Request for the Official Recognition of an XXL American Bully Class

Dear American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) Board,

I hope this message finds you well. As a committed breeder and supporter of the American Bully breed, I am writing to formally request the recognition of an official XXL American Bully class within the ABKC. XXL American Bullies have been a foundational part of the breed since its inception, contributing significantly to its development, yet they have not been officially recognized despite their importance. It is time to rectify this and give these remarkable dogs the official class they deserve.

The current American Bully classes, as you are aware, are determined by height and are categorized as follows:

• Pocket Class: Males under 17 inches (43 cm) and females under 16 inches (40 cm).
• Standard Class: Males between 17–20 inches (43–51 cm) and females between 16–19 inches (40–48 cm).
• Classic Class: Same height range as Standard, but with a lighter body mass and less exaggerated features.
• XL Class: Males between 20–23 inches (51–58 cm) and females between 19–22 inches (48–56 cm).

Many of the most famous and influential American Bullies in history—such as BGK’s The Rock, ICK’s Disciple, Probull’s Kong, and DDK’s The Hulk—have surpassed these height limits, standing taller than 23 inches (58 cm). These iconic dogs, while vital to the breed's success and recognition, do not fit into the XL class, placing them in an unofficial but widely recognized category: the XXL American Bully.

From the earliest days of the breed, XXL American Bullies have played a crucial role in shaping its identity and public appeal. Their impressive size, presence, and remarkable temperaments have helped draw significant attention to the breed, making them some of the most visible ambassadors of the American Bully. Viral sensations like DDK’s The Hulk and BGK’s The Rock, known for their massive size and gentle demeanor, have captivated millions of viewers, contributing significantly to the breed's growing popularity. Despite this, these larger dogs have never had an official class that allows them to be properly categorized and judged.

We propose the following standards for the official XXL American Bully class:

• Male Height: 23 to 26 inches (58–66 cm) at the shoulder.
• Female Height: 20 to 23 inches (50.8–58.4 cm) at the shoulder.

While American Bully classes are determined by height, the typical weight ranges for the XXL class are as follows:

• Male Weight: 120 to 180 pounds (54.4–81.6 kg).
• Female Weight: 75 to 140 pounds (34–63.5 kg).

While weight is not a strict defining factor for the class, these averages reflect the size and presence of the XXL American Bully. By officially recognizing this class, the ABKC can ensure these dogs are judged fairly within their correct category.

The XXL American Bully is more than just an oversized version of the XL class—it is a distinct group within the breed, representing years of selective breeding aimed at refining their size, strength, and temperament. These dogs embody the very best of the American Bully breed, combining an imposing physical presence with a balanced, loyal, and family-friendly demeanor.

Despite being a foundational part of the breed's development, XXL American Bullies have not yet been given the formal recognition they deserve. It is time to correct this oversight and acknowledge these dogs for their contributions and significance. Officially recognizing the XXL American Bully class would bring much-needed clarity and fairness to the breed's standards, allowing these exceptional dogs to be celebrated in the way they deserve.

Thank you for considering this request. We look forward to your continued leadership in advancing the American Bully breed and hope that the official recognition of the XXL American Bully will be a key step in the breed's evolution.

Sincerely,
The American Bully Community