It may sound strange that one of the most iconic and loving dog breeds in America is called the Bully.
However, the American Bully is much loved for its stout appearance and gentle, loyal temperament.
One of the most unique varieties of this breed is the Tri-Color, which stands out from its more standard two-color brethren.Â
If you’re interested in adding this unique pooch to your family, here is everything that you need to know about this fascinating breed.
Why Is the Tri-Color American Bully Rare?
Tri-colored bullies are rare, and this is because they were seldom bred for this trait in the past, since the mixed colors caused many people to believe that they were mixed-breeds.
This was important since many people who bought Bullies from these breeders were more interested in a distinguished pedigree than coat color.Â
Similarly, breeders were also more concerned with the overall quality of their dogs, hoping to highlight the traits passed on from their sires — the American Pitbull Terrier and the American Staffordshire dog — rather than the aesthetics.
Because of these breeding practices, even breeders who seek to purposely produce these Tri-Colored dogs have difficulty due to the genes being limited.
In order to attempt to produce these tri-colored pups, breeders need to carefully consider the genetics of specific dogs, and which are most likely to produce tri-colored offspring.Â
How Tri-Color Bullies Differ From Standard Bullies
Although many people think that the tri-color stems from mixed-breeding, as explained above, it is simply a product of genetics.
Ultimately, the only difference between Tri-Color Bullies and Standard Bullies is aesthetics.Â
Temperament, personality, and health are all the same, and if you choose to bring one into your family, you can expect to follow the same guidelines that you would for any other type of Bully.
The Appearance of Tri-Color Bullies
All varieties of American Bullies have short, stiff, and glossy coats which make grooming exceptionally easy.Â
They usually have a stout appearance with a broad head, high set ears, and a muscular body.
This unique appearance stems from their ancestry, and their muscular bodies can be largely attributed to their American Pitbull heritage.Â
Temperament and Personality
Despite being called Bullies, these dogs are anything but.
Tri-Colored Bullies — and really any variety of Bully — are confident, outgoing dogs, who can be surprisingly gentle and loving towards everyone that they meet.Â
They are known for wanting to please their owners and can make for an exceptionally brave and intelligent guard dog.
They won’t hesitate to defend their family should anything try to harm them.Â
Although they make great guard dogs, don’t mistake these Bullies for being aggressive.
In fact, Bullies are some of the best dogs for families with young children, as they are some of the most tolerant and gentle, even with the most energetic children.
This makes them one of the best breeds if you are looking for a stalwart family companion that will be completely devoted to you and yours.Â
Additionally, because of their heritage, they are capable of both surprising agility and strength.
When coupled with their unwavering courage, they are one breed that will defend their families even to the death.
Because of this, they are often used as guard dogs, especially in rural areas where families may keep chickens or other livestock that may need looking after.Â
Training
Tri-Color Bullies are incredibly intelligent and they strive to please their owners.
However, they do thrive best when there is a clear line of order.
For instance, when training your Bully, you need to be firm and make sure that they come to see and accept you as their pack leader.Â
However, being firm does not mean using aggressive methods during training.
Shouting, belittling, or physical punishments should never be used, and they will only result in breaking the trust between you and your dog.
This will cause them to be more prone to lashing out because you’ve taught them with aggression.Â
The best way to train your Tri-Color Bully is by being calm and firm when giving your commands.
You should also reward desired behavior with positive reinforcement and affection.
Bullies love affection and giving them frequent affection when they succeed in their training tasks can help teach them the behaviors that they need to learn.Â
If you’re ever unsure about how to get started with training, consider seeking out a professional training facility near you for private or group lessons.
This can also give them a chance to be around other dogs so that they can gain good socialization skills, and learn to get along with other animals around them.
Socialization at a young age is as essential as teaching them good behaviors and basic commands.Â
Health Concerns
On average, Bullies will live between 8 and 12 years, and there are some health concerns to be aware of before you bring a Tri-Color Bully into your home.
A few of the most common issues include:Â
- Hip Dysplasia
- Congenital Heart Disease
- Skin Allergies
- Eye Problems
Although there are preventive measures for many of these conditions, they are still something to keep in mind and speak with your vet about.
Additionally, if you are planning on purchasing your Tri-Color Bully from a breeder, you should take care to thoroughly research them beforehand.
Some breeders will use steroids to help boost the muscular appearance of their dogs.
However, once the steroids are stopped, the dogs will shrink back to normal size, but they can still be left with a number of health problems from steroid use.
If steroids were used on the mother, they can also be passed on to the puppies, even if they were never administered the drugs themselves.Â
Adding a Bully to Your Family
Tri-Colored Bullies are beautiful dogs, and many people today seek them out for their unique coloration.
If you want to add one to your family, make sure to research your breeder beforehand, and if possible, check adoption sites to see if there are any Tri-Colored Bullies that are currently in need of a loving home.