The Birth of the American Bully and the Founding of the Bloodlines Kennel Club

Los Angeles is widely recognized as the birthplace of the American Bully. In 2002, Breed Specific Legislation (BSL) was introduced in California, targeting several dog breeds—most notably, the American Pit Bull Terrier and its owners. These laws made exceptions only for dogs registered with established organizations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), the United Kennel Club (UKC), and the American Dog Breeders Association (ADBA).

This legislation disproportionately impacted a specific demographic of dog owners whose canines, though rooted in the American Pit Bull Terrier lineage, did not conform to the narrow standards set by these kennel clubs. As a result, many owners were forced to spay or neuter their pets, with no alternatives or exceptions.

To address this gap and provide a legitimate platform for these dogs and their owners, the Bloodlines Kennel Club (BKC) was established. The BKC recognized a distinct style of dog—heavier-boned, more muscular, with broader features than the traditional standard—giving rise to what is now known as the American Bully. The breed was defined with four primary varieties: Standard, Classic, Pocket, and XL.

The BKC began organizing in 2003 and successfully hosted its first dog show on June 26, 2004, at the Los Angeles Fairgrounds in Pomona, California. This inaugural event was nationally televised by ABC and featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live. The momentum continued with a second show on August 27, 2005, again in Pomona, featuring special guests Cesar Millan, Linda Blair, and Big Dane from Pimp My Ride. This event drew over 2,000 attendees and distributed numerous awards recognizing excellence in conformation.

In 2006, the BKC returned to Pomona for its third annual event, now attracting over 1,000 dogs and more than 5,000 spectators. The show was covered by The Braverman Project and featured in a widely circulated DVD.

By this time, the BKC had developed and published its own breed standard, authored by Roger Calderon, a UKC inspector. This move officially brought the American Bully into compliance with California BSL requirements and legitimized the breed within the broader canine community.

The ability to showcase these dogs in the conformation ring, with recognized standards and meaningful awards, played a vital role in proving the dedication and responsibility of American Bully owners. We remain grateful for the support of media outlets like ABC and influential figures such as Cesar Millan and Linda Blair, whose participation helped elevate the credibility of the breed and its community.