Is there any love as pure as that between a child and their pet? It’s a relationship based on pure affection, devoid of needs and responsibilities, rooted in good old-fashioned companionship. Here we witness a heartwarming scene of a boy snuggled up on the couch with his sleepy dog, giving him a gentle kiss on the snout and declaring him as his best friend. Even with the British slang, the sentiment is clear. The dog in the video belongs to the American Bully Dog breed, lesser-known in America despite its name, and not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club. The breed, ranging from medium to large sizes, includes a variation known as the “Pocket Bully,” as seen here. Though the term itself may raise eyebrows, American Bully Dogs share traits of American and English bulldogs and American Pitbull Terriers – being strong, active, and fiercely loyal. With proper training, they can make loving family pets. Despite efforts to shed their fearsome reputation, American Bully Dogs face breed-specific legislation in various regions. Dogs of any breed can exhibit aggressive behavior if not properly trained, yet certain breeds are unfairly stigmatized. The evolution of which breed is vilified has shifted over time, from German Shepherds to Rottweilers, and now “pit-bulls.” While initially referring to Pitbull Terriers, the term now encompasses various breeds, including American Bullies. Just as the English rebranded German Shepherds as “Alsatians” to combat negative stereotypes, perhaps it’s time for American Bullies to consider a similar change.
