WBA Standards

Mission Statement

The World Bully Association (WBA) is dedicated to establishing the standard for the AMERICAN BULLY breed, equipping judges and breeders with guidelines that uphold the breed's quality and progress, and promoting consistency on an international level.

Objectives and Purpose

Breeders and judges are entrusted with upholding the breed's integrity by preventing any harmful extremes that could compromise their health or fundamental nature. It is imperative to prevent the reproduction of such detrimental traits. Any variance from this standard is to be seen as a defect, with the gravity of assessment corresponding directly to its impact on the dog's well-being and its ability to fulfill its roles, whether in companionship, sports, or other activities. These standards serves as a point of reference for both judges, breeders, and breed enthusiasts.

The WBA explicitly prioritizes health over exaggerated features related to size or mass. The association discourages breeding practices that favor such extremes and advises judges against recognizing such specimens with awards. The overarching aim is to safeguard the breed's vitality and functional capabilities.

The American Bully breed, a natural extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) and the American Staffordshire Terrier (AMSTAFF), has maintained a distinctive appearance and temperament for over 100 years. Along the way, several types emerged from the parent breed, including one with a unique structure that warranted recognition as a separate breed - the American Bully. While some breeding programs initially incorporated other breeds to develop the desired characteristics, the World Bully Association (WBA) now discourages and disapproves of such practices. Today, passionate breed enthusiasts have successfully preserved the breed's traits, eliminating unwanted characteristics and shaping the American Bully into the breed it is today.

General Appearance

The American Bully is available in four distinct sizes: Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. This breed is characterized by its compact, strong, and thick build. Its appearance is a result of blending stock from various bull breeds with a strong foundation of the American Pit Bull Terrier. The breed's overall balance, correct proportions, absolute soundness, and proper muscle tone are crucial. The American Bully is a smooth-coated dog that possesses remarkable strength for its size. Despite being muscular, it is also active and agile. While its presence conveys great power and stamina, its temperament remains kind and loyal.

The WBA recognizes the American Bully breed for its characteristic structure, featuring a compact, strong, and thick build. The breed's appearance is harmonious and proportionate, reflecting a dog with solid muscles and a voluminous presence. An athlete's overall balance and correct proportions are of utmost importance, along with absolute strength and proper muscle tone. The breed's head is moderately blocky and proportional to the body, ensuring it doesn't compromise breathing or obstruct normal vision.

The American Bully is a smooth-coated dog endowed with incredible strength for its size. Despite its muscular physique, it remains active and agile. Its presence embodies immense power and endurance, contrasting with its kind and loyal temperament. Above all, this breed is always eager to please its enthusiastic and self-confident family.

Serious faults: any disproportionate and exaggerated characteristic that could interfere with physical activity or work capacity.

Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchidism

Characteristics

The American Bully breed is primarily a companion, exhibiting confidence and enthusiasm for life. Despite its powerful appearance, the breed is kind and friendly, making it an excellent family dog. The ideal American Bully has the athleticism to excel in any type of event due to their great strength and intelligence. Aggressive behavior towards humans is not characteristic of the breed and is highly undesirable.

Disqualifications: Aggressive or extreme shyness.

Head

The American Bully breed has a distinctive and important characteristic, which is its large and broad head. However, the head should never be disproportionate to the overall size of the dog. Additionally, the top skull should be flat, without a dome between the ears. A well-defined and moderately deep stop is also essential. The flews should always be clean, with tight lips, and the cheek muscles should be prominent and free of wrinkles. From the front and side, the head of the American Bully should appear square, without any wedge-like appearance. It is the distinct heavy, large, and broad head that truly exemplifies the breed type of the American Bully.

Here are some specific details about the head of the American Bully:
- The head should be medium in length, deep throughout, and have a broad skull with well-chiseled and very pronounced cheek muscles. There should also be a distinct and deep stop.

- The ears can be set high and may either be natural or cropped.
- When it comes to the eyes, all colors are equally accepted except for albinism (pinkish to red), which is considered a disqualification. Blue eyes and a lack of pigment around the eyes are considered undesirable. The eye shape is oval to almond shape, positioned low down in the skull and set far apart. Round eyes are undesirable, and bulging or protruding eyes are considered a fault. It is preferable for the haw to be minimally visible.
Serious faults: excessive lips, excess wrinkles

Muzzle/Nose

The shape of the muzzle is broad and slightly square. Its length is shorter than the skull, accounting for 25 to 35 percent of the overall head length. The top of the muzzle is straight. The lower jaw is well-developed, wide, and deep. It is of short-medium length and wide. The length should be shorter than the skull, with the distance from the nose tip to the stop approximately one-third of the distance from the nose tip to the occiput. However, it should not be too short to hinder normal breathing.

