The tri-colored American Bully is a unique and highly recognizable dog breed that has been steadily increasing in popularity over the years. It is known for its distinctive coat colors and pattern.
Owners of tri-colored Bullies often take great pride in their pet’s unique appearance and may choose to participate in dog shows or other competitions to showcase their dog’s coat pattern and conformation.
This article will discuss their history, physical characteristics, how their color has come to be, and their health. So continue reading to know more about this striking breed!
What Is a Tri-Color Bully?
A tri-colored Bully is an American Bully that has three coat colors evident on its fur rather than the typical one with one or two colors. Their coat exhibits a base color along with tan and white points. The base color options include black, blue, chocolate, and lilac.
Rare genes found in the Bully breed’s agouti gene locus produce this particular color. To produce tri-color Bullies, both parents must carry the recessive tan point gene.
To determine the different shades and identify if a Bully is tri-color, DNA testing is the most effective method.
Furthermore, white and tan colors may incorporate patterns such as creeping tan, piebald tri, tri merle, ghost tan, trindle, or ticked tri seen in American Bullies.
Are Tri-Color Bullies Rare?
Tri-color Bullies are a rare find in the Bully breed. The reasons for their rarity can be attributed to various factors, including genetics and selective breeding.
Because it necessitates mixing two recessive genes (tan point gene), these particular Bullies would not exist without premeditated breeding effort.
Additionally, breeders were reluctant to breed tri-colored dogs for generations because of the mistaken belief that they were mixed breeds. This resulted in many people viewing them as undesirable.
Given that prospective buyers typically value purebred bullies with impressive pedigrees and other desirable traits, it is understandable that breeders may be hesitant to produce mixed-breed bullies.
The tri-color trademark is exceptionally rare, and only about 15% of the American Bully population exhibits this particular coloration.
8 Different Types of Tri-Color Bully
The distinctive tri-color pattern of the American Bully breed is composed of three distinct and separate colors: a base color, tan, and white.
It is worth noting that the base color can vary from the range of coat colors commonly seen in American Bully breeds, such as black, lilac, blue, and chocolate.
These are some unique coat patterns and colors that have captured the hearts of many dog lovers worldwide:
1. Black Tri Bully
The black tri Bully is the most commonly observed among the tricolors, consisting of a black base with tan and white hues on their fur.
They are primarily black, covering the back and sides area and out part of the legs.
The base color is accompanied by a white chest and tan points on their eyebrows, cheeks, and parts of their legs.
2. Blue Tri Bully
Blue tri American Bullies are quite rare and have a shade of blue-gray on the back, with tan points on their eyebrows, muzzle, and legs, and white on their chest.
The blue coloration of the coat is caused by the dilution of the black pigment in the fur, which gives it a unique bluish-gray hue. This usually affects dogs with black and liver coats.
This dilution also causes the black areas of the coat to appear lighter, creating a beautiful contrast with the white areas of the fur.
3. Lilac Tri Bully
Found to be rarer than the blue tri Bully, the lilac tri Bully has a beautiful blend of lilac, tan, and white. The white coloration is usually found on the chest, belly, and paws, creating a contrast with other areas of the fur.
Similar to how the blue tri Bully gets its color, the lilac tri Bully also involves the diluting gene, but in this case, the chocolate or brown pigment is diluted to become liver.
When combined with the diluted black (blue) pigment, it produces a distinct soft purplish-grey hue or “lilac” shade.
The combination of this rare effect, along with the tri-color of the Bully makes it exceptionally distinctive and the rarest of all the tri-color patterns.
4. Choco Tri Bully
The chocolate shade, also known as liver, is caused by a recessive gene that dilutes the black gene giving its choco coat color. For this particular reason, they are considered to be less common than the black tri Bully.
The patterns and distribution of colors on a chocolate tri-color bully’s coat may differ from one dog to another, but they certainly possess a chocolate base coat with tan and white tones present on their head, legs, and chest.
5. Brindle Tri Bully (Trindle)
This is yet another rare combination of the tri-color pattern. The brindle tri-coloration in American Bullies is a combination of three colors: black, white, and brown.
The brindle pattern consists of black stripes on a lighter background, which can be any color ranging from white to fawn.
The tan coloration is typically found on the dog’s face, legs, and belly, adding an extra layer of depth to the already impressive brindle pattern.
The coloration of a trindle American Bully can vary greatly depending on the dog’s genetics. Some trindles may have a more pronounced brindle pattern, while others may have a more subtle coloration.
6. Piebald Tri Bully
As the name suggests, American Bullies have a tri-color coat pattern with large irregular patches or a “pied” pattern and two other colors, often black/brown and white.
Piebald coat patterns may exhibit differences in size and distribution and may have varying coat colors depending on their breeding line and genetic makeup.
While this coat pattern is commonly found in other dog breeds, it is considered to be quite rare in American Bullies.
7. Ghost Tri Bully
The ghost tri Bully color combination is not something that you hear every day. Their coats usually have a combination of black and white and a somewhat lighter “ghost-like” variation of black.
