I’ve been around dogs my whole life—from show rings to hunting dogs, barns to rescue kennels, and everything inbetween. What I will share is that ALL the Bully breeds hold a special place in my heart. They’re loyal, goofy, brave, and full of soul. Whether you’re adopting a senior Pitty with a gray muzzle or raising a Bulldog pup from a reputable breeder, you’re stepping into a powerful once in a lifetime experience.

Here at K9Marketplace, we stand behind responsible breeding and rescue. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding your perfect dog—but every dog deserves a shot at love.

Let’s talk bully breeds. You’ve seen the squishy faces, the stocky bodies, and the side-eye smiles. From English Bulldogs to American Bullies to rescued Pit mixes with hearts of gold, these dogs are impossible to ignore—and even harder not to love.

But with great cheeks comes great responsibility. These bullies are powerful, athletic, loyal, and deeply misunderstood. So whether you’re thinking about buying from a responsible breeder or adopting a rescue in need, here’s your real-talk guide to bully breeds: the good, the challenging, and the incredibly rewarding.

---

What Counts as a Bully Breed?

The term “bully breed” covers a wide family of dogs originally bred from Molossers—big, muscular working dogs. While not all bully breeds are bulldogs, they share similar traits such as blocky heads, muscular builds, deep devotion to their people, and a sometimes unfair reputation.

Common bully breeds include:

• American Bulldog
• English Bulldog
• French Bulldog YUP they are Bullies!
• American Bully (Standard, Pocket, XL, etc.)
• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier
• American Staffordshire Terrier
• Bull Terrier
• Olde English Bulldogge
• and more…

(And yes, that smooshy Boston Terrier counts too!)

---

• Loyalty Level: 1000%
  These dogs are ride-or-die companions. Once they bond with you, they’ll follow you to the ends of the Earth—and probably try to sit in your lap while you’re driving there. Bulldogs bond very strongly to their People and they will usually do anything in their power to please you.
• Great with Families
  Despite the media fear-mongering, most bully breeds are fantastic with kids. Properly trained and socialized, they’re affectionate, playful, and protective in all the best ways. Just keep in mind as with ALL dogs breeds it is not recommended to leave young kids unsupervised with ANY dogs.
• Comedic Gold
  Bully breeds are natural-born clowns. Whether it’s snoring like a tractor or doing zoomies with their big ol’ noggins flapping in the wind, they’ll keep you laughing daily.
• Short Coats, Less Grooming
  Most bullies are low-maintenance in the grooming department. A quick wipe-down and they’re good to go (just don’t skip the wrinkles or the ears if you’re dealing with a Bulldog!). The biggest responsibility for grooming a Pitty is probably trimming the nails. Bullies should always be started on nail trimming as young as possible.

---

⚠️ Cons of Bully Breeds

Let’s keep it real—it’s not all sunshine and belly rubs.

• Strong-Willed = Training Needed
  Bully breeds can be stubborn. You’ll need consistency, leadership, and positive reinforcement to keep them respectful (and your couch intact). Most of the old school methods of “Beating a dog into submission” are thankfully behind us but that doesn’t mean they don’t need correction from time to time. All Bulldogs benifit from early training and socialization. If you don’t know exactly what that entails, Hire on a professional to work with you and your new dog.
• They are Prodigious Chewers
• as puppies and if I’m honest they never FULLY outgrow the desire to chew…. Invest in some really tough chew toys and NEVER EVER give your bullies Rawhide…
• They Can Be Dog-Selective AKA Dog Agressive
  Not all bullies are dog-park material. Thats OK as a great dog trainer I know always says “ANY dog can be managed” Some are great with other dogs, some not so much. Early socialization and training is key, but know what you’re working with.
• Breed Discrimination is Real
  Some landlords, HOAs, or even whole cities have breed-specific legislation (BSL). What that mean sis: in some areas Bulldogs are actually BANNED. It’s heartbreaking and unfair, but it’s something to research before bringing home a Pit or similar breed.
• Health Concerns
  Bulldog breeds are known for breathing issues, skin folds, ear infections and joint issues. Adoption or purchase from ethical sources is critical—no cutting corners on health!

---

🛑 Why Rescue is a Big Deal in the Bully World

Here’s the part that hits home: Bully breeds fill our shelters. Especially Pit Bulls, Staffordshires, and AmBull mixes. Not because they’re bad dogs—because people failed them. It breaks my heart to see great dogs being put to sleep because the shelter is out of space. Through no fault of their own they are labeled as bad dogs and treated accordingly. Isn’t that the same thing as racism but for dogs?

Irresponsible breeding. Backyard breeders chasing trends. New Owners not being educated in what it takes for this pup to grow up as a great Canine Citizen. Owners not investing in training and Knowledge them. Mislabeling by shelters. Unfair laws. It all adds up to thousands of sweet, adoptable dogs getting overlooked or euthanized every year.

That’s why rescue matters.
When you adopt a bully breed, you’re not just saving a life—you’re rewriting the ending of a story that started rough. And if you’re worried about what you’re getting into, Ask question. Most rescues do a thorough battery of tests including temperament and agression testing, training, and much more before the dogs are offered for adoption. Rescues are incentivised to match you with the perfect fit for your home and lifestyle.

---

🐶 So, Is a Bully Breed Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Are you ready to put in the time to train and lead your dog with love?
• Are you an experienced dog owner? Bully breeds are not a great selection for a first time dog owner.
• Are you prepaired for a puppy that is a serious Chewer? Pro Hint: Buy toys designed for heavy chewers like the Kong series.
• Do you have the space and lifestyle for a medium-to-large, powerful athletic dog?
• Can you handle a little snoring, some drool, and a whole lot of snuggles?
• Are you cool being an advocate in a world that still judges these breeds?

If the answer’s yes, then a bully might just be your soul dog.

---

💬 Final Thoughts

I’ve been around dogs my whole life—from show rings to hunting dogs, barns to rescue kennels, and everything inbetween. What I will share is that Bully breeds hold a special place in my heart. They’re loyal, goofy, brave, and full of soul. Whether you’re adopting a senior Pitty with a gray muzzle or raising a Bulldog pup from a reputable breeder, you’re stepping into a powerful once in a lifetime experience.

Here at K9Marketplace, we stand behind responsible breeding and rescue. Because there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to finding your perfect dog—but every dog deserves a shot at love.