Bully Puppies: Complete Week-by-Week Growth & Care Guide
Everything you need to know about raising bully puppies — feeding schedules, vaccination timelines, potty training, socialization, and first-year costs.
American Bully puppies are stocky, affectionate, and deceptively strong for their size. Whether you're bringing home an XL Bully or a Pocket, the first year sets the foundation for a confident, well-mannered adult dog. This guide walks you through every developmental stage with breed-specific expectations, exact feeding portions, and realistic timelines that account for the Bully's muscular build and sometimes stubborn streak.
When Should I Bring My Bully Puppy Home?
The ideal age to bring an American Bully puppy home is 8 to 10 weeks. While some breeders release puppies at 8 weeks, many reputable Bully breeders prefer holding them until 10 weeks. The extra two weeks allow the puppy to complete critical littermate socialization, which is especially important for bull-type breeds that need strong bite inhibition skills.
During weeks 4–8, your puppy is still with the breeder learning essential canine communication. Here's what's happening developmentally before you take over:
| Age Range | Developmental Stage | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 4–8 | Socialization Period (with breeder) | Learns bite inhibition from littermates, begins solid food transition, eyes and ears fully functional, starts exploring environment |
| Weeks 8–12 | Human Bonding Window | Peak attachment period, highly impressionable, fear periods may begin, ideal time for name recognition and basic handling |
| Weeks 12–16 | Testing Boundaries | Independence increases, may challenge house rules, teething discomfort begins, second fear period possible around 14–16 weeks |
| Weeks 16–24 | Juvenile Energy Surge | Rapid growth phase, high energy bursts, chewing peaks, adult teeth emerging, attention span lengthens for training |
| Months 6–12 | Adolescence | Sexual maturity (spay/neuter timing), may regress on training, muscle mass increases significantly, growth plates still open — avoid forced exercise |
American Bully puppies tend to mature slower mentally than physically. Don't be surprised if your 10-month-old XL Bully still acts like an oversized toddler — mental maturity often doesn't fully arrive until 18–24 months in this breed.
Bully Puppy Feeding Schedule: Portions by Age and Weight
Bully puppies need controlled growth nutrition to support their muscular frame without overloading developing joints. Overfeeding is a leading cause of hip and elbow dysplasia in heavy-set breeds. According to the American Kennel Club, large-breed puppies should grow steadily but not rapidly.
Choose a food that meets AAFCO standards for "growth" or "all life stages" and lists a named animal protein (chicken, beef, lamb) as the first ingredient. For XL Bullies expected to exceed 70 lb as adults, use a large-breed puppy formula to moderate calcium and phosphorus ratios.
| Puppy Age | Meals Per Day | Daily Portion (Standard Bully, 30–50 lb adult) | Daily Portion (XL Bully, 70–130 lb adult) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–12 weeks | 4 meals | 1.5–2 cups/day | 2–3 cups/day |
| 12–16 weeks | 3 meals | 2–2.5 cups/day | 3–4 cups/day |
| 4–6 months | 3 meals | 2.5–3 cups/day | 4–5.5 cups/day |
| 6–12 months | 2 meals | 2.5–3.5 cups/day | 5–7 cups/day |
How to tell if you're feeding the right amount: You should be able to feel your Bully puppy's ribs without pressing hard, but not see them prominently. A visible waist when viewed from above indicates a healthy body condition score (BCS 4–5 out of 9). Adjust portions up or down by 10–15% based on your puppy's individual metabolism and activity level.
Vaccination Schedule for Bully Puppies
Your Bully puppy's immune system is developing rapidly, and staying on schedule with core vaccines is non-negotiable. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends the following core vaccine timeline for all puppies:
| Age | Vaccine | Purpose | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 weeks | DHPP (1st dose) | Distemper, Hepatitis (Adenovirus), Parainfluenza, Parvovirus | $25–$50 |
| 10–12 weeks | DHPP (2nd dose) + Bordetella | Booster immunity + kennel cough prevention | $40–$75 |
| 14–16 weeks | DHPP (3rd dose) + Rabies | Final puppy booster + legally required rabies vaccine | $50–$90 |
| 12–16 months | DHPP booster + Rabies booster | Adult immunity establishment | $45–$85 |
Non-core vaccines to discuss with your vet: Leptospirosis (if you live near water or wildlife), Lyme disease (tick-endemic areas), and Canine Influenza (if your puppy will attend daycare or group classes). Your veterinarian will determine which are appropriate based on your geographic location and lifestyle.
