How to choose an American Bully puppy from a litter
By Nathan Gilmore, November 22, 2022
Choosing a puppy from a litter is exciting, and it can feel overwhelming when every face looks irresistible. The right pick comes from looking past cuteness at temperament, structure and how the puppy fits your household. A little preparation makes a big difference, because the puppy you choose will be with you for ten years or more. This guide gives you a simple checklist for picking a healthy, well-suited American Bully puppy.
Start by deciding what you want before you visit. Think about whether the dog will be a family companion, a show prospect or a future breeding partner, since each goal shapes what you look for. Decide on a size class and a color if it matters to you, and consider your lifestyle, including children, other pets and the time you can spend on training. Knowing this helps you explain your needs to the breeder so they can guide you toward the puppies that fit.
Watch the litter for several minutes before touching anything. Notice how the puppies play with one another. A confident puppy tends to explore first and hold its own during play. A quieter puppy may hang back and watch. Neither is wrong, but the differences show you who is a good match. A very shy puppy that hides or a puppy that bullies its littermates constantly may need an experienced owner. A balanced, curious puppy is often the easiest for a first-time owner.
Check how the puppy responds to people. Get down on the floor and see who comes to you. Gently pick up a puppy and see how it reacts. A good candidate is comfortable being held, recovers quickly from a startle such as a clap or a dropped keychain, and shows interest in you. Avoid a puppy that seems fearful of everything or overly frantic. Remember that a puppy’s energy varies with sleep and feeding, so ask the breeder how the puppy behaves at other times too.
Look at structure and health. A healthy puppy has bright, clear eyes, a clean nose and ears, a shiny coat and healthy skin without bald patches or sores. The body should look balanced and sturdy, with a broad chest, straight legs and a level back. Check that the puppy walks and runs freely with no limping. Because puppies are still growing, the breeder’s knowledge of the parents and past litters helps predict how the puppy will develop.
Ask for the paperwork and health details. Confirm the parents are registered, ask to see their pedigrees and find out what health testing they have had. Ask what vaccinations and dewormings the puppies have received, and whether they come with a health certificate and a written guarantee. All our puppies are sold with papers, vet vaccinations and a health certificate. A breeder who is proud of the program will be glad to answer these questions.
Match personality to your home. If you have small children or are new to dogs, choose a calm, friendly puppy. If you want a show dog, ask the breeder which puppies show the best structure and attitude. If you plan to breed, ask about breeding rights and make sure you understand what is included in the price. Trust the breeder’s advice, because they have watched the puppies grow since birth and know their quirks.
Once you have chosen, act promptly, since each breeding has limited spots. A deposit holds your puppy while it finishes growing and getting vet care. To see what is available now, visit our puppies page, and for questions about a specific puppy, contact us. We will happily help you compare the litter and reserve the one that is right for you.
See available puppies | Meet our studs | Contact us
NMG Bullies, licensed American Bully breeder. 7534 Briarcliff Cir, Greenacres, FL 33467. Call or text 561-714-2477. Email nmgbullies@gmail.com. Open anytime by text or call. $1,000 deposit reserves a puppy (Cash App $nmgbullies, PayPal paypal.me/nmgbullies). Prices $4,000–$8,500.
