Pocket Bullies are intelligent dogs that are easy to train. They are also very protective of their family and make great guard dogs. pocket bullies need daily exercise and do best in homes with a yard. pocket bully owners must be committed to providing their dogs with plenty of physical and mental stimulation. pocket bullies are active dogs that enjoy playing fetch, going for walks, and swimming.
The pocket bully is an affectionate and loving dog. They are also very protective of their family and make great guard dogs. pocket bullies are intelligent dogs and are easy to train. They need daily exercise and do best in homes with a yard where they can run and play. If you are considering adding a pocket bully to your family, be prepared to provide your dog with plenty of love, attention, and exercise.
Dogs generally are loving animals. Many breeds might look scary but are loving and loyal. Pocket Bully is one of the dog breeds that is warm, loyal, and friendly. Its physical traits have gained popularity in the past few decades.
A dog is a man’s best friend, and a Pocket Bully rightly proves it.
What is a Pocket Bully?
Dogs come in all sizes, from large to small and even so tiny that you can put them in your bag and carry them around. Pocket Bully, aka Micro Bullies, is a small dog known to be the American Bully miniature version.
The Pocket Bully has a compact, muscular build with short, thick legs. The head is large and blocky, with wide jaws and pronounced cheekbones. The ears are typically cropped, but some owners choose to leave them natural. The coat is short and sleek and comes in a variety of colors including black, blue, brindle, fawn, Red, and white.
The Pocket Bully is a friendly and outgoing dog that gets along well with people and other animals. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them easy to train. Pocket Bullies require moderate exercise and do best in a home with a yard or access to a park.
If you’re looking for a small dog with a big personality, the Pocket Bully is the perfect breed for you. These lovable pups make great companion animals and are sure to bring lots of joy to your home.
In this article, you will be learning everything about a Pocket Bully, which will help you plan on keeping it as a pet.
What Breeds Make a Pocket Bully?
Pocket Bully is a hybrid of the American Pit Bull Terrier and Patterdale Terrier. It is also known as Patterdale and Pocket Pitbull as well.
It takes the build of an American Pit Bull and the height of the Patterdale Terrier, making it small. It is a designer dog, the reason it is expensive as well.
An American Pit Bull Terrier is a large dog. It weighs around 35-60 lbs. And measures 18-21 inches in height. A Patterdale Terrier is a small dog that measures 9-15 inches in height and weighs 11-13 lbs. Approximately. The Pocket Bully takes the physic from the American Pit Bull and height from Patterdale Terrier.
How Much Does a Pocket Bully Cost?
Pocket Bully is a breed that is highly in demand. It is considered a designer dog because it was bred to develop a dog breed with fierce looks, but it is small. The average price for a Pocket Bully is $1,000. It is not readily available in the market, making it more expensive.
Is a Pocket Bully Aggressive?
No, a pocket bully is not aggressive. They are known to be quite gentle and loving. However, like any dog, they can become aggressive if they are not properly socialized or mistreated. If you are considering getting a pocket bully, make sure you are prepared to socialize them and treat them well.
Origin of Pocket Bully
Pocket Bully is not a purebred dog but a hybrid one. Hence, it isn’t easy to figure out where they originated initially. The probability of this breed’s emergence can result from the accidental copulation of the Patterdales and American Pit Bulls over the years.
The purpose of breeding an American Pit Bull Terrier and Patterdale Terrier was to create a family dog that becomes a companion.
They were intentionally bred around two decades ago to amalgamate the positive traits of both dog breeds. However, the resulting breed can inherit negative traits as well.
Appearance of a Pocket Bully
Pocket Bully is a short dog that has a stiff and firm body. Pocket Bullies are incredibly muscular; the muscular body is a treat for the eyes to watch. It has a glossy coat, which is easy to maintain. Its coat is short, smooth, and thick. Let’s have a detailed look at the appearance of a Pocket Bully.
- Height and Weight
Just as the name suggests, Pocket Bully is a small dog. Some people imagine it to be small enough to be carried in a pocket, but that’s not the case. It is slightly smaller in size as compared to its parent’s breeds.
Pocket males are less than 17 inches in height, whereas females are less than 16 inches. A fully mature Pocket male weighs around 11-22 lbs. And the female weighs between 10-20 lbs.
- The masculine, tough looks
Pocket bullies are small in size, but they have fierce looks and muscular body, just like an American Bully. It has a stocky build and is known for carrying a sturdy figure. They have bulky necks with large and wide heads.
They have a broad chest, but it’s shallow compared to other breeds. They have short, muscular legs and a low-level back.
They have small floppy ears and a firm, muscular rear. They carry a medium-length thin tail. When you see a Pocket Bully, you can feel a miniature version of an American Pit Bull walking on the road. They look well-built, beefy, and burly.
