What’s better than an American Bully? A Pocket Bully! These miniature dogs have taken all of our hearts!
Pocket American Bullies have all the good traits of Pit Bull breeds but in a smaller package. This is what makes them so cute. Don’t you just want to cuddle with them all day long?
Still, while they might look like large toys, these are living beings with their own needs and characteristics. Anyone wanting to become a Pocket Bully owner should first become familiar with this breed and see if they’ve got what it takes.
This is when this guide comes into play!
I’m here to help you learn all there is to know about Pocket Bullies, including their temperaments, trainability, and whether there are some specific regulations when it comes to owning them.
I’ll also include some pictures of Pocket Bullies so you can see for yourself what’s the hype about!
Here we go!
Pocket Bully Breed Overview
| Height | Weight | Grooming |
|---|---|---|
| 14 – 17 ins | 30 – 50 lbs | Low |
| Exercise | Lifespan | Temperament |
|---|---|---|
| Moderate | 10 – 14 years | Playful, friendly |
History Of The Pocket Bully
In the 1990s, when Pitbulls were still used as fighting dogs, a group of dog enthusiasts and breeders decided to create a similar dog that would be considered family-friendly without the stigma that follows all Pitbull dogs.
To achieve that, they bred Pitbulls with English Bulldogs, creating a calmer, more muscular breed more suited for being a family pet rather than a working dog or a dog that would be in the ring. This is how the American Bully was first bred.
American Bullies are one of the first all-American mixed-breed dogs, which is the main reason behind its name.
In 2004, the American Bully Kennel Club was established as the national breed club for these doggies.
Several years afterward, when the craze for miniature dog breeds was at its peak, other breeders got the idea to mix the American Bullies with Patterdale Terrier, a small ratter dog fairly unknown in the United States but popular in Europe.
This is how Pocket Bullies were made, the smaller versions of regular Bullies. Almost all of these small dogs you can find today are descendants of the first American Bully Patterdale Terrier mixes.
The American Bully breed, including Pocket Bullies, falls under the Pitbull umbrella term and is now considered one of the 5 Pitbull breeds.
Is Pocket Bully A Registered Dog Breed?
In a way, Pocket Bully can be considered a mixed breed. However, all purebred dogs were once mutts, although many decades or even centuries ago.
Modern breeds are products of combining various dog breeds to make canines that could fulfill a specific purpose, whether that be working dogs, therapy dogs, or simply family pets.
This doesn’t stop them from becoming recognized by kennel clubs once the breed standard can be established.
However, no American Bully is recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC). This club treats them as mixed dogs, so you cannot get registration papers.
American Bullies are recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). However, their breed standard only accepts one Bully size – the standard one. This means that you couldn’t register your Pocket Bully with the UKC, either.
However, the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) recognizes four sizes of American Bullies, including:
- XL
- Standard
- Classic
This means that you can get your Pocket Bully registered, although not with the major kennel club.
Don’t let this worry you. This doesn’t indicate that there is anything wrong with Pocket Bullies, and the only downside is that you cannot have your pup participate in most conformation shows. They still make amazing family pets and great dogs.
Appearance
Pocket Bullies are known for their short, muscular build. They have the same physical characteristics as American Bullies, but smaller, which is a part of their charm.
They have brachycephalic faces, short, floppy ears that are typically cropped, and their long, thin tails are docked. Like other Bullies, they have short legs, a feature that adds to their cuteness.
Another feature is their short fur, and, just like other American Bullies, it comes in many colors and patterns.
As for their eyes, they are big and round, and the color usually varies from dark brown to hazel. Some dogs, such as blue or merle Pocket Bullies, might also have blue eyes.
Pocket Bully Size
Despite what the title says, Pocket Bullies are not exactly the smallest American Bullies. Micro Bullies are even tinier. However, Pocket Bullies are the smallest official Bully type.
Females typically grow between 14 and 16 inches, although some can be as small as 13 inches. Males are somewhat taller, standing between 15 and 17 inches.
The biggest difference in male vs female Pocket Bullies is in their weight. While females rarely weigh more than 35 lbs, males can reach the weight of up to 50 lbs, which is quite significant.
When you look at their growth chart, it’s clear that these are small to medium-sized dogs, and they don’t fall into the true toy category. They certainly wouldn’t be able to fit into your pocket!