The nose is large, with wide-open nostrils, accepting all colors of nose pigment except pink (albinism). The nose color usually matches the coat color. The top of the nose should be straight in profile, neither pointed nor turned up.

The muzzle has a blocky or slightly squared appearance, sloping sharply below the eyes. The top line of the muzzle is straight, with the nose neither pointed nor turned up in profile.

The general structure of the lower jaw, muzzle, stop, and planes of the skull do not resemble those of any type of Bulldog in any of its varieties.

Serious faults: excessively large, or heavy, head disproportionate to the body. Muzzle so short and blunt that it interferes with normal breathing. Muzzle slightly raised at the nostrils

Jaw/Teeth

The American Bully has a set of 42 evenly spaced white teeth arranged in a scissor pattern, which is the preferred bite. A flushed bite is also acceptable but not desired. Slight underbite/overbite is considered a fault but still acceptable, except for severe underbites/overbites, which are considered disqualifications.

The jaws of the American Bully should be well-defined, with the lower jaw being very powerful to enable forceful biting. The upper incisors should be in close contact with the anterior surface of the lower incisors, forming a scissors bite.

While a pincer bite is accepted, it is not preferred. The jaws should be well defined, with the under jaw being parallel to the muzzle, never turning upward. The lips should be semi-close and even, with minimal looseness being accepted but not preferred. The upper teeth should meet tightly outside the lower teeth in the form of a scissor bite.

Serious defects: Missing or extra teeth, prognathism. Weak lower jaw

Eyes

Eyes are of medium size, oval to almond shape, and positioned well apart and low on the skull. All colors, except blue, are equally acceptable. The haw should not be visible.

Serious Faults: Overly visible haw. Blue eyes.

Disqualification: Albinism eye color. Overly visible haw. Both eyes colors do not match. Bulging or protruding eyes.

Ears

Ears can be cropped or left natural, depending on personal preference, and are set high. Natural ears should be worn semi-erectly or in a rose shape.

The ears should be positioned high and may either be natural or cropped, without any particular preference. If the ears are natural, they should ideally be worn in a rose-shaped or semi-erect manner. However, if the ears fully drop, it will result in a penalty

Serious faults: Pointed, long or flat and wide ears are not preferred.

Disqualifications: Unilateral or bilateral deafness. Bat ears.

Neck

The muscular neck is moderately elongated and taper from the shoulders to the back of the skull in a modest arch. From the point of union with the skull to the point of integration with the rounded shoulders, the neck progressively becomes wider.

There isn't much dewlap on the neck's skin
Serious faults: Neck too thin or weak; excessive skin and/or dewlap.

Disqualifications: short neck that would interfere with functional ability. Neck too long to be disproportionate to the body.

Body

The broad, deep chest and well-sprung ribs give the body a square appearance. Without being excessive, the chest might be more broad than deep. The forechest does not protrude very far past the shoulder point. The loin is short and broad.

Serious Faults: Leggy, terrier like structure, lacking muscle. chest so wide that it interferes with normal movement. Weak topline and Rump higher than the withers.

Disqualification: Roach back

Forequarters/Shoulders

The shoulder exhibits well-developed muscles with long, wide, and properly laid back blades. The elbows are positioned close to the body. When viewed from the front, the forelegs are set at a moderate distance apart and are perpendicular to the ground, with feet pointing straight forward. The upper arm is of similar length to the shoulder blade and forms an apparent right angle at the joint.
Faults: Upright shoulders and short upper arm,

Eliminating Faults: Front legs so bowed as to interfere with normal movement.

Back

The back is broad, strong, and solid, while the topline remains level and straight. The croup gently slopes downward towards the base of the tail.

Serious Faults: Weak topline and Rump higher than the withers.
Disqualification: Roach back

Hindquarters/Rears

The hindquarters are characterized by their strength, muscle mass, and width. The rump is well-filled and deep, while the thighs are robust and well-developed with thick muscles. When viewed from the side, the hocks are appropriately let down and perpendicular to the ground. From a rear perspective, the rear pasterns are straight and parallel to each other. The width and angulation of the hindquarters should be proportionate to the forequarters.

Serious Faults: Narrow hindquarters. Lack of muscle. Straight/stiff or over-angulated stifle.

Disqualification: Cow hocks. Sickle hocks. Bowed legs.

