Cross Posted from Game&BullyBred
If you think the American Bully is the dog for you there are several things you need to look for in a quality breeder and things you need to be wary of. Unfortunately this breed has many problem breeders surrounding it an often people are taken advantage of. These irresponsible breeders have made a bad name for those who are out there truly trying to better the breed.
In a quality breeder:
Ideally a quality breeder does something with their dogs. The ABKC is available to bully breeders for conformation shows as well as some weight pull, however since this breed is more of a pet than a working style dog its not necessarily a deal breaker if they don't. The importance of a show quality dog versus pet quality is dependant on what the buyer is looking to do with the dog, however the same rules apply. A good breeder will have a clear purpose to their breeding other than color or money. Quality breeders will only breed to further the enhance the breed by producing pups that meet the standards put in place by the registry. Look for someone who has health checked* their dogs BEFORE breeding them and can provide the paperwork from the veterinarian to prove this.
*Side note: Generally American bullies will not pass a PennHip or OFA:Hip** test simply because of the structure of the dog, this does put the dog at a higher risk for displaysia but it does not guarantee it. You breeder should know if there is any history of this in their dogs line. However, and over all health and wellness check should be done.
**Personal Recommendation: OFA:Hip works on a graded scale rather than pass/fail. Personally I like to see this test done and a number result produced. You can find the grade scale here so you are aware of what you are looking at. OFA: Hip Dysplasia
The breeder should be able to accurately and honestly explain to you the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Bully as well as know the standard set forth by the American Bully Kennel Club. They will know their dog's bloodlines and be able to produce paperwork for both the parents and the litter to back them up from a reputable registry. (ABKC, UKC, ADBA) They will give you a receipt for your deposit all their contact info and a definitive date for you to be able to pick up your puppy.
What to be Wary of:
As previously stated there are some bad apple breeders out there. These are a few signs of a breeder to stay away from.
- Breeders who advertise their dogs as XXL Pit Bulls
- Use "rare" and "unique" when referring to color (there are no rare colors in either the APBT or the American Bully)
- Breeders who charge outrageous prices: When you run across these kennels asking anywhere from $1500-$5000 a puppy take a moment to ask "What makes this dog worth $5000?" A good breeder does not need to charge outlandish prices to prove their dogs are quality.
- Breeders who cannot produce papers or papers are from a non-recognized registry: The CKC and APBR are not thought of as reputable registries, neither the ABKC, ADBA or UKC will accept paperwork from these should you ever try to show your dog. (also parents registered with different registries)
- Breeders who use Blue Nose, Red Nose, Black Nose to explain bloodlines. These are not different types of American Bullies simply different colors!
Bottom line: DO YOUR RESEARCH! Don't be afraid to ask question a good breeder will always be happy to talk with you about any concerns
If you think the American Bully is the dog for you there are several things you need to look for in a quality breeder and things you need to be wary of. Unfortunately this breed has many problem breeders surrounding it an often people are taken advantage of. These irresponsible breeders have made a bad name for those who are out there truly trying to better the breed.
In a quality breeder:
Ideally a quality breeder does something with their dogs. The ABKC is available to bully breeders for conformation shows as well as some weight pull, however since this breed is more of a pet than a working style dog its not necessarily a deal breaker if they don't. The importance of a show quality dog versus pet quality is dependant on what the buyer is looking to do with the dog, however the same rules apply. A good breeder will have a clear purpose to their breeding other than color or money. Quality breeders will only breed to further the enhance the breed by producing pups that meet the standards put in place by the registry. Look for someone who has health checked* their dogs BEFORE breeding them and can provide the paperwork from the veterinarian to prove this.
*Side note: Generally American bullies will not pass a PennHip or OFA:Hip** test simply because of the structure of the dog, this does put the dog at a higher risk for displaysia but it does not guarantee it. You breeder should know if there is any history of this in their dogs line. However, and over all health and wellness check should be done.
**Personal Recommendation: OFA:Hip works on a graded scale rather than pass/fail. Personally I like to see this test done and a number result produced. You can find the grade scale here so you are aware of what you are looking at. OFA: Hip Dysplasia
The breeder should be able to accurately and honestly explain to you the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Bully as well as know the standard set forth by the American Bully Kennel Club. They will know their dog's bloodlines and be able to produce paperwork for both the parents and the litter to back them up from a reputable registry. (ABKC, UKC, ADBA) They will give you a receipt for your deposit all their contact info and a definitive date for you to be able to pick up your puppy.
What to be Wary of:
As previously stated there are some bad apple breeders out there. These are a few signs of a breeder to stay away from.
- Breeders who advertise their dogs as XXL Pit Bulls
- Use "rare" and "unique" when referring to color (there are no rare colors in either the APBT or the American Bully)
- Breeders who charge outrageous prices: When you run across these kennels asking anywhere from $1500-$5000 a puppy take a moment to ask "What makes this dog worth $5000?" A good breeder does not need to charge outlandish prices to prove their dogs are quality.
- Breeders who cannot produce papers or papers are from a non-recognized registry: The CKC and APBR are not thought of as reputable registries, neither the ABKC, ADBA or UKC will accept paperwork from these should you ever try to show your dog. (also parents registered with different registries)
- Breeders who use Blue Nose, Red Nose, Black Nose to explain bloodlines. These are not different types of American Bullies simply different colors!
Bottom line: DO YOUR RESEARCH! Don't be afraid to ask question a good breeder will always be happy to talk with you about any concerns