Showing
ABKC Show Classes Explained — Standard, Pocket, XL and Classic
One of the most common points of confusion for new owners and first-time exhibitors is understanding the four ABKC American Bully classes. Which class does my dog belong in? What are the height requirements? What is the difference between Classic and Standard? Let me break it down clearly.
The Four ABKC Classes
The American Bully is judged in four separate classes based primarily on height at the withers. Three of the four classes are separated by height alone. The fourth — the Classic — is separated by mass and build rather than height.
Standard Class
Males: 17 to 20 inches at the withers
Females: 16 to 19 inches at the withers
The Standard is the original American Bully class and the benchmark against which all other classes are compared. A Standard Bully should show heavy bone, substantial muscle, and clear breed type. This is the most competitive class at most shows.
Pocket Class
Males: Under 17 inches, no less than 14 inches
Females: Under 16 inches, no less than 13 inches
The Pocket Bully is a smaller version of the Standard. It should maintain the same build, muscle, and breed type as the Standard — just in a compact package. The Pocket trend was popularized by Dave Wilson's dog Little Row, which became the trend setter for all Pocket dogs today.
XL Class
Males: Over 20 inches up to 23 inches
Females: Over 19 inches up to 22 inches
The XL Bully is the largest class. A correctly built XL should still show balance, breed type, and correct movement despite its size. Size alone does not make an XL winner — breed type and structure matter equally.
Classic Class
Height: Same as Standard
Difference: Lighter bone and less overall mass
This is where many people get confused. The Classic is NOT a separate height class — it shares the same height as Standard. What separates it is the body type. A Classic Bully has a lighter frame, less mass, and a leaner appearance. It still shows strength, breed type, and balance — just in a leaner build.
The Classic was created to celebrate the original Pit Bull influenced build that preceded the heavy mass look. It should never look like a Pitbull, but it will appear noticeably lighter than a Standard of the same height.
Key Rules Every Exhibitor Must Know
- The first judge must measure all questionable dogs and lock the books for the entire show. If a dog is measured oversize or undersize at the start, it cannot move to another class.
- If a dog does not allow the judge to view its bite, it is a mandatory withhold. No exceptions.
- Once a dog is disqualified, it cannot re-enter that weekend.
- Merle is now officially allowed in ABKC competition as of October 2025 per Dave Wilson's ruling.
- Merle dogs with blue or bi-colored eyes cannot be penalized for their eye color in the show ring.
Which Class Does My Dog Belong In?
Measure your dog at the withers (the highest point of the shoulder blades) when standing naturally. That measurement determines your class. If your dog falls between classes — for example a male measuring exactly 17 inches — it goes into Standard, not Pocket.
For Classic, the determination is visual and structural. If your dog is within Standard height but has a lighter frame and less mass, it may be better suited to Classic competition. Consult an experienced judge or mentor before deciding.
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