Pocket vs. Standard vs. XL vs. Exotic American Bully: What's the Difference?
The American Bully comes in several sizes, and the names can be confusing when you are shopping for your first puppy. Pocket, standard, classic, XL and exotic all describe the same breed, but they look and live a little differently. Here is a simple guide to help you choose.
How American Bully size classes work
The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) sorts the breed into classes mainly by height at the withers, which is the top of the shoulder blades. Weight is not what decides the class. A dog has to be in proportion, so a heavy dog is not automatically an XL.
The four main ABKC classes are Pocket, Standard, Classic and XL. "Exotic" is not an ABKC class, but it is a name you will see a lot, and we explain it below.
Pocket American Bully
The pocket is the smallest recognized class. Under the ABKC standard, pocket males measure about 14 inches up to under 17 inches at the withers, and females about 13 inches up to under 16 inches.
Pocket bullies pack a lot of muscle into a small frame. They have the wide chest, heavy bone and big head of a standard bully, but in a lower, more compact package.
Who they fit best: families who want the bully look in a size that is easier to handle, travel with and keep in a smaller home or apartment.
Pocket bullies are the heart of our program at NMG Bullies. You can see current litters on our Puppies page.
Standard American Bully
The standard is the original size the breed was built around. Standard males measure about 17 to 20 inches at the withers and females about 16 to 19 inches. They are muscular and wide with heavy bone.
Who they fit best: owners who want a medium-size, athletic bully that is still easy to manage.
Classic American Bully
The classic falls in the same height range as the standard but has a lighter frame and less extreme body. Classics look closer to the breed's terrier roots and tend to be very athletic.
Who they fit best: active owners who want a bully that can keep up on long walks and in sports.
XL American Bully
XL is the tallest class. XL males measure over 20 inches up to 23 inches and females over 19 inches up to 22 inches. They are large, powerful dogs.
Who they fit best: experienced owners with room to spare. XL bullies need strong training and plenty of space. Note that some countries outside the US have passed laws restricting XL bully type dogs, so check local rules if you plan to move abroad.
What is an exotic American Bully?
"Exotic" is a common name for bullies that are even more compact and extreme than the pocket class, often shorter with very heavy muscle and bone. Because exotics fall outside the ABKC size classes, they are not shown in the regular classes.
Exotic bullies are very popular, and they can be great dogs when they come from careful breeding. Because the body type is extreme, health matters more than ever. Look for a breeder who focuses on healthy, functional parents and not just looks.
Side-by-side comparison
- Pocket: males 14 to under 17 inches, females 13 to under 16 inches. Compact, muscular, easy to handle.
- Standard: males 17 to 20 inches, females 16 to 19 inches. The original medium size.
- Classic: same height as standard, lighter build. Athletic.
- XL: males over 20 to 23 inches, females over 19 to 22 inches. Large and powerful.
- Exotic: not an ABKC class. Very compact and extreme.
Does size change temperament?
Not really. American Bullies of every size are bred to be friendly, loyal and confident family dogs. Temperament comes from the parents, socialization and training, not from height. A well-raised pocket and a well-raised XL can both be gentle with kids and great companions.
How to choose the right size for your family
Ask yourself these questions:
- How much space do you have? Pocket bullies do well in smaller homes and apartments. XL bullies need more room.
- Who will walk the dog? A strong XL can be a lot for kids or seniors to handle on a leash.
- What are your plans? If you want to show your dog, pick an ABKC class and talk to your breeder about show-quality puppies.
- How active are you? Classic and standard bullies are a great match for active owners. Pockets enjoy activity too but do best with moderate exercise, especially in the heat.
How to predict your puppy's adult size
The best predictor is the size of the parents. Ask the breeder for the height of both the sire and the dam. At NMG Bullies we are happy to share details on any litter's parents. You can meet our studs and females online, and see grown dogs we have bred on our Produced page.
Ready to find your bully?
If you are near Greenacres, Wellington, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton or anywhere in South Florida, we would love to help you find the right puppy. See our current puppies, read our FAQ, or call or text 561-714-2477 to set up a visit by appointment.