American Bully Health Testing: What Stud Dogs Should Be Tested For

The American Bully is a relatively young breed developed in the United States from American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and other bull-type breeds. As the breed's popularity has skyrocketed, health testing standards are still being established — but responsible breeders are increasingly applying the same rigorous testing standards used in established breeds.

Hip and Elbow Evaluation

American Bullies — particularly the XL and Classic varieties — carry significant body mass on a compact frame. This makes orthopedic health testing especially important.

OFA Hip Evaluation: Both hips evaluated by a board-certified radiologist. The breed has documented rates of hip dysplasia, and any responsible stud should have OFA hips (at minimum Passing — Fair, Good, or Excellent) on file at ofa.org.

OFA Elbow Evaluation: Elbow dysplasia and Fragmented Coronoid Process (FCP) occur in the breed. Elbow evaluation at 24 months submitted to OFA is recommended.

Cardiac Testing

OFA Cardiac Examination: Bull-type breeds can carry cardiac conditions including aortic stenosis. Annual cardiac examination by a board-certified cardiologist (or OFA-approved cardiac examiner at breed events) is recommended. Results should be submitted to OFA.

Eye Health

CAER Eye Examination: Annual CAER exam is recommended. Hereditary cataracts, persistent pupillary membranes, and entropion (inward-rolling eyelids — common in heavy, wrinkled bully-type dogs) can all be identified on CAER exam.

Breed-Specific and General DNA Health Panels

While the American Bully lacks the long breed-specific disease list of some established breeds, a comprehensive DNA panel (Embark Breed + Health kit or equivalent) covering the following is recommended:

• Degenerative Myelopathy (DM) — the breed carries the DM mutation
• L-2-Hydroxyglutaric Aciduria (L2HGA) — documented in Staffordshire Bull Terriers and may appear in American Bullies
• Hyperuricosuria (HUU) — affects uric acid metabolism
• Any conditions flagged in the breed's current health surveys

Brucellosis

A current negative brucellosis test (within 30 days of breeding) is non-negotiable for any responsible breeding, regardless of breed.

Kennel Club Registration and Health

American Bullies are registered with the ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club) and UKC, as the AKC does not currently recognise the American Bully as a breed. ABKC and UKC both maintain health registries and have expressed support for increasing health testing standards within the breed.