Is the American Bully a Family Dog?

by Cara Ryckman

 

Although the breed might have an appearance that would leave you to believe otherwise, they can potentially be great family companions.  Working guardian protector breeds such as the Bulldog, the American Staffordshire, and the Mastiff went into the development of this breed, along with the American Pit Bull Terrier which was actually originally called "the nanny dog."   

 

Finding a reputable breeder who has considered the standard, health, and temperament in their program and who knows how to select the right dog to fit your family is imperative.  It is important when considering if the American Bully is the right dog for your family that your child is or must be taught to be kind and respectful to dogs, that children are supervised with any large powerful breed, and that your dog is purchased from a knowledgeable breeder who either has kids or who has socialized with kids in a program devoted to producing a healthy dog with the temperament described in the standard.  

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Any large breed may be too much for an infant or toddler.  Parental supervision is paramount with a young child who can't fully understand how to be kind and respectful with a dog.  Also, a bully can be exuberant and could run over or knock down a young child just like any large breed of dog.   Don't assume just because your dog is friendly that he or she will automatically understand that your child is a baby or toddler who is not intentionally hurting them.  Dogs will defend themselves, and often your child is just seen as a playmate rather than being above them in the family pack unless they learn otherwise.  Don't put your child or your dog in that position.  Even if your child is around a family bully who is great with them, never leave your child alone with any unknown large dog.

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Teach your child from a young age to love and be kind to animals and not squeeze, poke, prod, drag, drop or otherwise torture a dog of any breed.  A child riding on a large dog can cause your dog injury, even if they can physically carry the weight of the child.  Do not allow your child to get in between dogs having a conflict or approach an unknown dog who is eating or chewing a toy.  

 

Teach your child to sit down and let the dog come to them - do not let your child chase any dog,or run away from a dog shrieking.  When your child is making friends with a dog, have them give them treats and pet gently - do not let your child progress immediately to hugging and putting their face down near the dog, as a dog can perceive this as an aggressive or dominating gesture.    Even if your child can hug and put their face down by YOUR dog, do not let an unknown child act in the same manner; your dog does not perceive this as being the same.

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It is very important to buy a well-bred healthy dog from a breeder who cares about and breeds for good temperament.  All bullies and all breeders are not the same.  Don't assume all breeders are breeding to (or even know how to breed to) the standard, for health, and for correct bully temperament.  A well-bred healthy bully with correct temperament that is socialized and trained can be a wonderful pet for your family.

 

You must continue your breeder's work in training and socializing your dog.  Teach your puppy not to chew on humans; when chewing on your hands substitute out a favorite toy.  Teach a "gentle" command.  Teach your bully puppy not to jump up on you or your kids - take a basic obedience class if you are unsure how to do that.  Train your dog basic commands - to walk on a leash without pulling, sit, down, stay.  Have them meet many different kinds of people while young and impressionable, and make sure that none of those people give them a bad experience.  Socialization is not only meeting people but hearing sounds, seeing sights, and walking on strange surfaces.  Make sure your bully is used to it all, as they are growing up.

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An American Bully can be a wonderful family pet.  Be sure your child has all of the tools he or she needs to learn to be a really great dog owner.  Well-bred healthy bullies with correct breed temperament love kind and respectful kids and can be their very best friend.  Protect your child AND your dog by supervising and instructing them both in developing their relationship.

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Notes:  While the child in the photos represented is actually very hands on with the dog pictured, this is a family dog well known to and trained to be with kids.