Love at first Sight: Bully Style

My lovely Valentine, Maze.

There’s no love more genuine than a 60-pound dog that lives to crawl in your lap. Maze was love at first sight. I remember when she first stayed at my house overnight. I was hesitant to take on another dog, especially a Bully. We’ve had a pitbull before—Jake, an abandoned boy my husband found in an airport hangar where he used to work. I was afraid to get a pit bull at the time. I heard all the stories. I had a child to think of.

Jake, looking abused when he came to my husband, turned out to be loyal and loving. He never attacked anyone, but he scared the hell out of a neighbor who was up to no good. Jake only had to put his front paws on the gate and look at the man. He may have growled. He protected his property and his people. The neighbor stopped what he was doing.

Jake crossed the rainbow bridge four years ago but will always hold a place in our hearts.

My concern with getting another dog was how this one would play with my other dogs. Max is our older guy, and Bourbon, my epileptic boy, needed more attention. We were at the vet frequently, changing his dose to manage the seizures.

Maze came into our homes and our hearts. She was only supposed to be at her house for a bit while her owner looked for a place to rent so the two could stay together. One or two nights turned into weeks and eventually months. Maze still lives with my husband and I. We’re her home now. She’s the most docile and big-hearted girl. My fears were unfounded. The more time you spend with bullies, the more you learn they’re like any other breed. Their large, muscular stature reflects an even larger capacity for love. Maze is patient, gentle, loyal, and kind. If anything, she is more fearful of strangers than they are of her. She tries to sit in the lap of the company whenever they visit. Just ask any of my family. There’s nothing as good as a scratch behind her ears. She is always up for a belly rub.

American Bully temperament

In general, Bullies are like any other dog. They need socializing at an early age. Maze learned to play with my older dog, Max, who taught her tug-of-war with a rope toy. She constantly followed him around the backyard in her puppy years, looking up to him. She still looked up to him, but now, Malibu was tagging after her. The three children are learning and taking the lead as they age.

Socialization is necessary. Introduce Bullies as puppies to other animals, people, places, and situations so they learn how to adapt. As with any dog, you want to counter aggressive tendencies. Dogs are not inherently evil. Raised in an abusive home, they will react out of fear.

I’ve indulged Maze since she was a pup. She is after affection twenty-four-seven. My husband says she is spoiled, but I’ll tell you, she is worth every ounce of affection I have poured into her. Raising a Bully is rewarding, but it takes energy and time. Maze is demanding. She will whine until she’s the center of your attention, leaving little room for the other pets.

I keep many chew toys for aggressive chewers for Maze and Malibu. I’ve found a few they haven’t destroyed. You can see my post on keeping the dogs busy indoors without losing your mind for a list of toys that have withstood their active jaws. Malibu is supposed to be part pit, but the veterinarian and I see more lab.

While Maze hasn’t had any formal training, she listens well. From what I’ve read about American Bullies, they are people pleasers. Maze loves rewards and attention more so than treats.

Bullies need positive reinforcement and lots of love. Like humans or any other animal, if they are abused and raised in a fearful environment, their loving temperament will change. Dogs are like people. They react out of fear and cumulative stress.

Maze is a large girl, and like you and I, she gets worked up sometimes. Usually, Malibu’s rodeo antics are enough. Malibu tries to ride Maze like a horse. Separating the two of them works. Maze shows stress by breathing heavily and rolling on her back. As a responsible pet parent, I’ve learned to recognize signs of stress. I know how to prevent those moments. It’s the same with any dog breed. I’ve never understood why anyone would think leaving a dog alone with children or small pets is a good idea.

American Bully Origins

The American Bully breed descended from ancient breeds, including the Molosser breed from the Molossi tribe in ancient Greece. They were heavy with large heads and short muzzles. In the Roman arena, Molosser-type dogs fought one another and lions. They fought alongside and with gladiators. The breed arrived through colonization.

In 19th century England, bulldogs participated in Bullbaiting. Terriers were thrown in pits to kill rats for entertainment. Eventually, the bulldog and terrier breeds mixed, resulting in the Staffordshire Bull terrier and the Bull Terrier. The authors of the website American Bully Lover state, “Although pit bull breeds are most frequently cited as being bred originally in England, the defining characteristics of this breed type – strength, large head, and wide jaw – are linked to a now-extinct Molosser.” https://americanbullylover.com/history-of-american-bully-breed/

The Staffordshire Bull Terriers were later named the American Pit Bull Terriers due to fighting in pits nationwide.

The American Bully Kennel Club recognizes the American Bully, but the American Kennel Club does not.

Branching from the American Pit Bull Terrier, the breeders didn’t specify their motivation for the American Bully with its short, stocky build. The American Bully’s gentle temperament could result from purposeful breeding to outbreed the aggressive fighting temperament of Pit Bull Terriers. As a Bully mom, I know affection and treats are the way to my girl’s heart.

Reference

(n.d.). The Fascinating History of the American Bully Dog Breed. American Bully Lover. Retrieved February 14, 2024, from https://americanbullylover.com/history-of-american-bully-breed/

Follow me on Social Media