- Colors available
Pocket Bullies come in a variety of colors. They can be of a solid color or have markings of a second color. They can have blue ticking as well.
The most commonly available colors are Red, Blue, Fawn, Black, Black & Tan, Blue & Tan Brown, Buckskin, White & Seal, and many more.
- Coat
The coat type for this breed cannot be predicted as it is a mixed breed. American Pitt Bulls have a short and smooth coat with no undercoat.
The Patterdales have a coarse and thin coat but a dense undercoat to protect them from the cold and harsh weather.
The Pocket Bullies usually exhibit a short and smooth coat like American Pitt Bulls. But they can also take the coat from the Patterdale type. Hence, the Pocket Bullies’ grooming depends on their coat type.
The Pocket Bully Lifespan
The average lifespan of a Pocket Bully is around 11-13 years. They can live longer if they are adequately taken care of; they need a healthy lifestyle, ample space to play around, and a proper diet to live longer than the average age.
A male Pocket Bully will become fertile by the age of 6 months. They tend to reach sexual maturity by 12 to 15 months. Healthy male Pocket Bullscan mate at any time once they have reached sexual maturity.
They can impregnate female dogs no matter what age they are. A healthy male pocket bull can remain sexually active and fertile even in old age.
Sexual Maturity of Female Pocket Bully
A female Pocket Bully can mature as soon as six months of age or as late as two years. It can happen anytime between 6-24 months. The cycle of heat is known as oestrus.
Female dogs can experience it any time after six months of age. Female dogs are the most fertile during oestrus, and they accept male dogs.
The oestrus occurs every six months until the female dog hits old age. The utmost important factor is that the female dog should not be bred during her first cycle. The cycle of a female Pocket Bull is based on four parts:
- Proestrus:
During this phase, the female Pocket Bull will attract male dogs. She will continue to have a bloody vaginal discharge, and her vulva will stay swollen. This phase lasts for almost nine days. During this time, the female dog will not allow breeding.
- Estrus:
This is the heat cycle when the female dog is fertile and will accept male dogs. The ovulation takes place in the first 48 hours, but that can vary from dog to dog. This period lasts for almost nine days.
- Diestrus:
The female dog is more likely to get pregnant during this phase as the reproductive tract controls progesterone. The female dog might show pregnancy symptoms even if she has not conceived.
- Anestrus:
During this phase, no sexual activity can take place. The female dog does not show any signs of attracting male dogs and rejects them. This phase lasts for 3-4 months or until the heat cycle starts again.
The Pocket Bully Temperament
There is a misconception about Pocket Bullies that they are aggressive like Pit Bulls. This does not stand true. The truth is that this breed, in particular, is a loving and friendly breed. Their temperament can vary as they are a hybrid of two breeds. They would take traits from either of the parents; or in some cases, from both parents.
A Pocket Bully is an extremely loyal breed. They are playful, energetic, and brilliant. They make excellent family pets as they are highly trainable. This is one of the reasons why this breed is highly in demand.
They are particularly protective of their owners and incredibly courageous when they feel their owners are in danger. They are intelligent enough to differentiate between intimidating and non-intimidating situations.
Do Pocket Bullies Make Good Family Pets?
Yes, pocket bullies can make great family pets. They are typically very gentle and loving and get along well with children. However, like any dog, they can become aggressive if they are not properly socialized or if they are mistreated. If you are considering getting a pocket bully, make sure that you are prepared to socialize them and treat them well.
Affinity With Owners and Their Families
The Pocket Bully has a charming and gentle nature. Children get attracted to his breed because of its miniature size. The Pocket Bull tends to get along with children well. It is also known as a “nanny dog” because of its protective nature and loyalty.
It is a very social breed, and if trained well, they learn to be friendly around strangers. One thing that needs to be considered while getting a Pocket Bully is that families with smaller children should avoid it because these dogs can get frisky out of excitement. Small children can either get scared or end up hurting due to over-excitement.
Training a Pocket Bully
It is the training of a dog that makes it meek and obedient. An aggressive dog will be a product of inadequate training and poor socializing. Training a dog is imperative, and it matters a lot. It’s like educating a child for a bright future. The training should start as soon as the dog enters your family.
These dogs are so intelligent that they can pick up whatever you try to teach them. If you think teaching them a certain thing won’t be useful because the dog “will not understand”, then you are mistaken.
This breed is highly trainable and capable of learning everything you teach them. Training a dog takes time and effort, and you have to fulfill the responsibility no matter what.
There are certain ways to train a dog. We have listed them below:
- Reward-Based Training
It is the most common and effective practice, helping bring up well-mannered and intelligent dogs. It is stress-free for both the dog and the owner to make them learn new behaviors.