Temperament
When you look at the history of Pocket Bullies, it’s apparent that, unlike most other Pitbull breeds, American Bullies were designed with the sole purpose of being family pets. The same goes for Pocket Bullies.
They are loyal dogs that will follow their owners every step. In fact, you might consider them to be velcro dogs!
Keep in mind that this also means they can be prone to separation anxiety. If you are someone who works long office hours, this might not be the dog that is best suited for you.
Pocket Bullies aren’t known to be big barkers, and they’ll rarely vocalize themselves. This is another reason why they might be an amazing choice for apartment living.
They are very protective, and they’ll keep you safe no matter where you go. Don’t let their size fool you – they can be fierce if they need to. Also, they are very good at recognizing true dangerous situations, so don’t expect them to snap due to jealousy.
While they don’t require too much activity, these compact dogs do have moderate energy levels. They are part-ratters, after all! Still, they are suited for apartments as long as you can provide them with the right amount of exercise.
Finally, they are very playful and funny, so expect them to make you happy all day long!
Are Pocket Bullies Aggressive?
All Pitbull breeds have a bad reputation for being aggressive. This is why they are banned or restricted in many countries.
The truth is that any dog can be aggressive. This mostly comes down to his upbringing and whether the owners have properly socialized them. Most dogs aren’t born with aggressive tendencies, and the same goes for all types of Pitbulls.
Pocket Bullies have some of the calmest and friendliest temperaments of all Pitbull-type dogs. They are affectionate dogs that just want to make their owners happy.
If the owners don’t give them the love they desire, they might become confused. This only becomes worse if the owner punishes the dog, neglects him, or teaches him to be aggressive toward other animals.
Sadly, this can happen to any dog, regardless of the breed. As a result, I am certain that there are some Pocket Bullies that might exhibit aggressive tendencies. However, this is not standard behavior for these dogs. Most are extremely loveable and social and wouldn’t hurt a fly.
Is Pocket Bully A Good Family Dog?
Pocket Bullies make amazing family dogs!
Their calm demeanor makes them suitable for small children, and they can be very patient nannies. Also, they are the perfect size for a young kid! They aren’t large, so they won’t accidentally hurt a toddler during playtime, and they aren’t too small, so the child won’t accidentally hurt them.
As they are social dogs, they love big families! The more people around to play with them, the merrier! In fact, they might not be the best choice for a person living alone, as they can become lonely when the owner goes outside without them.
Are Pocket Bullies Good With Other Dogs?
In general, Pocket Bullies aren’t aggressive with other dogs as long as they aren’t provoked.
However, it’s essential to keep in mind that this is a hybrid dog designed to be a human companion. While this doesn’t make him dangerous to other dogs, they might need a bit more training and early socialization.
Fortunately, they aren’t too territorial, so they aren’t likely to start any conflicts.
Another issue is their high prey drive. It might not be the best idea to leave them alone with small pets such as parrots or hamsters, at least not until you are certain your pup is used to them.
Still, as Pocket Bully temperament is rather mild, most people don’t have any issues keeping them in households with multiple pets. Simply take your time to make sure your Pocket Bully puppy is properly taught to deal with new situations and new animals around him.
Grooming Needs
As mentioned, Pocket Bullies have short, smooth coats. This can trick many people into thinking they are non-shedding or even hypoallergenic.
However, they have thick undercoats, so they are prone to shedding. Sure, they won’t shed as much as some long-haired dog breeds, but you’ll still find hairs where you’re not supposed to!
Also, they are as far from hypoallergenic as possible. Not only do they shed, but they also drool a lot.
What causes allergies isn’t dog hair but rather a protein located in the dog’s dandruff, urine, and saliva. While these are easily spread via hair, I would consider drooling to be the bigger issue.
Still, they are very easy to groom. All you need to do is give them a good brush every now and then to help reduce shedding and keep their skin healthy.
They do require regular baths, though, so their paws don’t start smelling like Fritos. The wrinkles on their faces might need some additional cleaning.
Don’t forget teeth brushing and nail clipping!
Trainability
Many pet owners get swayed by these pups’ adorable faces and forget they need proper training, as well.
Luckily for you, with their high intelligence and obedient personalities, Pocket Bullies are very easy to train.
They love to listen to their owners and do anything to make you proud of them. As a result, you can teach them how to do new tricks without almost any effort!
Just remember that these are sensitive dogs. They won’t respond well to yelling or scolding, and they might even refuse to keep up with training if you hurt their feelings.
