed with the same disposition, forty inches of dog apart. This guide covers all six classes and, more usefully, which one actually suits your household. See what we have in each on our American Bully puppies for sale page.

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American Bully Sizes at a Glance

ClassMale heightFemale heightAdult weightMatures at
MicroUnder 14"Under 13"25–40 lbs18–24 months
Pocket14–17"13–16"40–60 lbs~2 years
Classic17–20"16–19"55–75 lbs~2 years
Standard17–20"16–19"65–85 lbs~2 years
XL20–23"19–22"90–130 lbs2–2.5 years
XXL22"+21"+120–160 lbs2.5–3 years

Two things to notice. Classic and standard share a height range. The difference is bone, not inches. And every class matures late; nothing here is finished at twelve months.

Micro American Bully

Under 14 inches, 25–40 lbs. The smallest thing the breed produces, and the class where breeding standards vary most. Extreme compactness pursued too far causes airway, spinal and joint problems, so this is the class to vet hardest. See micro American Bully for sale.

Suits: apartments, city living, owners who cannot handle a large dog. Watch for: breathing at rest.

Pocket American Bully

Males 14–17", females 13–16", 40–60 lbs. All the bone and width of an XL in a body that fits a flat. The most practical small class and, for most people wanting a small bully, a better choice than micro. See pocket American Bully for sale.

Suits: apartments, smaller handlers, first-time bully owners.

Classic American Bully

Same height as standard, 55–75 lbs, lighter bone and a longer muzzle. The closest the breed stays to its original type. Better stamina, better heat tolerance, less joint load. Currently unfashionable, which makes it good value. See classic American Bully for sale.

Suits: active households, hikers, hot climates.

Standard American Bully

Males 17–20", females 16–19", 65–85 lbs. The reference class. Every other size is described as a departure from it. Unmistakably a bully, still fits in a normal car. See standard American Bully for sale.

Suits: most families. If you are undecided, this is usually the answer.

XL American Bully

Males 20–23", females 19–22", 90–130 lbs. The most in-demand class in the breed. A genuinely large dog on the same square, compact frame as a standard. Height without width is not XL, it is just a tall dog. See XL American Bully for sale.

Suits: houses with space, confident handlers. Watch for: hip and elbow screening on the parents.

XXL American Bully

Males 22"+, 120–160 lbs. The top of the range, and the hardest to breed well. Mass on a frame that cannot carry it produces joint disease and heat intolerance. Structure matters more here than anywhere. See XXL American Bully for sale and the XL vs XXL comparison.

Suits: experienced owners with space. Watch for: movement, not weight.

Which Class Is Right for You?

If you...ConsiderAvoid
Live in an apartmentPocket, microXL, XXL
Have young childrenStandard, classicXXL — size, not temperament
Want to hike or run with the dogClassicMicro, XXL
Live somewhere very hotClassic, standardMicro, XXL
Want maximum presenceXL, XXLMicro
Are new to the breedStandard, pocketMicro, XXL

Temperament does not change between classes. It is the same companion breeding throughout. Choose on logistics: your space, your strength, your climate. See the temperament guide and growth chart.

FAQ

American Bully Sizes — Frequently Asked Questions

How many American Bully sizes are there?

Six commonly recognised: micro, pocket, classic, standard, XL and XXL. Standard is the reference class; the others are described relative to it. XXL is a trade term for the top of the XL range rather than a separate formal class everywhere.

What is the difference between classic and standard?

Bone, not height. Both are 17–20" for males. Classic runs 55–75 lbs with lighter bone and a longer muzzle; standard runs 65–85 lbs with heavier bone and a blockier head.

Which American Bully size is best for families?

Standard for most. Large enough to have the full look, small enough that car journeys, vet visits and walks stay easy. Temperament is identical across every class.

Do bigger American Bullies have more health problems?

They have less margin for error. Joint load, heat tolerance and cardiac demand all scale with size, so a structural fault that a 60 lb dog carries comfortably will lame a 140 lb one. It depends on breeding, not on size alone.

Not Sure Which Class Suits You?

Tell us about your home, your family and how much dog you actually want to live with, and we will tell you honestly which class fits. Including if that means we do not have the right puppy for you today.

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