As a relatively new designer breed, they are still quite rare, and puppies are usually expensive. The pocket bully is a pit bull-type dog with typical traits and characteristics, such as those seen in the American pit bull terrier, in a more compact package.
Interestingly, their physical characteristics are similar to French bulldogs, but they aren’t related. Like the Frenchie, this exotic bully’s small size makes them a great family companion dog.
The pocket bully can have the wiry coat of a rough-coated Patterdale terrier, or the smooth single coat of the pit bull type, depending on their genetics. Usually, though, micro bully breeders will breed a smooth-coated Patterdale terrier with the pit bull, resulting in a single coat type among litters.
Micro bullies come in all sorts of colors, from fawn to black. As per the UKC breed standard, white isn’t an acceptable primary color for the Patterdale terrier, so this color is especially rare for a micro bully. Aside from white marks on their chest, don’t expect to see this color represented much.
Patterdale terriers are small dogs that weigh between 11 and 13 pounds, while the American bully is a medium-sized breed weighing between 35 to 75 pounds. Expect most pocket bullies to weigh towards the lighter end of the scale, usually between 10 to 25 pounds. With short legs and a muscular build, these hybrid dogs share the physical traits of a standard bully in a smaller size.
Since they aren’t recognized by kennel clubs, there is a lack of breed-specific research on these dogs. However, as with other genetic conditions in canines, the pocket bully may share some of the health issues from parent breeds. They might also have health concerns that are found in other compact dogs, such as the French bulldog. Here are some conditions you might want to be aware of:
The pocket bully is considered an exotic breed that will cost you a pretty penny upfront. However, the upfront costs are still lower than a lifetime of medical bills. Pet health insurance can help you reduce out-of-pocket expenses by allowing you to pay a low monthly fee and annual deductible, instead of tackling an emergency vet bill all at once.
During the 1990s, the American bully emerged due to selectively breeding the American pit bull terrier and the English bulldog. This designer crossbreed was one of the first all-American mixes, but it has yet to be recognized by some major kennel associations, such as the AKC.
The much smaller Patterdale terrier is a well-known breed in the United Kingdom, but isn’t as popular in the United States. These small terriers were bred for ratting. Although they’re not yet recognized by the AKC, the Patterdale terrier is in good standing with several other registries, such as the United Kennel Club and the National Kennel Club.
The term pocket bully most often refers to American bully/Patterdale terrier crosses. However, some breeders use the term to refer to smaller than average, “pocket-sized” American bullies.
After you adopt your pocket bully, you’ll need to take them on their first trip to the vet and schedule all of their vaccinations. As your pocket bully grows, we can give you tips on how to puppy-proof your home and prepare for teething. No one likes to think about losing their new best friend, but FidoAlert provides a free Fido ID and tag, so you’re covered just in case.
The micro bully doesn’t require as much exercise as a high-energy breed such as the Australian cattle dog. Even so, you should make sure you have at least 30 minutes to an hour in your daily schedule to walk your pocket bully before committing to pet parenthood. Physical activity keeps your pocket bully in healthy condition and also alleviates boredom and stress, two emotions that can result in a rebellious or mischievous pup.
Pocket bullies usually have a smooth, single coat with minimal grooming requirements. You’ll want to brush your micro bully at least once a week to distribute their natural oils across their coat, keeping it shiny and nourished. Bathe them approximately once a month or when necessary with a gentle dog-friendly shampoo that won’t strip their coat.
Did you know that 80% of dogs show signs of periodontal disease by age 3? Brushing your dog’s teeth daily and scheduling routine dental cleanings as recommended by your veterinarian can lower their risks of developing this disease. You should also trim their nails once a month or as needed. If you have trouble doing this on your own, consider taking them to a groomer or your vet.
A well-balanced diet can help prevent obesity and other health problems that can affect your pocket bully. Deep-chested breeds are also more susceptible to bloat, so divide their daily portion into two meals instead of feeding them all at once.
Always consult your vet to determine the best diet that takes into account factors such as individual needs, life stage, and common health issues. Since the pocket bully is a mixed breed, how much food you need to feed them per day is largely up to the individual dog. Your vet will be able to give you guidance on this as well.
As with all dogs, regardless of breed, you’ll want to begin training your pocket bully as soon as you can for the best results. Pit bull breeds sometimes receive a bad reputation for being aggressive dogs, but most have sweet temperaments and hearts of gold. Proper training and early socialization can positively reinforce those traits, lowering their risk of getting out of line later on.
Adopting a dog is a lifetime investment, so it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:
Although they’re not considered a breed by any major kennel associations, the pocket bully is a cross between the Patterdale terrier and the American bully.
Despite the stigma believed by the general public, pit bull breeds aren’t inherently aggressive. Their temperament depends more on how they were raised than any genetic influences. If they were properly socialized around people from a young age, bully breeds aren’t likely to become aggressive unless they perceive a threat.
Depending on the breeder, a pocket bully is either a cross between the American bully and the Patterdale terrier or a smaller American bully that’s produced by breeding two runts. Their height ranges between 10 and 22 inches, with most probably closer to the middle of the scale. The parent breeds weigh anywhere between 11 and 75 pounds, but this hybrid dog tends to hover between 10 and 25 pounds.