Legs and Feet

The forelegs are sturdy and muscular, featuring large or round bones. The pasterns are short, powerful, flexible, and nearly erect. The feet are compact, round, in proportion to the dog's size, and well-arched. While it is preferred to remove rear dewclaws, it is not mandatory. The toes are short, powerful, flexible, and have tight fingers resembling a cat's foot
Faults: Splayed toes/feet, long toes, and weak or down in pastern.

Disqualification: Front legs so bowed as to interfere with normal movement. Feet are turned inwards or outwards excessively.

Tail

The tail of this breed is commonly known as a crank or pump handle tail, although straight tails are also acceptable. It is a natural extension of the topline and gradually tapers to a point. During movement, the tail is held level with the topline. In moments of excitement, the tail may be slightly raised, but it should never be carried over the back. When the dog is standing in a relaxed state, the tail is carried low and extends approximately to the hock.

Serious Fault: Tail one or more inches above or below the hock. Gay tail

Disqualification: Screw tail, bobbed or docked tail.

Coat

The coat of this breed is characterized by its glossy and smooth appearance, with a close texture and a moderate stiffness when touched.

Serious Faults: Curly, wavy, or sparse coat.

Disqualification: Long coat.

Color

Any color, color pattern, or combination is permissible, with the exception of merle..
Disqualification: Albinism. Merle.

Gait

The American Bully breed exudes a lively and confident attitude, creating the impression that it eagerly anticipates encountering something new and exhilarating at any given moment. Its trotting gait is characterized by an effortless, powerful, and well-coordinated movement, showcasing a commendable extension in the front and a strong drive from the rear. While in motion, the backline maintains a level position with only a slight flexion to indicate its suppleness. Regardless of the perspective, the legs maintain a straight alignment without turning inward or outward, and there is no crossing or interference between the feet. The legs move diagonally in a parallel manner, remaining in the same plane. As the speed increases, the feet may converge towards the center line of balance.

Serious Faults: Legs over extended; legs crossing over in front or rear; rear legs moving too close or touching; paddling or moving outwards; sidewinding; hackney action; amble dogs that do not move with a cheerful attitude

Standard Variety

The recommended height range for fully grown Standard males is between 17 and 20 inches at the withers, while for Standard females it is between 16 and 19 inches at the withers. It is crucial to maintain overall balance and ensure the correct proportion between weight and height.
Disqualification: Dogs that look APBT OR AMSTAFF, dogs with a length so far from what is desired that it compromises health, structure, movement and physical ability, Dogs that do not look like an American Bully

Classic Variety

The recommended height range for fully grown Standard males is between 17 and 20 inches at the withers, while for Standard females it is between 16 and 19 inches at the withers. It is crucial to maintain overall balance and ensure the correct proportion between weight and height.

This variety of the American Bully maintains the same height as the standard variety, but with a lighter structure and less muscle mass. However, it still retains the appearance of an American Bully. In general, it is stronger and more voluminous than an American Pitbull or American Staffordshire terrier, while always adhering to the same standard of the American Bully and preserving its characteristic origins.

Disqualification: Dogs that are too wide and heavy that are above or below the desired height

Pocket Variety

The recommended height range for fully grown Pocket males is under 17 and no less than 14 inches at the withers, while for Pocket females it is between 16 and no less than 13 inches at the withers. It is crucial to maintain overall balance and ensure the correct proportion between weight and height.

Disqualification: dogs with a length so far from what is desired that it compromises health, structure, movement and physical ability. Dogs that are below the desired height dogs with breathing problems, too flat or wrinkled with bulldog characteristics.

XL Variety

The ideal height range for mature males is over 20 inches to 23 inches at the withers; for mature females it is over 19 inches to 22 inches at the withers.

The recommended height range for fully grown XL males is between 20 and 23 inches at the withers, while for XL females it is between 19 and 22 inches at the withers. It is crucial to maintain overall balance and ensure the correct proportion between weight and height.

Disqualification: Dogs taller than 23 inches, dogs with a length so far from what is desired that it compromises health, structure, movement and physical capacity. Dogs that have the type or characteristics of another breed (Great Dane, Neapolitan Mastiff, Bullmastiff etc.) that do not maintain the American Bully type.

Serious Faults

Serious Faults are faults that are deemed critical and result in the dog being ineligible for any awards in a conformation event. It is essential to carefully examine each section of the standard to identify these faults.

Disqualifying Faults

Any dog that has received a Disqualification is not to be included in consideration for placement in a conformation event and may be brought to the attention of the WBA. It is important to review the standard for details on specific faults.

Responsibility of Judges and Breeders

Judges and breeders are expected to comply with the WBA policy regarding dog temperament and confirmation at WBA events.