Pocket Bully Dog Breed Facts and Information

Have you ever seen a tiny bulldog? Is there really such a thing as a pocket-sized Pitbull? Find out more about its size and appearance here!

The Pocket Bully is a miniature version of the American Pitbull. It is a hybrid dog that was developed by crossbreeding American Pitbull Terriers and Patterdale Terriers to create a smaller version of the Pitbull for companionship. It has increasingly become popular for its build and fierce looks.

In this article, you will learn everything about the Pocket Bully. You will learn some history, how the breed was developed as well as the personality and appearance of a Pocket Bully. You’ll also learn how to take proper care of the dog and finally, we’ll educate you about common health problems that Pocket Bullies have.

The History of the Pocket Bully

Since it is a fairly new designer breed, little is known about the origin of the dog. The only definite thing about the Pocket Bully is that it was developed when Patterdale Terriers were crossbred with American Pitbulls.

When the first few Pocket Bullies were made, the litters were merely accidentally produced. The first intentional litter of Pocket Bullies was produced in the early 2000s. The dog was developed to create a breed that had the best traits of the American Pitbull and Patterdale Terrier.

However, it’s believed that it was actually developed to create an American Pitbull with a smaller size that would attract owners that wanted an American Pitbull but were put off by the breed’s intimidating build.

To help you better understand the Pocket Bully, it’s important to get to know each of its parent breeds. The parent breeds are the Patterdale Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier.

The Patterdale Terrier

The Patterdale Terrier is a small breed that originates from Great Britain. The Patterdale Terrier was bred to be a hunting dog and it was often used as a companion for fox hunts. Patterdale Terriers are known to be great at burrowing and this made them ideal for hunting down small foxes in their dens.

Patterdale Terriers are known to be energetic dogs with bright personalities. Their energy seems to be endless and they will show by running around all over your house and yard. Without an outlet for this energy, Patterdale Terriers can easily become anxious and aggressive so it’s important to give them lots of time to play.

The American Pitbull

The American Pit Bull Terrier is a breed that originates from England. It was developed from the English Bulldog and was bred to have leaner and taller builds for more agility. It was bred by American farmers to help protect their crops. American Pitbulls are also great hunting companions because of their muscular builds, helping hunters take down bears and wild boars.

The American Pitbull is known to have a docile and manageable personalities. This is because the United States made it illegal to produce fighting dogs which led to slowly wiping out the aggressive traits of the American Pitbull. Despite its strong appearance, the American Pitbull is a gentle giant that gets along great with kids. Read more about this Here.

Micro Bully vs Pocket Bully

The micro Bully is a miniaturized version of the Bully breed, measuring 8-10 inches, and they bring high energy to the table. Pocket Bullies, on the other hand, are slightly bigger, standing at 10-17 inches. They have a more relaxed and laid-back demeanor. Families looking for a more chill atmosphere usually choose this breed.

In terms of social interactions, both breeds are friendly with other animals, but Pocket Bullies might be a bit reserved around new people.

In the longevity department, Pocket Bullies have the edge, living around 10-14 years compared to Micro Bullies’ lifespan of about 8-10 years.

A more detailed comparison between the Pocket Bully and Micro Bully can be found in our other Article.

Exotic Bully vs Pocket Bully

An Exotic Bully is a variation of the American Bully breed. It’s the result of mixing breeds like the:

• American Bully
• French Bulldog
• English Bulldog
• Old English Bulldog
• Shorty Bull

This combination gives it a distinct appearance with more extreme proportions than other Bully types. Both dogs share a Bully heritage, but the Exotic Bully stands out with features like a larger head and a shorter body.

When it comes to colors, Exotic Bullies come in a variety, excluding albinos. In contrast, Pocket Bullies stick to a more conventional range.

While Pocket Bullies are acknowledged by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC), Exotic Bullies have their own recognition through The International Bully Coalition (IBC) registry.

The Pocket Bully’s Personality

The Pocket Bully, much like the American Pitbull is a loving and docile breed. However, it can be hard to predict your Pocket Bully’s temperament because it’s a designer breed. Pocket Bullies can develop a temperament that’s a mix of both the American Pitbull and Patterdale Terrier’s personalities or lean more towards the personality of one parent.