When you try to teach your dog something new, reward them with a treat, and they will start following your instructions quickly. This is a great way to teach new behaviors and manners to your Pocket Bully.
- Clicker Training
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This enables the dogs to use their brain and energy to build mental muscles.
- Praise, praise, and praise
Dogs watch and learn from their owners. They understand your body language. If you are trying to teach your dog a new thing, always praise it for its efforts. If the dog cannot do a new trick as quickly as you had imagined, appreciate your dog’s effort.
Show excitement and say phrases like “good job” or “you can do it.” These little things make a lot of difference in your relationship with your dog.
Some General Tips for Training
- Keep your training sessions short and make them as fun as possible.
- Select small treats for your dog if you plan to reward it.
- The treats should be different from their usual diet so that you grab their attention.
- Repeat your lessons as many times as possible.
- If the dog is unwilling to learn, stop and try again later.
- If you are feeling frustrated, take a break and start again later.
Things You Need To Avoid While Training a Pocket Bully
You should avoid doing these while training your dog and if you want to maintain a healthy relationship with it.
- Don’t feel intimidated while being around your pet.
- Don’t be inconsistent with the training
- Don’t get frustrated or lose your temper
- Don’t feel unsure and timid
Socializing is important
Socializing is an integral part of a dog’s training. Pocket Bully is a very social breed. They love to be around humans. But to ensure that they don’t act out while being with other people, you have to expose your dog to strangers and different situations where they interact with unknown dogs and humans.
The best way to make them socialize is by taking them out for a walk every day. Ensure they have a leash on properly so that if there is any situation where they act out and get aggressive, they are still under your control, and they don’t harm anyone else. This will help them develop confidence and get acquainted with people and places.
How To Groom a Pocket Bully
Pocket Bullies don’t require professional grooming. They have a short coat which is easily manageable. Only regular brushing is sufficient enough to maintain their coat. It takes only a few minutes to brush them thoroughly.
This breed does shed, but it varies from dog to dog. Some shed heavily regularly, and some shed lightly but occasionally. n
They require regular maintenance like other dogs. This includes nail clipping and cleaning of the ears and teeth. The owners should ensure no injuries as this breed is highly pain tolerant. They will not let anyone know if they are injured or in pain.
Food and Dietary Requirements
Food is an essential part of a healthy Pocket Bully. Some people think they can be fed anything, but that’s not true. Their diet should be well-thought and well-planned. Their needs grow as they grow up.
Their diet should be full of nutrients essential for their normal and healthy growth. An unhealthy diet can lead to a malnourished dog, which will not survive for long.
While they are small puppies and under one year, they should be fed three times a day. Their food should be comprised of high protein and fat. The puppy’s food should have at least 30% protein and 20% fat.
You can limit the food intake to thrice a day or let it have free feeding whenever it wants. You have to make sure that the puppy doesn’t each too much. That can cause the stomach to get upset and can result in obesity. Their body should look fuller without being weighty.
What is The right food for Pocket Bullies?
We have listed down a few food items suitable for Pocket Bullies. You can select any of them and provide your dog with the best nutrients its body requires for healthy growth.
1. Raw dog food
It is a misconception that dogs cannot eat raw food. Giving raw food to Pocket Bullies has a lot of health benefits. It makes their skin and coat better. It also makes their immune system stronger and healthier.
It provides more muscle mass in their body, along with extra energy. Their digestion becomes better and helps boost their metabolism. Food items that can be given as raw dog food are:
- Lamb’s neck
- Whole chicken backs
- Chicken necks
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Salmon
- Yogurt
- Organ meat
Raw dog food has some bacteria which can cause a few diseases. It’s better to consult a breeder or a veterinarian before introducing natural dog food to your pet.
2. Premium Dog Food
Ready-made dog foods are of premium quality as they have additional nutrients. They are readily available at grocery stores and pet shops. They are better in all terms, i.e., quality, nutrition, antioxidants, and much more.
They are easily digestible as better ingredients are used in them. The added nutrients make them superior compared to other dog foods, which are cheaper.
The premium dog food is expensive but serves better quality. Ready-made dog food should be purchased according to the age and breed of the dog. Always consult a veterinarian before deciding to give your dog premium dog food.
3. Homemade Dog Food
Some dog owners prefer giving homemade dog food to their pets. It has its benefits, as homemade food is fresh and free of additives and preservatives. The dog owners know what the dog food contains, and they can make a variation according to their dog’s health and growing needs.
Homemade
- Meat stews
- Healthy soups with meat chunks
- Raw bones
- Porridge
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Ideal Living Conditions for Pocket Bullies
- Pocket Bullies are lovable animals, and they are well-known for their love for young kids. It is a perfect family dog as it meets its purpose of breeding. Pocket Bullies are playful and hyperactive. They require open space to move around and play. Don’t worry if your house is not big and spacious enough. You should give them ample physical activity and exercise to utilize their energy.
