Characteristics of an American Bully
Adult weight: 70 to 120 lbs.
Adult height:- 17 to 19 inches in.
Origin – United States
Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years
The American Bully originated in the United States in the 1980s. They were bred for their temperament and distinct physical characteristics. The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) was formed in 2004 due to the breed's popularity and recognition in the dog community. This breed was created by crossing various bulldog and terrier breeds, such as the American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge. The American Bully has a short, stiff, and glossy coat. They have a compact muscular body with a broad chest.
They are known for their friendly and affectionate temperaments. They are also easy to train as they are people pleasers and are very eager to learn. They are known to be great watchdogs, and though they may be muscular, they are not an aggressive breed. They can flourish beautifully with the right training and love.
Now that you have read a quick brief about the breed, we can move on to the part that you came here for.
What is the Price of an American Bully?
The American Bully may have a muscular and fierce-looking body, but they are often called gentle giants. They have an affectionate nature and deserve all the love they can get. Let's break the price down for you, according to Rover and the OVMA.
Adoption: $1000 – $5000
The cost of adopting or buying an American Bully depends on a few factors such as the shelter, breeder, dog's age, health, and temperament. On average, an American Bully may cost $1000-$5000 or more depending on the factors above. Show-quality or breeding-quality American Bullies may be priced higher. If you are not too stuck on the idea of getting one from a breeder, you can save a lot of money by adopting one from a rescue or shelter. It’s vital to do your research and find a recognized breeder or shelter to help ensure the health of your pet.
Monthly Costs for an American Bully Puppy
Diets: $20-$60
The cost of feeding an American Bully comes with a price tag of about $20-$60. This generally includes a balance of dry kibble and occasional treats or supplements. To provide your dog with more nutrition, it’s recommended that you buy a higher quality dog food. It may be priced slightly higher, but it’s worth your pet’s health. They need food with good proteins so look for dog food that's got real protein – like beef, chicken, or fish. Always have a bowl of water by their side for good hydration.
Grooming: $30-$100
The American Bully has a short dense coat that does not shed as much, making them lower maintenance than other dog breeds. Brushing once a week helps get the dead hair out and keep their coat clean and smooth. A grooming session usually includes bathing, brushing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and anal gland expression. The cost of the grooming session depends on the salon, location, groomer, and the services you choose. Grooming costs can range from $30 to $100 or more per session.
Medical Costs: $200-$600
The initial medical costs of a puppy can be higher as the veterinary visits tend to be more frequent. Annual examinations and vaccines are necessary to help maintain the health of your pet. The cost can range from $200 to $600 or more per year, depending on the services provided.
One-time costs for an American Bully
Initial Costs: $200-$400
The initial costs associated with an American Bully can range between $200-$400. Essential supplies are needed to help make the dog feel welcomed into their new home, these can include a collar, leash, and ID tag: $20 to $50, bed: $20 to $100, food and water bowls: $10 to $30, crate: $50 to $200, toys: $20 to $50. These costs can vary depending on the quality of products as well as the needs of your pet.
Microchipping: $60-$80
On average, the cost of microchip implantation with registration can be in the range of $60-$80. We at Spot recommend every pet parent get their pet microchipped.
Vaccines: $100-$200
Vaccines may not be glamorous, but it is one of the most important ways to help ensure the health of your pet. On an average vaccines can cost between $100-$200. Core vaccinations that shouldn’t be missed are Rabies, and the triple combo of Distemper, Hepatitis, and Parvovirus. The non-core all-stars, features Bordetella for those pets who love socializing, Leptospirosis for the adventurous ones, and Canine Influenza for pets who don't want to catch a cold.
Miscellaneous: $100-$150
There may be times you need to leave your dog with a dog sitter while you take a vacation, or you may want to hire a dog walker for the times you’re unavailable. These expenses are based on your choices, but you should budget for these and keep at least $100-$150 a year aside for these expenses.
Lifetime American Bully Cost
Adopting a dog can be a rewarding experience, providing a loving home to a dog and making them a part of your family. However, it's important to consider the financial responsibilities that come along with them. On average, the lifetime cost of an American Bully ranges between $15,000-$20,000. It starts with the adoption or purchase cost of $1000-$5000, the feeding cost may be $200 to $600, and annual health checkups may range between $200-$600. Grooming, training, and other miscellaneous expenses may cost $600-$700. These costs may vary a little depending on the choices you make as well. It’s better to set a budget beforehand so that you can adjust expenses if needed.
Conclusion
The American Bully is often known for their loyalty and affection towards their family. They may have a muscular physique, but they serve to be great companions once they are trained well. They are also protective of their families and can serve to be great playmates to your kids. The American Bully can bring a lot of joy to your family if given the right amount of love and care.
Audrey Halfen: Beta fish whisperer - whopping 9 months and counting! Once had a dog named Max, who I assertively claim is the cutest dog ever. Ready to throw down in a cute-off, if necessary.
“How Much Does it Cost to be a Dog Parent?” Rover, https://www.rover.com/ca/blog/cost-of-dog-parenthood, n.d.
“Annual Cost of Owning a Puppy,” OVMA, https://www.ovma.org/assets/1/6/CostOfCare%20PuppyDog%202022.pdf, n.d.