The tan points from the tri-color pattern are diluted due to a lack of the Dominant Black (K) allele, resulting in a unique coat pattern. Occasionally, the tan points on a dog’s coat may become more visible as the dog matures.
The ghost tri Bully gets its name from its unique coat coloration, which includes a white base coat that can make it difficult to see in low-light conditions.
8. Merle Tri Bully
A merle tri American Bully features another distinctive pattern that includes a blend of three colors. Typically they have white, tan, and patches of color that are mottled and blended, giving the coat a marbled appearance.
The tan and white patches usually appear on the face, legs, and chest, while the black-blue patches are more prominent on the back and sides.
The merle gene is a dominant gene that can cause health issues when two merle dogs are bred together.
Moreover, due to its association with a variety of health problems, the AKC does not recognize merle as an acceptable coat coloration.
To know more about which colors are considered to be most popular among tri-color Bullies, watch the video below:
Tri-Color Bully Appearance
American Bullies gained recognition from the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) in 2004 and by the United Kennel Club in 2013.
One of the most striking features of a tri-color Bully is its head, which is often large and square-shaped with a short muzzle and large nose.
Their ears are typically medium-sized and can be either floppy or erect, while their eyes are round and set far apart. A tri-color Bully’s neck is thick and muscular, leading down to a broad chest and sturdy legs.
Additionally, one of the defining characteristics of the American Bully is its size, which can vary depending on the specific type or category of American Bully.
Below are the four categories of American Bully, determined by their height at the shoulder and weight. They all display the tri-color characteristic:
| Size of the bully | Weight | Height |
| XL Bully | 85+ pounds | 20 – 23 inches |
| Standard Bully | 60 – 85 pounds | 17 – 20 inches |
| Classic Bully | 50 – 70 pounds | 17 – 20 inches |
| Pocket Bully | 20 – 25 pounds | 14 – 17 inches |
It is important to note that these size categories are not recognized by all kennel clubs, and breed standards can vary between countries.
Tri-Color Bully Color Genetics
To exhibit the tri-color pattern in dogs, the presence of the tan point gene is essential. The tri-color pattern encompasses three distinct colors, including base color, white, and tan.
Base colors, such as black, blue, lilac, or chocolate, can be influenced by other factors such as dilution (d/d), intensity, or other patterns like merle or piebald.
The tri-color coat pattern and traditional tan points in dogs are attributed to the tan point allele (at), which is part of the Agouti (A) gene series consisting of four alleles.
To display the tan point coat color pattern, two copies of this recessive genetic trait are necessary.
Additionally, a dog can carry the tan point gene without actually showing any tan points on their coat. Its recessive nature means that it can remain concealed for several generations until two copies of it are inherited.
Even if a dog carries two copies of the traditional tan point allele and has no visible tan points or is entirely concealed by white, dominant Black (K), or recessive red (e/e), it wouldn’t be regarded as “tri-colored” as per the definition.
Do Tri-Color Bully Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
Yes, while it is true that a tri-color Bully puppy’s coat and base color may change somewhat as they mature, it is unlikely to change significantly enough to alter the tri-color pattern.
The coat colors may appear more muted or faded as they grow older, but the traditional tan points may become more pronounced as the puppy grows, and the white areas may appear brighter and more defined.
Tri-Color Bully Temperament and Personality
American Bullies are known to be generally amicable and extroverted. The characteristics of tri-colored Bullies don’t vary significantly from that of solid-coated and bi-colored Bullies and could demonstrate the same traits.
But like the case in any dog breed, their temperament can differ greatly.
The exceptional tolerance for children and eagerness to please its owner are among the standout qualities of this rare dog breed, making it an excellent choice for families.
The breed is also characterized by its well-rounded, confident, playful, and patient nature. Bullies are loyal and highly protective of their owners, considered great companions.
Nonetheless, like with all breeds, it’s crucial to socialize and train young tri-colored American Bullies to ensure that they develop into well-behaved dogs.
Tri-Color Bully Lifespan and Health Issues
The typical tri-Color Bully has a lifespan of around 10 to 13 years. However, like any other dog, their life expectancy can vary depending on various factors such as genetics, environment, diet, and overall health.
Since the tri-colored American Bully is a recent breed, it remains uncertain which health problems are specifically associated with this breed. Some of the most common health issues seen in this breed include:
- Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common health issue seen in many muscular breeds of dogs such as the tri-color Bullies. This condition occurs during growth when the hip joint does not develop properly, leading to arthritis, pain, and difficulty moving.
- Elbow Dysplasia: This is another abnormality connected to growth, which is a similar joint issue. Elbow dysplasia may result in other joint issues as affected dogs attempt to self-correct to alleviate discomfort, which can lead to the development of arthritis.
- Heart Disease: Tri-color American Bullies may be born with congenital heart failure, which can progress to heart failure in their later years if not treated. Since heart failure can greatly affect them, it is advisable to seek veterinary care regularly if a genetic diagnosis has been made.
By providing proper care and attention to your Bully through regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise, you can minimize the risk of developing any health issues.
How Much Does a Tri-Color Bully Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
When it comes to pricing, the cost of a tri-bully can vary widely depending on several factors, including the dog’s bloodline, pedigree, age, as well as color pattern.
