Whilst they are a little less intimidating than its parents, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Pitbull Terrier, they do possess some of the same traits which means they are wonderful companions and loyal.
If you are looking to own an American Bully, then it is no surprise that you have found yourself here.
Whilst they are lovely dogs to have around, how long might one actually live for?
It is said they can live up to around 10 to 12 years, though like a lot of dog breeds, they can also fall ill which can affect their lifespan.
In this article we take a look at the lifespan of an American Bully, and what illnesses they may suffer from.
How Long Might an American Bully Live For?
If you look after your American Bully, and look out for any potential illnesses (and that means taking them for regular health checkups), then there is a chance that your beloved pooch will live up to at least 12 years old.
They reach their adult size once they get to around 18 months to around 2 years. Before this age, you will want to make sure that you do not over exercise them.
This is because the American Bully is known for suffering from Hip Dysplasia which can affect their walking and cause pain.
Whilst it can be treated with either a support brace or surgery, you will want to avoid this as much as possible.
There are also a number of other illnesses they may suffer from too, so it is worth keeping a close eye on your American Bully, and making sure you take your dog to have his or her health checked on the regular.
Are There Ways To Help An American Bully Live A Healthy And Happy Life?
The American Bully hasn’t been around for a long time compared to some other breeds, and just like any other dog, the way they were brought into this world and then looked after can severely affect their overall health.
So, let’s take a look at ways you can make sure your American Bully stays healthy through his or her life:
Breeder Is Legitimate
If you have decided to go to a breeder for your American Bully, then you will want to make sure they are reputable.
They are a lot more cautious about the process, and will be selective and follow the rules down to a T.
Those who aren’t so legitimate won’t care so much, and will do whatever they can to breed dogs, with no care for the future health of the puppies produced.
Health Visits
Just like we have already stated numerous times, making sure you take your American Bully for regular checkups means that the veterinarian can pick up any health problems before they escalate.
Whilst some illnesses later down the line might not be treatable, if caught early like skin cancer, there is a chance they can survive.
Nutrition And Exercise
All dogs need a healthy balanced diet and exercise to stay healthy. So long as they are eating well and able to run off any pent up energy, your American Bully will be super happy and healthy.
What Health Issues Does An American Bully Suffer From?
Because the breed is relatively new, there is still research to be done about the full list of health problems an American Bully might suffer from.
Even so, there are some common conditions that American Bullies are known to suffer from, and they are:
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia
Like a lot of similar breeds, the American Bully is prone to suffering with Hip Dysplasia. This is where the thine bone isn’t sitting within the socket of the pelvic properly.
There is also a risk of Elbow Dysplasia too. However, this one is usually due to sharing the genes of two dogs who pass on the condition.
Cataracts
Commonly, the American Bully, as well as a number of other breeds, suffer with cataracts. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if they are suffering from this eye condition.
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
It can be a worry if you find out your American Bully is suffering with Cerebellar Abiotrophy due to the fact it can bring on seizures, imbalance, and even death.
Fortunately, this kind of illness normally shows up in a younger puppy, so it isn’t something that will just come on in adulthood.
Also, it is a condition that is usually found in genetics too, so they inherit it from their parents or grandparents.
Cleft Lip
When the dog is a puppy, you may notice it has a cleft lip. This is quite common in American Bullies and can be rectified whilst they are young.
It begins in the embryonic stage due to the roof of their mouth not forming properly.
Atopy
Because of their short hair, they are likely to suffer from Atopy which is a type of skin condition. They will need to get this seen to otherwise they may bite and scratch it which will make it worse.
Congenital Heart Failure
Very rarely, an American Bully may suffer from Heart Failure. This is something that is normally inherited, most commonly by the English Bulldog.
Whilst rare, it is still something to note as it isn’t impossible.
Final Thoughts
If you are thinking about having an American Bully to join the family, then go for it.
They are wonderful to have around, though before you do bring one home, you will want to make sure you know as much as you can about them.
This is because they live on average around 10-12 years, though it has been said some have lived up to 18 years with proper care. They also have many health issues, so will need regular health check ups.
Even so, they are a great family pooch to have around.
Hi everyone, I’m Emily Andrews and I can’t wait to explain why Bullypaw.org means so much to me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved every dog, horse, bird, and squirrel. But from an early age, I noticed that bully dogs like Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers were given a different treatment than their friends.
Everyone said they were prone to aggression, but I didn’t believe it. They seemed just as friendly as my family Labrador. Turns out I was right. These dogs are loyal and were once considered the perfect nanny dogs.
My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood fantasy. In 2002 I graduated from my veterinary school in New Zealand with a BVSc. I wanted to travel the world and help rejected animals as I went, but to do that I needed to pass the American Exams. It didn’t take long for me to earn a DVM, and soon I was heading to Florida.
We want to show everyone why bully dogs can be amazing pets. If you like any of our work, share it among your friends and help reduce decades of misinformation.
