UKC Announces Recognition of the American Bully

Kalamazoo, MI. July 15, 2013. The United Kennel Club, Inc. welcomes a new breed, the American Bully, to its list of recognized breeds, effective July 15, 2013. The American Bully will be in the Terrier Group.

The American Bully breed developed as a natural extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier, a breed that has maintained a characteristic appearance and temperament for over 100 years. As with any long-standing breed, several distinct types have evolved from the parent breed, with one in particular – the American Bully – taking on a specific build and structure unique enough to warrant it becoming a separate breed altogether. The American Bully, whose foundation stock is undeniably the American Pit Bull Terrier, was also developed by blending in stock from other bull breeds.

The recognition of the American Bully will allow the breed to develop, while allowing the American Pit Bull Terrier breed to maintain its classic appearance. The American Bully is recognizable by its characteristic compact, strong, thick-set structure and build, and broad head. It is imperative that the UKC recognized American Bully reflects the UKC breed standard, which can be accessed at the UKC website. This is an athletic breed; for example, dogs with front legs that are too short, too crooked, or set too wide are not the type of dog that will be considered for UKC registration. UKC does not condone any conditions or exaggerations that are detrimental to the health, welfare, essence and soundness of the American Bully or any other breed.

Single Registration of the American Bully is open, effective July 15, 2013. Dogs wishing to be considered as an American Bully may use a specific application that can be downloaded from the UKC website at http://res.ukcdogs.com/pdf/AmerBullyDog.pdf . It is undeniable that there are UKC registered American Pit Bull Terriers that more closely meet the the American Bully breed standard. APBT owners who would prefer to have their dog(s) registered as American Bullys may request to change their dog's breed designation by using the breed transfer form also located on the UKC website, http://res.ukcdogs.com/pdf/BreedTransferApplication.pdf . UKC Conformation privileges will not be issued at this time; however, upon receipt of their UKC registration papers, American Bullys will be eligible to compete in applicable UKC Performance Events.

Established in 1898, the United Kennel Club is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. More than 60 percent of its 15,500 annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training, and instinct. UNITED KENNEL CLUB prides itself on its family-oriented, friendly, educational events. To find out more about registration and events, call or visit our website. Phone: (269) 343-9020; Loading....

United Kennel Club: United Kennel Club Announces the Recognition of the American Bully