Insuring Your American Bully

The American Bully is a breed of dog that was developed as a companion dog and is known for its loyalty and affectionate nature. While they are not inherently aggressive, their size, strength, and potential for aggression have led to legal controls on their ownership in several countries. Due to their classification as a bully breed, American Bully owners may face challenges when it comes to obtaining insurance for their pets. Some insurance companies may charge higher premiums or even refuse coverage for this breed due to their perceived risk. However, there are insurance providers that offer plans specifically for bully breeds, and it is important for owners to be honest about their dog's breed when seeking insurance to avoid issues with their policy.

The American Bully is a modern breed of dog, recognised by the American Bully Kennel Club in 2004

The American Bully is a modern breed of dog, recognised by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) in 2004. The ABKC is the original and official registry for the American Bully breed.

When it comes to insurance for your American Bully, you may encounter some challenges. Some insurance companies do not specifically list the American Bully as an option when requesting quotes, and you may need to specify that your dog is an American Bully when disclosing its breed for insurance purposes.

It is important to be honest and upfront about the breed of your dog when seeking insurance. While your American Bully may be the sweetest dog on the planet, insurance companies often deem certain breeds, including bully breeds, as dangerous and too risky to cover or may charge higher premiums. This is due to the perception that these breeds are more aggressive and have a higher likelihood of causing costly injuries.

However, it is worth noting that some insurers make coverage decisions based on an individual dog's behaviour rather than its breed. Additionally, there are companies that specialise in providing insurance for bully breeds, recognising that factors such as socialisation, neutering, and responsible ownership play a more significant role in a dog's aggression than its breed.

To find the right insurance for your American Bully, it is recommended to shop around and compare policies from different carriers. You can also consider contacting an independent insurance agent who can help you find a policy that meets your needs and provides adequate coverage for your canine companion.

The breed is described as giving the impression of great strength for its size

The American Bully is a breed of dog that was developed in the 1990s in the United States. It was created by crossing several breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier, with the goal of producing a friendly and loyal companion. Despite their muscular appearance, American Bullies are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They are loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs.

The breed is described as giving the "impression of great strength for its size". This is reflected in its compact, stocky build, broad head, and muscular body. The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) recognises four varieties of size: XL, Pocket, Standard, and Classic. The standard American Bully type is a medium-sized dog with a compact, bulky muscular body, heavy bone structure, and blocky head. Male dogs of this type must be 17 to 20 inches (43 to 51 cm) tall, while females must be 16 to 19 inches (41 to 48 cm) at the withers.

The Pocket type is a smaller variant, with full-grown males reaching 14 to 17 inches (36 to 43 cm) and females 13 to 16 inches (33 to 41 cm). The XL type is taller, with males reaching 21 to 23 inches (53 to 58 cm) and females 19 to 22 inches (48 to 56 cm). The Classic type has a lighter frame than the Standard but falls within the same height range.

The American Bully is a highly adaptable and trainable breed. Despite their powerful appearance, they have a gentle and friendly demeanor. They are bred to be companion dogs and make excellent family pets. However, due to their size, strength, and aggression levels, legal controls on the ownership of this breed exist in several countries, including the UK, Germany, Ireland, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Due to their size, strength and aggression level, legal controls on the ownership of the breed exist in several countries

Due to their size, strength, and aggression level, legal controls on the ownership of the American Bully breed exist in several countries. The breed is often deemed too dangerous to be covered by insurance companies, or insurance is provided at an increased price.

In the United Kingdom, the XL Bully was responsible for 10 of the 19 deaths caused by dogs between 2021 and 2023. This led to the breed being added to the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 in December 2023, making it illegal to sell, breed, abandon, or have a Bully XL in public without a lead and muzzle in England and Wales. Similar restrictions have been introduced in Scotland, with Northern Ireland set to follow in 2024. Owners in England and Wales who applied for an exemption had to buy insurance, microchip their dog, and pay a fee per animal.

In Germany, the American Bully is one of the breeds included in the Dog Transfer and Import Restrictions Act passed in 2001, which prohibits the import or transfer of certain dogs. In Ireland, the American Bully is restricted as a 'Bandog', and must be muzzled and kept on a lead no longer than 2 metres when in public. Turkey and the United Arab Emirates have made it illegal to own or breed an American Bully.

The American Bully is a highly adaptable and trainable breed

American Bullies are known for their muscular and stocky build, broad head, and short, glossy coat. Despite their intimidating looks, they are generally friendly, sociable, and eager to please their owners. They are loyal and protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs.

Adaptability

American Bullies are highly adaptable dogs that can thrive in various living environments, from apartments to larger homes with yards. They are well-suited for apartment living due to their moderate energy levels and sociable nature. They are also good with children and can be patient and gentle, making them a great addition to families.

However, it is important to provide proper socialization and training to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and well-adjusted. They require early and consistent training, focusing on basic obedience commands and socialisation with other dogs and people.

Trainability

American Bullies are intelligent and highly trainable dogs. They are eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods. They are known for their stable and loving nature, making them obedient and easy to train.

It is important to start training and socialisation from an early age to prevent the development of bad behaviours. They should be exposed to different environments, people, and other animals to promote confidence and adaptability. Basic obedience commands such as "sit", "stay", "come", and "leave it" are essential for effective communication and building a strong bond with your American Bully.

Overall, the American Bully is a highly adaptable and trainable breed that makes a great companion for individuals and families in various living situations. With proper socialisation, training, and care, they can be loving, loyal, and well-behaved pets.

Bully breeds are often discriminated against by insurance companies

Bully breeds, including American Bullies, are often discriminated against by insurance companies. Many insurance companies refuse to provide renters or homeowners insurance for owners of these breeds, deeming them too dangerous to cover. Some of the breeds commonly excluded or discriminated against by insurance companies are Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, Chows, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, Pit Bulls, Presa Canarios, Rottweilers, Siberian Huskies, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and wolf hybrids.

This discrimination is based on persistent myths and stereotypes, despite the fact that most people personally know friendly pit bulls and other bully breeds. It is important to note that any dog, regardless of breed, is capable of biting if threatened, and statistics show that factors such as socialization, neutering status, and family environment play a more significant role in a dog's aggression than breed.

The discrimination faced by bully breeds and their owners has real-life consequences. Many people are unable to adopt these dogs because of insurance restrictions, leading to a high number of bully breeds being euthanized. Additionally, owners may find themselves in a difficult position if they need to relocate or change insurance policies.

To address this issue, some insurance companies are taking a stand against breed discrimination. These companies include United Services Automobile Association, Auto-Owners Insurance, United States Liability Insurance Company, Governor Insurance, and Einhorn Insurance. Efforts are also being made to educate the public about the term 'pit bull' and the fact that it is not a breed but an umbrella term for various types of dogs with certain physical characteristics.

It is essential for dog owners to be honest about their dog's breed when investigating insurance policies. Withholding information may result in invalid insurance policies and blacklist the owner when taking out future policies. To find insurance companies that do not discriminate against bully breeds, owners can reach out to independent agents or organizations like Trusted Choice® or My Pit Bull is Family, which maintain resources and databases of pit bull-friendly housing and insurance options.

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