If you don’t know, let me tell you that American Bullies can have flaws. So, if you are looking to buy a pup as a pet or for breeding purposes, you must know the flaws so that you can avoid buying a pup with those issues.
However, if you already have a pup with flaws, don’t worry; there are ways to address these issues. That being said, you cannot fix all the flaws in the American Bully, especially if they are genetic issues.
In this article, we will discuss two things: first, how to identify flaws, and second, how to improve, prevent, and address certain flaws.
So, let’s keep going.
Contents
8 Flaws In The American Bully and Tips to Fix or Improve it
East-west
You’ve got to watch for the East-West flaw as it is very prevalent and difficult to fix, it is a flaw where your dog’s both front paws sit out i.e. one paw to the left and the other to the right, it can be due to genetics or due to weak tissues.
If it is genetic it can be very difficult to correct but can be bred away through selective breeding.
But if it is not genetic, you can take certain actions to improve or fix it.
Keep your puppy light as a puppy with excess weight can cause increased pressure on the front paws causing the east-west.
Regular walks on gravel can strengthen the pasterns, aiding in realigning the paws. Additionally, raising the feeding bowl can help strengthen the patterns as the dogs have to posture up to eat the food thereby improving the east-west issue.
This flaw isn’t merely aesthetic; it can lead to issues with movement and balance. By addressing the East-West flaw early, you’re investing in your dog’s long-term health and well-being.
Remember, it’s not just about having a great-looking dog; it’s about ensuring they’re healthy and comfortable.
High rear
Moving on from the East-West flaw, let’s tackle the High Rear flaw, another structural issue you might notice in your American Bully.
This flaw is characterized by the back end of the dog being noticeably higher than the front. again it can be due to various reasons but It’s mainly a genetic issue, Excessive weight can also contribute.
A higher rear can affect your Bully’s movement, balance, and overall health.
To identify this flaw, you need to examine your dog’s stance from a side view. If you notice a high rear, it’s crucial to get your Bully evaluated by a veterinarian.
Corrective measures may include a weight management program or physical therapy.
Rear Angulation
Turning your attention to rear angulation, it’s essential you understand this crucial aspect of your Bully’s structure to identify potential flaws effectively.
Proper rear angulation, referring to the angles created by the bones in the hind legs, contributes to your Bully’s overall balance and movement. Flaws in rear angulation could lead to issues with mobility and posture.
Look for a well-bent stifle and a hock that’s perpendicular to the ground. If your Bully’s rear legs appear too straight or too bent, this might indicate a problem.
Improper angulation could be a sign of genetic issues or improper care during growth. Addressing these flaws early through proper diet, exercise, and potentially veterinary intervention can help ensure your Bully maintains optimal health and structure.
Stiff Stifles
A significant issue you may encounter is the Stiff Stifles flaw, which affects many dogs of this breed.
Stiff Stifles refer to the lack of curvature in the back legs, near the hock, giving them a stiff appearance. This flaw contributes to a higher rear and impacts the dog’s top line.
Remember to strictly stay away from the bullies with this flaw, as it can seriously impact their movement.
Moreover, this flaw is extremely prevalent and challenging to breed away, so it is crucial to avoid Bullies with this issue.
If you already have a Bully with stiff stifles, consult a vet and take the necessary actions prescribed by your vet.
Underbite
Underbites occur when the lower jaw protrudes further than the upper jaw, causing the lower teeth to overlap the upper teeth.
Don’t buy the bullies with underbite as It is a very prevalent flaw and hard to breed away.
Underbite in your American Bully can cause difficulty in eating and dental problems.
This isn’t just a cosmetic issue. It can cause uneven wear on the teeth, leading to premature tooth loss and periodontal disease.
It also affects how your dog picks up and chews food, which can lead to digestive problems.
Correcting an underbite often involves intervention from a veterinarian or canine orthodontist. They may recommend using a dental appliance or, in severe cases, performing surgery.
It’s important to address this flaw for your bully’s overall well-being.
Overbite
Overbite is just like an underbite but, in this case, a dog’s top teeth extend behind the bottom teeth, just like the underbite, this flaw is also very prevalent and difficult to breed away.
These issues range from difficulty eating to dental problems, such as excessive wear and tear on the teeth and gums. In severe cases, it may affect the bully’s ability to close their mouth properly.
If you notice your Bully has an overbite, it’s important to consult with a vet. They may recommend orthodontic treatment or surgery to correct the issue.
Therefore, when selecting a Bully for breeding, look for a proper scissor-like bite to prevent passing on this flaw.
Small Head
A small head can be another structural flaw you might encounter in an American Bully. This breed is known for its broad, muscular build and a head that’s proportionate to its body.
Don’t buy the pup if its parents have a small head and the pup will most likely will have a small head as well.
This flaw is a dominant trait and it is very hard to breed away. So stay away from the bullies with small heads.
However, if you already have a bully with a small head you can not make it big but here is the article that can certainly help how to make an American bully’s head bigger.
Muzzle
The muzzle is another crucial aspect you need to consider when evaluating an American Bully for potential flaws.
A well-proportioned muzzle contributes to the overall aesthetic and functionality of the breed. It should be broad and deep, with a square appearance from all angles.
Flaws can include a snipey or pointed muzzle, which detracts from the breed’s characteristic square look. An overly long or short muzzle can also cause breathing difficulties.
To fix these flaws, breeders can selectively breed dogs with ideal muzzle proportions but it is very difficult to get rid of this flaw.
You, as an owner, can’t alter a dog’s muzzle, but recognizing the flaw helps you make informed decisions about breeding or purchasing.
Always remember, that the overall health and well-being of the dog should take precedence over aesthetic consideration.
Note- There are many other flaws in American bullies you can check them out by visiting ABKC. Here, I have mentioned some commonly facing issues.
Final Thoughts
In summary, avoid getting American Bullies with the mentioned issues, especially if you plan to use them for breeding. If you already have one with specific issues (not talking about genetic flaws ), check out the tips mentioned earlier.
Remember, aim to breed American Bullies that match the breed standards as closely as possible to have perfect puppies.
If you just want American Bullies as pets, you can get them without worrying too much about flaws. Just be careful to steer clear of those with structural issues in their feet that might affect how they move.