When Does An American Bully’s Head Crack?
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American Bullies may transform from young pups into fully grown adults in just one year. Throughout that year, they will undergo various physical changes.
The term “head-splitting” is used to refer to the changes that happen to the size of the dog’s head. It’s important for responsible dog owners to know when these changes happen to ensure that their dog is developing at a healthy and normal rate.
So, when does an American Bully’s Head crack? An American Bully’s head cracks when they’re at the age of 12 to 18 months. The dog’s head begins expanding and developing around 9 months and continues to grow for some time. The dog will grow to its full size after a year, although some may continue to grow for another 2 or 3 years.
Continue reading to find out more about what the term “head split” means for American Bullies and when American Bullies reach full growth.
What Does the Term “Head Crack” Mean for Dogs?

The term “head crack” is used to refer to the process by which the dog’s head grows until it reaches its full size as the dog grows up and transforms from a pup to a full-grown adult. The process is also known as splitting or spreading.
The dog’s head doesn’t literally crack or split despite what some misinformed owners may believe. However, the shape and size of the dog’s head will undergo some changes.
The muscle growth in the dog’s face will increase with the muscle on the top of its head becoming larger and its face broadening, creating a dip in the center of its head.
Some owners might not notice these changes as they happen because they’re often slow and gradual. Some dogs also have narrower heads, so their muscles might take more time to develop and mature properly. You can learn more about the growth timeline of American Bullies and other breeds of the Pit Bull Terrier Family in this article on when Pit Bull heads split.
When Does An American Bully’s Head Crack?

American Bullies’ heads are one of their main distinguishing characteristics; therefore, it’s simple to recognize their growth based on the size and development of their heads.
An American Bully’s head will start to split at the age of 9 months and will continue to expand until the dog is about 12 to 18 months old. The changes at this time will be slow and gradual, and you may not even notice them as they happen.
By the time the American Bully is 12 months of age, it should also start to reach a mature height and weight, although it is not unusual for some dogs to take longer than that to do so, sometimes taking up to 2 or 3 years.
When Do American Bullies Become Fully Grown?

American Bullies are considered fully grown when they reach the age of 2 or 3 years. However, there are no rules for determining when a dog will stop developing, and not all dogs develop at the same pace.
The pace of growth and development can vary from one dog to another depending on some factors such as the dog’s genetics, gender, health, diet, and exercise.
When it comes to American Bullies, they tend to develop faster than we anticipate them to. A newborn Bully puppy will start to develop into an adult Bully in just a year, and it will be considered fully grown in 2 to 3 years.
When they reach adulthood, the American Bully’s size will change significantly as their bones will grow, and they will start to put on more weight and muscles.
For male American Bullies, they will grow until they’re about 16 inches tall and weigh 40 pounds. Meanwhile, Female American Bullies tend to be smaller in size, so they will grow about 14 inches tall and weigh 40 pounds.
It is simple to distinguish between male and female Bullies since male Bullies tend to be bigger in size with wider heads and chests.
If you feel like you’re dog is not developing at a normal pace even though it has reached 2 or 3 years of age, you can take it to a vet for a check-up to determine if it has any health problems affecting its growth.
Related Questions
Are American Bullies Brachycephalic?
American Bullies are brachycephalic, which means they have a flat face with a short muzzle and undershot jaws. This causes the dog to have problems with breathing properly, which makes it prone to various health issues. Other brachycephalic breeds are Pugs, Boxers, and Pit Bulls.
Do American Bullies Develop More Wrinkles As They Grow?
American Bullies do not develop more wrinkles as they grow. They develop their wrinkles when they’re puppies until they reach the age of 12 months, and they will continue to have those wrinkles for the remainder of their life. The wrinkles might become deeper as they grow but will not increase.
Does Having A Large Head Affect The Balance of American Bullies?
Having a large head does not affect the balance of American Bullies. That is because the size of their head is usually proportionate to the rest of their body. American Bullies should be able to sit, walk, run, and do any other activity normally without having any balance issues.
What Are the Main Types of American Bullies?
The main types of American Bullies are standard, classic, pocket, and XL. These four classes vary significantly when it comes to the size and weight of the dog, which in turn affects the dog’s price. For instance, smaller-sized Bullies tend to be more expensive than the standard sizes.
How Long Do American Bullies Live?
American Bullies live for about 8 to 14 years. The lifespan of any dog varies depending on factors such as the dog’s genetics, overall health, and the living conditions provided for it. To make your Bully live longer, you need to take care of it properly and make sure that it’s healthy.
Which Dog Breeds Have Big Heads?
The dog breeds that have big heads are English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, certain lineages of Pit Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, some Labrador breeds, and Boxers. If these dogs become severely underweight, their heads will seem bigger than the rest of their bodies.
I have a complete guide on why Pitbulls have big heads here which explains why some dogs have heads that seem larger than their counterparts of other breeds that are of similar size.
Helpful Resources
Top 7 Dog Breeds with Big Heads
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