Understanding the Different American Bully Types: XXL, XL, Standard, Classic, and Pocket (Extreme)

If you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through dog forums, Instagram, or visiting breeders, you’ve probably noticed various labels attached to American Bullies—terms like XXL, XL, Standard, Classic, and Pocket. It can quickly feel like an alphabet soup just waiting to confuse even the most devoted dog lovers. So, what exactly separates these types? And how do these categories shape not only the bully’s size but also their personality and suitability for your lifestyle?

In today’s post, let’s unpack the nuances of American Bully breeds, helping you sort through the classifications with clarity and maybe a little fun along the way.

What Is an American Bully, Anyway?

Before diving into the subcategories, here’s a quick refresher: the American Bully is a relatively new breed, bred to combine the muscular build and confident presence of the American Pit Bull Terrier with a more controlled temperament and a wider variety of sizes. These dogs are known for their loyalty, friendliness, and yes, that unmistakable robust and athletic look.

The Breakdown: XXL, XL, Standard, Classic, and Pocket

Each of these classifications describes a different size and sometimes subtle differences in build or lineage. The American Bully community and breeders mostly define these categories to give buyers a better idea of the dog’s general appearance, stature, and sometimes temperament.

• XXL – As the name suggests, XXL Bully dogs are the giants of the group. Males commonly stand over 21 inches at the shoulder and often top 70–90 pounds, sometimes even more. These massive dogs combine muscle with height and are bred to have a commanding presence. If you want a giant cuddle buddy who’s also a bit of a gentle giant, XXL fits the bill.

• XL – Just a notch below XXL, XL bullies still measure impressively tall—generally 20–21 inches—and weigh around 65–80 pounds. They maintain the muscular, stocky build but a slightly leaner frame than XXL, which often makes them more manageable while still offering that strong bully look.

• Standard – This is the original, classic American Bully size, created as a medium-sized dog with an insanely balanced physique: thick muscles, a broad chest, and a height range around 17–20 inches. Weights typically range from 60 to 70 pounds. The standard is the breed’s “sweet spot” and arguably the most popular size for families since they strike a solid balance between size and agility.

• Classic—The Classic American Bully features slightly less exaggerated muscles and a leaner, more traditional bully appearance. They maintain the overall proportions of the standard but have a more “natural” look that’s a little closer to the original American Pit Bull Terrier lineage. They often appear a bit taller but with a more athletic frame rather than fully bulky.

• Pocket—Don’t let the name fool you! Pocket Bullies are short, compact dogs standing under 17 inches tall and generally weighing 40–60 pounds. Despite their smaller stature, these dogs carry the same muscular build as larger Bully types. Their bite-sized good looks paired with a gentle disposition make them popular among urban dog owners or anyone looking for a smaller companion with a big personality.

Why the Variety? What Does It Mean for You?

These classifications provide prospective owners with a framework to choose a bully that fits their living situation, activity level, and personal taste. For example, if you have a spacious home and want a dog that can turn heads in the dog park, XXL or XL might be fun options. On the other hand, if you live in an apartment or want a dog easier to handle on walks, the Pocket or Classic types might suit you better.

Personality-wise, all these types tend to share the breed’s hallmark traits: loyalty, affection, and being fantastic family pets. Of course, as with any breed, early socialization and training are key to bringing out their best behaviors.

It’s also worth noting that these categories aren’t official breed standards recognized by major kennel clubs but rather breeder and enthusiast conventions. That means you can expect some variation in appearance and size within each label.

Final Thoughts

American Bully Types

The American Bully world is rich and diverse, and understanding these breed types can help you choose a dog that matches what you’re looking for—whether that’s the towering XXL or the pint-sized Pocket. Behind each label is a wonderful dog with a unique heart and heaps of charisma.

So next time you’re chatting with fellow dog lovers or scrolling through admirably bulky pups online, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s what—and probably find yourself admiring the American Bully breed’s variety.