The Socialization Window: Weeks 3–14
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior identifies the primary socialization period as 3 to 14 weeks — a narrow window when puppies form lasting impressions about the world. For American Bully puppies, proper socialization is critical. Bull-type breeds that lack early positive exposure are more prone to leash reactivity and dog-selective behavior as adults.
The goal is positive, low-pressure exposure — not flooding. Let your puppy observe and approach at their own pace. Pair every new experience with high-value treats (small pieces of boiled chicken or freeze-dried liver work well).
When can my puppy go outside and meet other dogs? Until your Bully puppy has completed their full DHPP series (after the 14–16 week vaccine), avoid public dog parks, pet store floors, and areas with unknown dog traffic. Parvovirus can survive in soil for over a year. However, controlled playdates with known, fully vaccinated dogs in private yards are safe and encouraged. Puppy kindergarten classes that require proof of vaccination are also appropriate starting at 10–12 weeks, per the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.
Potty Training Timeline: Realistic Expectations for Bully Puppies
American Bully puppies are moderately quick to house-train compared to some breeds, but their small bladders and occasional stubbornness mean you should plan for a 4 to 6 month potty training timeline. Most Bully puppies are reliably house-trained by 5–6 months, though occasional accidents are normal through 8–9 months.
Sample Potty Schedule for an 8–12 Week Old Bully Puppy
- 6:30 AM — Immediately outside upon waking (carry if possible to avoid en-route accidents)
- 7:00 AM — Breakfast served
- 7:20 AM — Outside within 15–20 minutes after eating
- 9:00 AM — After play session or nap
- 11:00 AM — Midday outing
- 12:00 PM — Lunch served
- 12:20 PM — Outside after meal
- 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00 PM — Regular intervals
- 6:30 PM — Dinner served
- 6:50 PM — Outside after meal
- 8:00 PM — Final evening outing
- 10:00 PM — Last call before bedtime
- 2:00–3:00 AM — One overnight outing (phase out by 14–16 weeks)
Rule of thumb: A puppy can hold their bladder approximately one hour per month of age, plus one. A 3-month-old Bully can hold for roughly 4 hours maximum during the day.
When will my puppy be fully potty trained? Expect reliable house training between 5 and 7 months. If accidents persist beyond 8 months, consult your veterinarian to rule out urinary tract infections or anatomical issues before assuming it's a behavioral problem.
Troubleshooting tips: If your Bully puppy has frequent accidents, first eliminate medical causes. Then evaluate: Are you taking them out often enough? Are you rewarding immediately (within 2 seconds) with a high-value treat? Are you cleaning accident spots with an enzymatic cleaner rather than ammonia-based products? Bully puppies respond poorly to punishment — scolding after the fact only teaches them to hide when they eliminate.
Crate Training Progression and Teething Relief
A properly crate-trained Bully puppy is safer, less destructive, and housetrains faster. Choose a crate that accommodates your dog's expected adult size but use a divider panel to limit space to just enough for standing, turning around, and lying down. Excess space invites potty accidents in one corner.
| Puppy Age | Maximum Crate Time (Daytime) | Overnight Expectation |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 weeks | 30–60 minutes | 3–4 hours (set alarm for potty break) |
| 11–14 weeks | 1–2 hours | 4–5 hours |
| 15–16 weeks | 2–3 hours | 5–6 hours |
| 4–6 months | 3–4 hours | 6–8 hours (may sleep through) |
Teething Timeline: Months 3–6
Bully puppies begin losing baby teeth around 12–16 weeks, with the full set of 42 adult teeth typically in place by 6–7 months. During this window, expect increased chewing, mild gum bleeding, and irritability.
Safe chew recommendations for teething Bully puppies:
- Kong Classic (puppy rubber, pink/blue): Stuff with plain yogurt and freeze for 2 hours — the cold soothes inflamed gums
- Benebone Wishbone (puppy formula): Nylon chew with bacon flavor, appropriate for aggressive chewers
- Frozen washcloth: Wet a clean washcloth, twist into a rope, freeze — supervise use and discard if pieces tear off
- Whimzees Puppy Chews: Digestible, grain-free dental chews sized for puppy mouths
Avoid: Rawhide (choking and intestinal blockage risk), real antlers (too hard — can fracture puppy teeth), and cooked bones (splinter hazard). If your puppy swallows a potentially dangerous object, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 (24/7, consultation fee applies).
Common Bully Puppy Problems and Solutions
American Bully puppies come with a specific set of behavioral challenges tied to their breed characteristics. Here's how to handle the big three:
Puppy Biting and Nipping
Bully puppies are mouthy — they explore the world with their jaws and have a strong prey-drive heritage. Biting peaks between 10–16 weeks and gradually decreases with consistent management.
