The American Bully breed has a wide range of coat colors and patterns. However, the tricolor pattern is particularly unique as it showcases three distinct colors on the coat.

A tri-color American Bully is a dog breed that stands out because it has three coat colors, which is different from the usual one or two colors seen in other breeds. There are three colors: a main color, white, and tan points. The base color can be blue, black, lilac, or brown.

The color of a coat can be influenced by various genes and patterns, including dilution or intensity genes, merle, or piebald. The patterns for white and tan can include creeping tan, piebald tri, tri merle, ghost tan, trindle, or ticked tri. Breeding American bullies should prioritize traits like build, temperament, and conformation over coat color.

The Origin of The Tricolor Gene in The American Bully?

The tricolor gene in the American Bully originates from the tan point gene, which has been a part of the breed since its beginning. The gene originated from crossbreeding bulldogs and smooth fox terriers during the 1800s. The smooth fox terrier likely inherited the tan point gene from black and tan terriers in the past century. The gene flows from the American pit bull terrier to the American bully and the American Staffordshire terrier.

What Causes a Tri-Color Coat Pattern?

Tricolor patterns in American bullies are determined by genetics that impact their coat colors. Coat colors in animals are determined by two pigments: red and black, both of which are types of melanin. The pigments’ interaction is controlled by the Agouti gene series, which includes the tan point gene. The tan point gene causes tricolor coat color and standard tan points in American bullies.

For a tricolor coat, the dog needs two copies of the tan point gene (at/at), one from each parent. The tan point allele is recessive and only becomes visible when two copies are inherited. American bullies can have the gene without showing tan points.

The tan point allele creates a solid color pattern with light-colored spots, not black and tan dogs. Spots can appear on various parts of the body, such as the legs, chest, under tail, and face, but their size and distribution can vary. The tan point allele’s color is influenced by other genes at different locations.

White spots can occur on tricolored American bullies, looking the same as on bicolor or single-colored bullies. Tricolored bullies can have markings of two different colors, depending on whether the markings are on the tan point sections.

Black bullies can sometimes partially overpower the dominant black allele, causing faded tan spots called ghost tan. Tricolor patterns in American Bullies are not random, but rather the result of specific genes that have been present in American Pit Bull Terrier bloodlines.

What Is the Temperament of a Tricolored American Bully?  

American Bully Puppy in a Park

Tri-colored American Bully is a curious, energetic, and playful dog

Can show aggression towards other dogs without proper training

Friendly and sociable toward humans

Intelligent, fearless, and cheerful guard dog

Outstanding tolerance for children and a strong urge to please its owner

Confident, amiable, but non-aggressive temperament

Adaptable and competent in performing a variety of tasks

Loyal and protective of its loved ones and property

Can be aggressive when provoked and has a high pain tolerance

Requires socialization and training from a consistent, confident, and firm owner

Needs to understand its place in the pack hierarchy and follow well-outlined rules

Excellent companion dog and a property guardian

Not suitable for unskilled owners who neglect the dog’s innate urge to form a pack

Training should aim to elevate the dog to the pack leader position for a successful relationship

Why Tri-Colored American Bullies Are Rare

Tricolored American Bullies are considered to be a rare breed due to a deliberate avoidance of breeding them by many breeders over multiple generations. The prevailing belief that tricolored dogs are mixed breeds has led to a perception of undesirability among certain individuals.

Mixed-breed bullies are typically avoided by breeders since they prefer to produce purebred bullies with impressive pedigrees. Additionally, breeders prioritize game skills over coat color, focusing on the qualities of the original bully sires, the American Pit Bull Terrier, and the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Bully gene pool hardly ever yields tricolor bullies, despite deliberate breeding efforts. It is important to note that there are no health issues associated with the tricolor coat pattern, and it does not harm the health of the American Bully. 

Factors Affecting Tricolor Offspring in American Bullies

The offspring of tricolor American bullies can be influenced by various factors. Two American bullies that are not tricolored can still produce tricolor puppies if both parents carry the recessive tan point gene. However, even if both parents are tricolored, it does not guarantee that their offspring will also be tricolored.

The visibility of tan points, which is necessary for a dog to be considered tricolor, depends on other factors. If a puppy inherits one or more copies of the Dominant Black gene, or if it is Recessive Red or solid white, the tan points will not be visible. In such cases, the puppy would not be classified as tricolored, despite carrying the tan point. 

What Is the Size of The Tricolored American Bully? 

The American bully breed is known for its four recognized sizes: XL, Standard, Classic, and Pocket.

The XL bully weighs 85+ pounds and stands 20-23 inches tall.

The Standard bully weighs 60-85 pounds and stands 17-20 inches tall.

The Classic bully weighs 50-70 pounds and stands 17-20 inches tall.

The Pocket bully weighs 20-25 pounds and stands 14-17 inches tall.

In addition, there are other types of bullies such as

The Micro/Exotic bully: This particular type is smaller than the Pocket bully and is often associated with health issues and a shorter lifespan.

The Extreme bully: is known for its appearance rather than its size. It has an extremely muscular build.

The XXL American bully: is a larger version of the breed, standing taller than 23 inches. However, it is currently unrecognized due to additional health concerns.  

Factors To Consider Before Buying Tricolor American Bully

When breeding for a tricolor American Bully, factors such as temperament, size, and budget should be considered.
American Bullies are known for their loving, gentle, and loyal nature, making them ideal family pets.

They show less dog-on-human aggression than Pitbulls and are gentle with children.

Socialization and training are important for this powerful breed.

Size options include Standard and Classic Bullies.

American Bullies can be expensive, especially with exotic coat colors, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

Planning early and securing the necessary funds is essential.

Tricolored American Bullies come in standard, classic, and XL sizes.

They require enough space to move around comfortably.

They may have difficulty adapting to extreme weather conditions, especially extreme heat.

They need appropriate care and attention during hot and cold seasons.

Tricolored American Bullies are high-energy dogs that require regular exercise.

Long walks or runs are recommended to keep them stimulated and happy.

Their remarkable personalities make them great pets.

The main distinction of this breed is their coat color, not superiority over other Bullies.

Owning a tricolored American Bully requires responsibility and commitment to ensure their happiness and health.

Are Tan Point Genes Linked to Any Health Issues?

The expression of tan point genes is what gives a tri-color bully its unique appearance. It’s important to note that these genes are recessive, meaning they can be easily overshadowed by more dominant genes.

In various cases, such as the merle gene recessive genes can be linked to potential health concerns.

Fortunately, it is important to note that while the tan point gene is recessive, it does not imply any potential health concerns.

American bullies can undoubtedly inherit a few diseases, but just because a bully is tri-colored doesn’t mean it is more likely to have health problems.

Are Tricolor Bullies Distinct From Other Bullies?

Tricolored and single/bicolor American bullies differ solely in their physical appearance. Tricolor coat patterns are found in all dog breeds. Personality and temperament are essentially the same.

American Bully Dog sitting on the grass.

The American Bully remains a friendly and peaceful companion, regardless of coat color or pattern. Ultimately, the decision to own a tricolor or normal bully rests on your personal aesthetic preference.

The tri-colored American Bully is a stunning and tolerant companion, perfect for your family. These American bulldogs require the same level of care as single- and bi-colored bulldogs.