On the other hand, positive reinforcement can do wonders. They are very food-oriented, so get their favorite treats, and they’ll do anything you ask of them.
They are also fairly easy to socialize, although you need to start early, especially if you want to introduce them to other pets in your home.
Diet And Nutrition
Pocket Bullies are small dogs with a big appetite, so feeding them properly is crucial to avoid obesity and health issues connected with overeating. The American Bully feeding chart can help provide you with insight into how and when to feed these pooches.
In general, these pups should eat small meals three times a day. Their food should consist of around 30% of proteins and 20% of fats, so look for products that list protein sources as the main ingredients.
A balanced diet can help prevent many health conditions, and it can help your dog grow large and strong.
You might supplement their food with treats, especially during training sessions, just be careful that you don’t go overboard.
And no, don’t let their puppy eyes make you give them that chocolate bar!
Health
Many dogs that come in a smaller size than the breed standard are known for having certain health problems related to their size. Fortunately, this isn’t the case with our favorite little Bullies, as they are a generally healthy breed with just a few concerns.
Some common Pocket Bully health problems include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Skin conditions and infections
- Eye issues
- Allergies
- Luxating patella
- Hypothyroidism
This is why it’s important to buy from proper breeders who make sure their dogs are tested for most genetic conditions.
If you want to make sure you can provide your pooch with the best help possible, make sure to have your vet on a speed dial and have pet insurance. You can never know when you might need them both!
Oh, and learning how to treat American Bully skin problems at home can also be really useful.
Luckily, the chances of your pooch actually developing some of these disorders are pretty low, especially if you’ve provided him with proper care, a balanced diet, and the right amount of exercise.
This is why they have a fairly long lifespan of 10 to 14 years. Your Pocket Bully is likely to be with you for a long time!
How Much Is A Pocket Bully Worth?
It’s challenging to determine the price you’ll be paying for your Pocket Bully, as this depends on too many factors.
For example, a dog that comes from a champion bloodline will always be much more expensive than a Bully of a lower quality that is meant to be a family pet and nothing more.
Similarly, if a dog comes in a rare color, his price will rise.
This, however, doesn’t mean that expensive is always better. Some rare colors are rare for a reason, and many champion dogs aren’t raised to be as affectionate as dogs that will go to a large family home.
The breed’s popularity has also affected the price, as the high demand has allowed the prices to be much higher.
The location of the breeder can also affect the cost. A reputable American Bully breeder from California might be more expensive than a breeder from Florida, or vice versa.
In general, these dogs cost anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000 – but the prices can be much higher. Some dogs are sold for tens of thousands of dollars and more!
If a dog is much cheaper, chances are you’ve run into a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. Make sure to always do a proper background check of the location from which you’re buying your dog.
A cheaper dog can result in paying much more in veterinary bills. Not to mention how the possible health problems could affect your Pocket Bully’s quality of life!
Dogs are like family to us, and you should always want the best for them. Don’t support unethical breeding practices just because the initial price might be a bit lower.
Is Pocket Bully The Right Dog For You?
Finally, after reading all of the typical traits of Pocket Bullies, you are probably wondering, is this the right dog breed for you?
Overall, Pocket Bullies are friendly and patient dogs that can be suitable for most families. They love humans, including small children, and they can become everyone’s best friend.
They don’t need too much exercise or grooming, and they can learn to get along with other dogs.
However, they are not for people who are looking for running partners or hiking companions, as they can get tired easily, and too much activity can increase the chances of joint problems, such as hip dysplasia.
Also, they might not be suitable for people who spend a lot of time outside of their home, as they can become lonely and suffer from hip dysplasia.
It’s important to mention that every dog has individual needs and personalities. Many canines don’t behave as their breed standard, making them a better or worse fit for you.
Always talk to the breeder and meet the dog you’re planning to buy or adopt. The more suited you and your dog are for each other, the better pair you’ll make. This can make you a better dog owner, and your companion can live a longer and happier life.
Vanja’s passion for writing started at an early age, which is why she pursued Journalism as her college degree. She can research any topic and find all the information before you bat an eye, which is a great thing for her job but a terrible one for her husband.
Even as a young child, she fell in love with everything fluffy – but dogs have a special place in her heart due to her childhood companion, a Corgie named Archie.
Motivated by her experiences and driven by a desire to give back to her four-legged companions, she spends her free time volunteering at a local dog shelter.