How to stop puppy biting:
- When teeth touch skin, say "oops" in a neutral tone and immediately withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds (stand up, turn away, or step behind a baby gate)
- Redirect to an appropriate chew toy the moment they stop — reward chewing the toy with praise
- Ensure your puppy gets 3–4 structured play sessions daily; overtired puppies bite more
- Teach "leave it" starting at 10 weeks using positive reinforcement — place a treat in a closed fist, reward from the other hand when they stop nosing at it
Never hold your puppy's mouth shut, tap their nose, or use any physical correction. These methods increase anxiety and can trigger defensive aggression in bull-type breeds.
Whining in the Crate
Bully puppies are velcro dogs — they want to be with their people, and crate isolation can trigger protest vocalization. Distinguish between "I'm bored" whining and "I need to potty" whining by timing: if it's been less than 2 hours since the last outing and your puppy was exercised before crating, wait out the whining. Reward silence with a treat dropped through the crate. If it's been longer than their bladder capacity, take them out calmly on leash, then return to the crate.
Destructive Chewing
Bully puppies have powerful jaws even at 4 months old. A puppy that's destroying furniture is typically under-exercised, under-stimulated, or teething. Provide a minimum of 45–60 minutes of combined physical and mental exercise daily (split into short sessions). Rotate chew toys every 3 days to maintain novelty. Puppy-proof your home by using bitter apple spray on baseboards and keeping shoes in closed closets.
First-Year Cost Breakdown for a Bully Puppy
Budgeting accurately prevents sticker shock. Here's what to expect during your Bully puppy's first 12 months, based on 2025–2026 pricing across the United States:
| Category | Low Estimate | Average Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy purchase (responsible breeder) | $2,000 | $3,500 | $8,000+ (XL/show lines) |
| Initial vet visits + vaccines (first year) | $300 | $500 | $800 |
| Spay/neuter | $250 | $500 | $800 |
| Food (12 months, quality kibble) | $500 | $800 | $1,200 |
| Supplies (crate, bed, leash, collar, bowls, toys, gates) | $200 | $400 | $700 |
| Training (puppy class + basic obedience) | $150 | $350 | $800 (private sessions) |
| Flea/tick + heartworm prevention (annual) | $200 | $350 | $500 |
| Pet insurance (annual premium) | $400 | $700 | $1,100 |
| TOTAL FIRST YEAR (excluding purchase price) | $2,000 | $3,600 | $5,900 |
Set aside an emergency fund of $1,000–$2,000 for unexpected vet visits. Bully puppies are prone to skin allergies and ear infections, which can run $150–$400 per visit if not caught early.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bully Puppies
How often should I feed my Bully puppy at 10 weeks old?
At 10 weeks, feed your Bully puppy 4 meals per day, spaced roughly 4 hours apart during waking hours (e.g., 7 AM, 11 AM, 3 PM, 7 PM). Divide the daily portion equally across meals. Transition to 3 meals at 12 weeks and 2 meals at 6 months.
What vaccines does my Bully puppy need and when?
Core vaccines include DHPP at 6–8 weeks, 10–12 weeks, and 14–16 weeks, plus a rabies vaccine at 14–16 weeks. Non-core vaccines (Bordetella, Leptospirosis, Lyme, Canine Influenza) depend on your lifestyle and region. Your veterinarian will create a tailored schedule.
When will my Bully puppy be fully potty trained?
Most Bully puppies achieve reliable house training between 5 and 7 months with consistent scheduling and positive reinforcement. Setbacks during fear periods or environmental changes are normal. Persistent accidents beyond 8 months warrant a veterinary check.
How do I stop my Bully puppy from biting my hands and feet?
Use the redirect-and-withdraw method: the moment teeth touch skin, say a neutral marker word ("oops"), stand up, and withdraw attention for 10–15 seconds. Then offer an appropriate chew toy and praise enthusiastically when they bite the toy instead. Consistency from every household member is essential. Expect improvement within 2–4 weeks of consistent practice.
When can my Bully puppy go to the dog park?
Wait until one week after the final DHPP booster (typically around 17 weeks of age). Before then, socialize in controlled environments: private yards with known vaccinated dogs, puppy kindergarten classes requiring vaccine proof, and low-traffic outdoor areas carried in a sling or stroller.
Should I get pet insurance for my Bully puppy?
Strongly consider it. American Bullies are predisposed to hip dysplasia, skin allergies, cardiac conditions, and demodectic mange — conditions that can cost $2,000–$6,000 to treat. Enrolling at 8–10 weeks (before any pre-existing conditions are documented) gives you the broadest coverage. Compare providers like Trupanion, Healthy Paws, and Lemonade for breed-specific premiums.
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
