The website thebullybreed.com was merged with BarkSoLoud.com in February 2020 when we merged teams.
The content has been archived here on this site in order to preserve the blog.
What are Bully Dog Breeds? What Should I Know?
Bully breed dogs have never really gone out of fashion, but it seems they are especially on the rise among American potential dog owners, particularly. Probably everybody can assume by the name that your certain dogs– whether its an American Pit Bull Terrier, Old English Bulldogge (or an American bully)– fall under the label of “bully.” Many of these dogs have been given an unfair reputation for being mean or harsh when really these dogs are just as likely to be friendly and playful as any other breed (when trained well). In this article, we’ll take a look at exactly what is meant by the term “bully” and what you should know about bully breeds.
What Does Bully Breed Mean?
Whether a pocket bully or an XL, bully breeds constitute a huge range of beautiful pups. Even though “bully” is often taken as a term which induces fear or denotes aggression, bully breeds did not earn their name for anything that had to do with their behaviour or attitude. Most believe that the name actually comes from a time in the 1800s in Britain, in which these dogs were often unfairly and unjustly used in bull-baiting and other unfortunate activities. The Olde English Bulldogge, the Bull Terrier (American or English), the American Staffordshire Terrier, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and several other dog breed varieties– what do they have in common? Well, their origins. They all come from a line called Molossers which actually predates this ugly British history by centuries. They originally came from Greece and have always been strong and loyal protectors. Today, their substantial bone structure, impressive muscles, sharp ears, and stout muzzles mark them from many other types of dog breeds.
Bully Breed Origin Story
As mentioned, dogs were used not only to help farmers manage their bulls and livestock, but were often used in illicit fighting. It was in about 1835 that dogfighting was banned and these beautiful dogs began being treated with the integrity they deserve. By the time the 20th century started, there were a lot of bullies all over the United States, working on farms and helping folks hunt. It didn’t take long for America to fall in love with bullies, and a pit bull even became a national icon in a 1904 fictional illustrated story called Buster Brown- an American comic strip read by everyone. This was one of the first dogs to become a part of the national identity, along with his Pit Bull Terrier friend Tige.
Busting the Myths
Before we go any further, we really want to make sure you understand that the bully breed- the American bulldog, English bulldog, or otherwise- really has no propensity towards meanness or bad behavior. Much research has been done on this, and all of it has found that bullies like the Staffordshire terrier are actually just as friendly as dogs like beagles. We are sorry for you and for the dogs if you have been under a different impression, but the findings are clear!
There is still a bit of a bias against pit bulls, which is very difficult to understand. By the late 1970s, they were publicly feared in America and almost became blacklisted among dogs. Nobody really knows what happened to change opinion, but the bully breeds still suffer from the stereotypes forwarded during this confusing era in America.
Which Breeds Are Considered Bully Dogs?
-The Boxer
-Alapaha
-The American Bulldog
-American Staffordshire Bull terrier (also known as Amstaff)
-Boston Terrier
-Bull Terrier
-Cane Corso Italiano
-Caucasian Shepherd Dog
– Dogo Argentino
-English Bulldog
-English Mastiff
-French Bulldog
-Great Dane
-Neapolitan Mastiff
-Olde English Bulldogge
-Pug
-Rottweiler
-Staffordshire Bull Terrier
What do bully breeds have in common?
Generally, bully breeds will be protective, intelligent, and strong. There are not that many qualities which link these dogs together more than any others. They are not necessarily more aggressive than others, they make great pets, and they are often recognized for their impressive looks. They work as great family pets, and one could even say most bully breeds are underrated for how good of a companion they make. Do they make great watch dogs? Of course they do, but depending on their training they can suit all sorts of different roles. Their size ranges from standard in some breeds, to medium body size, to quite short and stout. Terriers themselves have a great range within the type and are bred all over the world. There is no reason to worry about how they would get along with children, they are very healthy, and they generally have a fine temperament — however, the people who raise and train them will need to have purpose and commitment with their training methods. They come in a range of height and size, different varieties of coat and appearance, and generally, it is quite self-evident as to how to keep them in good health. Their impressive build is a signature trait that, as long as you stay active, will come naturally.
Beware of media depictions of the bully dog! These are beautiful animals who make amazing dogs around the world, from Europe to Asia to the United States. They need love, a good owner, and an active lifestyle to become the best dogs they can be– like all dogs! As such, the owner must take responsibility. For more information, follow a social media group or join a local kennel club!
In Conclusion
The bully breeds do have some things in common, but it is hard to make blanket statements over the whole type of dogs. They do share certain qualities, though, and none are negative! If you are interested in a particular bully breed, we encourage you to do some research and make sure you are choosing a dog that suits your lifestyle– really, it is for the best for yourself and your dog to make sure you meet each other’s needs and can really thrive and flourish together.
In the end, we’re sure you’ll be bullish on the bullies!
