If you're shopping for a bully puppy, this is the #1 question we get asked at Ultimate Breed™: "What's the difference between an American Bully and an XL Bully?"
The short answer? An XL Bully is an American Bully — just a bigger one. But there's a lot more to it, and knowing the difference can save you from getting taken advantage of by a backyard breeder. Let's break it all down the way we'd explain it to a buyer standing in our kennel.
The Quick Answer
The American Bully is a breed. The XL Bully is a size variety within that breed — just like Pocket, Standard, and Classic are. All of them are American Bullies. The only thing that changes is the height.
Here's what the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) — the founding registry of the breed — officially recognizes:
- Pocket: Males 14–17 inches at the withers, females 13–16 inches
- Standard: Males 17–20 inches, females 16–19 inches
- Classic: Same height as Standard, but lighter frame and less mass
- XL: Males over 20 inches up to 23 inches, females over 19 inches up to 22 inches
Source: ABKC Official Breed Standard
So What Makes an XL Bully Different?
One thing: height at the withers (the top of the shoulders). That's literally how the ABKC defines an XL. The structure, head, temperament, muscle, bone — all of that should look exactly like a Standard American Bully. Just taller.
The official ABKC language even says it directly:
"The XL Bully variety is simply taller than the Standard American Bully. XL Bully dogs share the same build, body type, and breed type as the Standard American Bully, and are expected to carry a heavily muscled, massive, bulky body type."
That word "simply" matters. A real XL isn't a different dog — it's a Standard with more height. Same compact, blocky head. Same heavy bone. Same wide chest. Same family-loyal, confident temperament.
Common Misconceptions — What an XL Is NOT
1. An XL is not a "different breed"
You'll see ads online saying "XL American Bully puppies for sale" like it's a separate breed. It's not. It's a size class of the American Bully. Anyone marketing it as a different breed either doesn't understand the standard or is hoping you don't.
2. An XL is not the same as XXL or "Extreme"
The ABKC does not recognize XXL. Dogs taller than 23 inches (males) or 22 inches (females) fall outside the breed standard. Same with "Micro" on the small end — not officially recognized. Some breeders sell these sizes, but they're outside what the founding registry considers a legitimate variety.
3. An XL is not just a "big pit bull"
The American Bully was developed from American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and various bulldogs — but it's its own breed now, with its own standard. An XL Bully has more bone, a blockier head, a wider chest, and a much more compact frame than a typical pit bull. Different dog. Different purpose.
4. An XL is not automatically more aggressive
The American Bully was bred specifically to be family-safe and people-oriented. A properly bred XL should be just as confident and stable as a Pocket. Size doesn't determine temperament — breeding does. This is why buying from a reputable, ABKC-aligned breeder matters more than the size class itself.
XL Bully vs Standard: Which Should You Get?
Honestly? It comes down to lifestyle and preference. Here's the real-world breakdown:
Choose a Standard American Bully if:
- You want the “original” show-type bully — balanced, blocky, classic look
- You have a moderate-sized home or yard
- You want a dog that's easier to handle for first-time bully owners
- You're interested in showing in standard ABKC classes
Choose an XL Bully if:
- You want maximum presence — a big, imposing dog with the same bully temperament
- You have the space (XLs need room to move)
- You're prepared for higher food, vet, and supply costs that come with a bigger dog
- You appreciate the impact of a massive, well-built dog
Both classes are equally legitimate. Neither is “better.” What matters is the quality of the program behind the dog.
What to Look for in a Real XL Bully Program
This is where things get serious. Anyone can breed two big dogs and call the puppies "XL." A real XL program goes deeper:
- ABKC or UKC papers — full registration documentation that traces the pedigree
- Multi-generational pedigree — not just one parent with paperwork
- Structure that meets the standard — not just height. Chest, head, topline, rear angulation all matter
- Health backing — the breeder should be transparent about hip, heart, and respiratory health
- Temperament guarantee — a reputable XL program produces stable, confident dogs — never reactive or fearful
- Lifetime support — you should be able to call your breeder five years later with questions
If a "breeder" can't answer questions about any of the above, walk away. That's not a program — that's a backyard operation hoping you don't know any better.
How We Approach XL Breeding at Ultimate Breed™
At Ultimate Breed™, our foundation female BBK’s Blossom of Ultimate Breed set the standard for everything we produce. We focus on:
- ABKC-aligned structure first — height is the last thing we chase
- Temperament — family-safe, owner-loyal, confident dogs
- Small, intentional litters — quality over volume
- Full transparency — paperwork, health records, and lifetime support on every puppy
We don't produce "XXL" or "Micro" dogs because those aren't recognized varieties. We breed to the standard the founding registry put in place — and that's the standard our buyers can trust. You can read more about our philosophy on our About Us page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an XL Bully the same as a pit bull?
No. The American Bully — including the XL variety — is a separate breed from the American Pit Bull Terrier, even though pit bulls were part of its foundation. The American Bully has more bone, a blockier head, a wider chest, and a more compact, muscular build. Temperament is also bred differently — American Bullies are specifically bred for family companionship and stability.
How big do XL Bullies get?
Per the ABKC standard, mature XL males are over 20 inches and up to 23 inches at the withers. Females are over 19 inches and up to 22 inches. Weight isn't part of the breed standard — it should be proportional to the dog's frame. A typical adult XL male carries anywhere from 80 to 130 pounds of muscle, depending on structure.
What's the difference between XL and XXL?
The ABKC does not recognize XXL as an official variety. Any dog taller than 23 inches (males) or 22 inches (females) at the withers falls outside the breed standard. Dogs marketed as “XXL” are outside what the founding registry considers a legitimate American Bully variety.
Are XL Bullies good family dogs?
Yes — when bred properly. The American Bully was specifically developed to be a family companion. A well-bred XL should be confident, loyal, stable around children, and friendly with people. Aggression or reactivity is considered a serious fault in the breed standard. This is exactly why choosing a reputable breeder matters so much.
Can an XL Bully be registered with the ABKC?
Yes. The ABKC is the founding registry of the American Bully breed and recognizes the XL as one of the four official size varieties. A registered XL Bully has full ABKC paperwork tracing its pedigree.
How much does an XL Bully puppy cost?
It varies widely based on pedigree, structure, and the reputation of the kennel. Pet-quality XL puppies from registered, reputable programs typically start around $2,500–$4,000. Show-quality or breeding-prospect puppies from elite bloodlines can range significantly higher. Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true — cheap XL puppies often come without proper paperwork, health backing, or true breed type.
The Ultimate Breed™ Standard
Whether you're after a Standard, a Pocket, or an XL, the breed standard doesn't change — only the height does. What matters is that every puppy comes from a program that respects the standard, the pedigree, and the family that's bringing the dog home.
If you have questions about our upcoming litters or want to learn more about the Ultimate Breed™ program, head over to ultimatebreedbullies.com or check out our founder's story.
— Ultimate Breed™ University