- Pocket Bullies tend to survive better in warmer climates as they have a short coat, and some do not have an undercoat. They might find it difficult to tolerate the harsh cold environments.
- Physical activity is essential to them. They must be taken out for a walk at least twice daily.
- They need at least one hour of exercise daily. Make sure their exercise time is leash-free to feel liberated and positively consume their energy.
- Owners should play various games with them to stimulate their minds and body. This will also strengthen the relationship of the dog with its owner.
Characteristics of a Pocket Bully
Pocket Bully has some noteworthy peculiarities. These are going to clear any sort of myths about this breed.
- They are great watchdogs.
Pocket Bully has been bred solely to be a companion. They also serve as excellent watchdogs. They don’t start barking only to gain your attention. They will bark to notify you or any other house member if they see any impostor entering your home.
- Their coats are easy to maintain
People avoid keeping pets because they shed, and it can cause a lot of mess inside the house. This is not the case with Pocket Bullies, as their coats are easy to maintain the smooth, shiny coat, which is short and thick. It can be brushed easily, and some dogs don’t shed that often.
- They don’t need much grooming.
Pocket Bully is a breed that does not require much grooming. They just require regular cleaning and cutting. You don’t have to spend much amount on hiring professional groomers for Pocket Bullies.
- They are small balls of energy.
Pocket Bullies are full of energy. They are hyperactive and need a source to utilize their energy. They are not able to act appropriately without their daily dose of exercise.
You need to take time from your schedule to plan daily activities with your dog. They are extremely powerful pullers, so you need to have a strong leash with a good grip so as not to run loose.
- They are not aggressive.
It is a myth that this breed is aggressive. They get along pretty well with children. They are incredibly courageous and protective of their owners. They can act out if they feel their owner is in danger. Otherwise, they are highly playful and loving. They love to socialize and are highly expressive.
- They don’t bark excessively.
Some breeds tend to bark without reason, which can get annoying for their family and neighbors. Pocket Bully is one breed that will not bark excessively. They will bark only when they feel they are in an unfamiliar situation.
Common Pocket Bully Health Issues
Like other dog breeds, Pocket Bully has to face some health issues. Some problems are common, which they have to face anyway because they are inherited from this breed. But, some issues are caused due to the negligence of the owner and improper diet. Some of the common health issues are listed below:
1. Hypothyroidism
This disease is not very common in small dogs like Pocket Bullies but is more common in large dogs. There are cases of Pocket Bullies that have been reported for this disease.
This disease occurs when the dog’s thyroid glands cannot produce enough hormones, contributing to the metabolism. Common symptoms of this disease include:
- Obesity
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Anemia
- Lethargy
- Skin problems
- Slow heart rate
This disease is more likely to affect a dog between 4-10 years. The treatment of this disease is not challenging. A Dog with hypothyroidism needs to take a dose of medicines as prescribed by a veterinarian.
2. Hip Dysplasia
This is a prevalent disease among dogs. Every dog has to face this at some point. A dog’s hip joint hurts due to malformation. The hip ball and socket grind and scour against each other, which causes the hip to be malformed. As a result, pain is caused, which makes the dog uncomfortable. Hip Dysplasia is the first step toward osteoarthritis. Common symptoms of this disease are:
- Difficulty in getting up
- Lameness
- Less activity
- The reluctance to run, jump, or climbing
- Loss of muscle mass
No precaution can prevent this disease from happening. Physical therapy can be done if the condition is not severe. But in case it is critical, then surgery is the only solution for it.
3. Heart Disease
Heart disease is prevalent in humans and Pocket Bullies as well. The common types of heart diseases in Pocket Bullies include valvular, heartworm, and myocardial. The symptoms of these diseases are:
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Breathing problem
A veterinarian should be consulted if you feel your dog is experiencing these symptoms.
4. Eye Problems
Pocket Bulls tend to catch the following eye problems:
- Cherry eye
- Corneal wounds
- Dry eye
- Pinkeye
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
Final Thoughts
A Pocket Bully is a miniature dog who will win your heart with its loving and friendly nature. It looks tough because of its muscular body, but its heart is made up of gold. This breed is brilliant, and they require proper training and plenty of exercises to help them grow physically and mentally.
Their training is essential if you want to avoid undesirable behaviors. We recommend this dog to experienced owners who know how to handle a dog because this breed is demanding.
You should get it only if you have the time and energy to keep up with this breed. Rest, you will not regret having it in your family because it will give you unconditional love and guard you even if it is tiny in size.
