I’m not the only one who got a dog during the pandemic, right?
I have been fortunate enough to have grown up with dogs for much of my life. However, when my family and I immigrated to the US, we decided not to have one. Our schedules were so packed and that wouldn’t have been fair to the dog.Â
When the pandemic started, my five-year-old brother and I had to get used to staying in the house 24/7. This was hard for both of us. How was I supposed to entertain a toddler for such long periods in the house without either of us going crazy!? On top of that, I realized that I was not motivated to do anything: assignments, chores, playing with my brother, even going out for a walk… I became very anxious about everything.Â
My parents were clear that we needed a friend, and that’s how Argos came into our lives.
As a puppy, Argos was like any other dog: a cuddle buddy with adorable puppy paws who was full of energy. Everyone loved him! People would ask to pet his gorgeous gray tabby fur and even hug him. He, of course, loved the attention. As he grew older, though, things started to change.Â
Instead of having people surrounding us to try and pet him, they would avoid us. Parents no longer told their kids to hug the puppy anymore because “he was aggressive.” After months of receiving love and attention from strangers, Argos and I were confused by the quick turnaround people had on him.
He has never been aggressive. He just grew to the average size of his breed and transformed into a larger loving tank with a happy tail that always wags.
While browsing through Instagram, I found a video that fully explained our situation. It made me sad and angry.Â
Argos is not a pit bull (like the dog in the video), but people attack him for no reason and claim that he is aggressive.Â
That’s why I’m here to demystify the stigma around American bullies. As an owner, I can tell you my personal experience with them, which includes Argos defending me against an aggressive golden retriever at the dog park and people defending the other dog.Â
So, let’s start demystifying the breed:
1. BULLIES ARE NOT AGGRESSIVE
The first common myth about bullies is that they are aggressive and will bite your hand if you touch them. The truth is that Chihuahuas are more aggressive than these dogs. Why? Because aggressive behaviors have been intentionally removed from this breed. American bullies rank as the perfect family dog – they are loyal, affectionate, and VERY patient.Â
My experience confirms this. Argos is always waiting with us for my little brother after school and although parents try to prevent their children from petting Argos, it is almost impossible. He is like a magnet for children, and he loves it! I have seen children pulling on his tail and paws, jumping on him like a horse, playing with his ears and nose, etc. And his only reaction is to start kissing them. Sometimes I even feel bad for him because of all the chaos around him, but he adores it so much that it is hard to separate him from the kids.Â
2. THEY ARE AS LOYAL AS can be
These lovely giants score 100% in terms of loyalty. Why? Because they are so intelligent, loving, and easy to train. They are also very dedicated to their owners’ safety.Â
Last summer, I took Argos to the dog park as usual. It was a day like any other, and he was playing with a group of dogs. Then a man untied his golden retriever. It was obvious that the dog was aggressive and untrained, but the owner didn’t mind the dog barking and fighting with other dogs. People started telling him to go away, but he didn’t care. I walked towards Argos so we could leave, but the golden retriever jumped on my leg and started biting me and pulling at my shirt. Argos jumped and got the dog off of me, and since he is trained, he only stood between the dog and me.Â
The other dog was untrained, so he charged at Argos. Another man in the park grabbed the retriever and then blamed everything on us, even though Argos was bleeding because the other dog bit him. As you would expect, few people blamed the golden retriever. The moral of the story? Argos proved his loyalty to me and showcased his well-trained manner the whole time. He took the dog off me; he didn’t bite the dog and instead, defended both of us.
3. They MAKE PERFECT TRAINING BUDDIES
Do you know why they are so bulky and muscular? Because these dogs love to exercise. Bullies have so much energy that they are the perfect companion for walks and runs. I find it hard to keep up when we go for a run, but even after an hour of running, Argos doesn’t get tired! American bullies help you get in shape. And, if you’re a woman like me and sometimes you’re a little scared to walk at night, they’ve got you. Their bulky build makes them the perfect bodyguard. Few people will approach you or even walk down the same street as you. You’ll start to realize that people cross the street to avoid your dog…unless they have a child. In that case, the child will try his best to pet the dog.
4. THEY EXPECT KISSES AND CUDDLES 24/7Â
Contrary to popular belief, bullies are EXTREMELY loving. They are family dogs and they love being around people. Don’t be surprised if you’re on the couch and feel a heavy head on your leg, and then a paw begging for attention. Bullies love affection and crave it everywhere. Are you going to the bathroom? They will follow you. Are you watching a movie? Cuddle time. Are you lying on the ground? They will lie next to you or on top of you. Brought someone home? More people to love!Â
That’s why we always joke about Argus being the worst guard dog. If an intruder walks in, I’m pretty sure he’ll start wagging his tail and begging for attention and kisses. However, his bulky tank body and his very deep and strong barks would be a deterrent.
5. THEY ARE THE BEST SWIMMING COMPANIONSÂ
I was a swimmer so this is a BIG win for me. Although bullies don’t have the longest legs, they love water! And mud too while we’re on the topic. I’ve found bullies swimming at dog beaches countless times, and there are plenty of adorable bullies on Instagram who only create swimming content. Argos himself loves to go to the beach, the pool, the river – you name it. He is the first to get out of the car and into the water. I do recommend putting a life jacket on them since they are heavy dogs, in case they get tired. But summer with them is amazing.Â
American bullies are not cruel and aggressive dogs. Rather, they are made up almost entirely of love… and muscle. Owning an American bully is one of the best things I’ve ever done. I sincerely recommend that everyone own one, especially if you can rescue one since a lot of bullies are abandoned because they are misunderstood.Â
If you are interested in adopting a bully, check out these links to rescue organizations:Â
https://www.cabullyrescue.org/