The table below is an estimate of the prices that can be anticipated for the tri-colored Bullies with respect to their color patterns:
| Tri-Color Variant | Puppy Price |
| Black Tri Bully | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Blue Tri Bully | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Lilac Tri Bully | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| Choco Tri Bully | $5,000 – $7,000 |
| Brindle Tri Bully | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| Piebald Tri Bully | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| Ghost Tri Bully | $10,000 – $15,000 |
Other than the initial purchase price, there are several other expenses when it comes to owning a tri-color Bully puppy.
Here is a list of a few essential expenses that would be needed when you first get your puppy:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
If you’re considering bringing a tri-color Bully puppy into your home, it’s essential to be prepared for the financial responsibilities that come with pet ownership.
Places to Find Tri-Color Bully Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Finding a reputable breeder or adoption agency that specializes in tri-color Bullies can be a daunting task. Here are some places to check out if you’re looking to buy a pup:
- AKC Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is a trusted online platform that connects potential dog owners with reputable breeders who adhere to the AKC’s standards and practices. It serves as a reliable resource for finding purebred puppies, including tri-color Bullies.
- Greenfield Puppies – This online platform works with a network of reputable breeders who meet certain standards and regulations. They prioritize transparency and aim to ensure that the puppies they list come from caring and responsible breeders.
- Texas Size Bullies – This is a reputable breeder that specializes in breeding quality and champion line pocket American Bullies. Their commitment to ethical breeding practices has made them a trusted source for those seeking a remarkable American Bully companion. Some of their dams and sires are tri-colored, so it is certain that they may produce tri-colored pups from time to time.
If you’re interested in adopting a tri-colored Bully and giving them a loving home, here are various rescue websites and organizations dedicated to finding these unique pups:
- Petfinder – This is a leading online resource for pet adoption, connecting potential adopters with shelters. Their extensive database allows users to search for adoptable pets by breed, age, location, etc. They have a selection of tri-colored Bullies ready to be adopted.
- KOA Bully Rescue and Sanctuary – This dedicated organization focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating Bullies in need. They provide a safe haven for these dogs, offering medical care, behavioral support, and a nurturing environment. They are committed to finding loving forever homes for their rescued Bullies, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve.
- New York Bully Crew – A renowned rescue organization that specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating Bully breeds, including tri-colored Bullies, in New York and beyond. Committed to ending animal cruelty, they provide medical care and rehabilitation and find loving homes for these deserving dogs.
When searching for a puppy, it is essential to do your research and only work with reputable breeders or adoption agencies.
Best Dog Names for Your Tri-Color American Bully Puppy
Searching for the perfect name for your tri-colored Bully puppy may be hard, but it’s best to find a name that reflects their unique coloring and personality.
Whether you’re looking for something classic, trendy, or quirky, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Here are some of the best dog names for your tri-color Bully puppy:
- Onyx
- Coco
- Domino
- Shadow
- Panda
- Cookie
- Harley
These are just a few of the many great names to choose from when it comes to naming your tri-color puppy.
So take some time to get to know your new furry friend, and let their individuality guide you to the perfect name.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Tri-Color Bullies Aggressive?
No, tri-color Bullies are not inherently aggressive. They are known to be friendly, social, and loyal dogs that form strong bonds with their owners.
Like any dog, however, their temperament and behavior can be influenced by factors such as their environment, upbringing, and training.
It is crucial to note that any dog, regardless of breed, can display aggressive behavior if they are not properly trained and socialized.
Tri-color bullies, like all dogs, require early and consistent socialization, training, and exercise to prevent behavior problems from developing.
How Many American Bully Colors Are There?
From solid colors like black and blue to multi-colored patterns like tri-color and merle, there is a variety of colors to suit every preference.
When it comes to American Bullies, there are several commonly accepted coat colors, including fawn, striped (non-brindle), red nose family, tri-Color, solid color, and those combined with white fawn.
Additionally, variations and combinations of these colors are also possible, making each American Bully’s coat truly unique.
What Is the Rarest Bully Color?
The albino American Bully or White Rhino is considered to be one of the rarest colors in the breed and also considered to be the most expensive.
One of the common misconceptions is that white Bullies are incorrectly classified as albinos. To be officially recognized as an albino dog, the Bully must completely lack the genes required to produce melanin.
In an Albino bully, the skin, nose, eyes, and areas around the mouth will appear very pale or bleached. Although there may be some pigmentation in their eyes, they will mostly appear pale or translucent.
Final Thoughts
Tri-color American Bullies are a unique and sought-after variation of the American Bully breed. These dogs exhibit a distinctive coat color pattern and personality that makes them stand out from other Bullies.
Their striking coat colors, combined with their muscular build, make them a popular choice for many dog lovers.
Tri-color Bullies are also known for their friendly and loyal temperament, making them great family pets. Overall, Tri-color American Bullies are a wonderful breed that offers both beauty and companionship to their owners.
If you’re looking to get a tri-color Bully, let us know which particular color pattern has piqued your interest in the comment section below!