In general, the Pocket Bully is a loyal breed. They are playful and energetic dogs that are easy to train. This is one of the reasons why the breed’s demand has only increased over time. Pocket Bullies are protective of their owners and won’t hesitate to be brave when they sense danger.

Pocket Bullies are patient with children and won’t do anything to harm a child even if they engage in rough play. They will only become aggressive if they sense that their family is in danger and will be hostile toward anyone that seems to want to harm their owners.

The Pocket Bully is known as a “nanny dog” because of its protective nature towards small children. Kids easily get attached to them because of how well they treat kids. Pocket Bullies are highly sociable dogs that can easily be trained to be friendly around strangers.

A pocket bully typically has a litter size of around 4 to 6 puppies. Find out more Here.

Appearance

The Pocket Bully is a small and short dog that has a strong and muscular body. It has a short and glossy coat that feels smooth and thick to the touch. Its body is stocky and carries a sturdy figure. Pocket Bullies have large and wide heads that look exactly like that of an American Pitbull.

Pocket Bullies will have a broad and shallow chest, short legs, and a low back. It has small ears that flop down and a strong rear. Its tail is thin and medium-length and most owners prefer to have it docked. It simply looks like a miniature American Pitbull.

Size

As the name suggests, the Pocket Bully is a small dog. However, it definitely isn’t pocket-sized. They grow up to be 17 inches in height when fully grown. Male Pocket Bullies weigh about 11 to 22 lbs while female Pocket Bullies weigh anywhere between 10 to 20 lbs.

It’s possible for Pocket Bullies to be larger than you expect because it’s a breed that is still in development. There isn’t much consistency in the breed’s size and can be larger than usual because of its American Pitbull genes.

For more information about factors affecting size as well as how to properly measure a Pocket Bully see This Article.

Lifespan

Pocket Bullies live on average between 10 to 13 years. Read more about factors that affect their lifespan Here.

Coat

The coat varies because it’s a designer breed. Some Pocket Bullies can have wiry coats similar to that of a Patterdale Terrier while others will have smooth and short coats like an American Pitbull.

However, the apparent standard for a Pocket Bully is the short and smooth coat of the American Pitbull. Its coat comes in various colors and it can either have a single solid color or markings of another color. Pocket Bullies can also have blue ticking.

Below are the most common colors that the Pocket Bully can have:

• Brindle: This pattern consists of streaks or stripes of a darker color on a lighter background.
• Fawn: A light tan or beige color that can vary in shades.
• Blue: A grayish-blue hue.
• Black: A solid black coat.
• Chocolate: A rich brown color.
• Lilac: A light grayish-purple shade.
• Tricolor: A combination of three distinct colors on the coat.
• White: A solid white coat.
• Sable: A mix of black-tipped hairs on a light background.
• Champagne: A light, pale tan color with pinkish undertones.
• Merle: A marbled or mottled pattern with patches of different colors.
• Red: A solid reddish-brown coat.
• Tan: A light brown color often seen on specific areas like the muzzle and paws.

How Much Is A Pocket Bully Worth?

Prices start at around $2,000. But if you’re eyeing those special colors like tricolor or Lilac, or unique bloodlines, it could go up to $10,000 or more. Sometimes, even higher for those exceptional pups. Remember, these prices reflect distinct traits and qualities. So, whether it’s $2,000 or beyond, the real value is in the incredible companion you’ll gain.

You can read more about what affects the prices of Pocket Bullies in This Article.

Take Care of a Pocket Bully

Pocket Bullies are easy to groom but it can be difficult to meet their dietary needs. It’s important to make sure that your dog has a healthy and balanced diet because, without it, your Pocket Bully can quickly become unhealthy and develop obesity.

Grooming

The good news is, Pocket Bullies don’t really need professional grooming. Their short and smooth coat is easy to manage and will only need to be brushed about once or twice a week. It only takes a few minutes to thoroughly brush them.

When brushing your Pocket Bully, be sure to use a gentle slicker brush. Pocket Bullies are generally light shedders but it can also be a heavy shedder if it inherits the Patterdale Terrier’s heavy shedding genes.

Like other dogs, your Pocket Bully will need to get its nails trimmed and ears cleaned regularly. It’s important to clip Its nails once a month. Be sure to use pet-friendly nail clippers to avoid accidentally harming your dog. After trimming your dog’s nails, you should file them to prevent any cracks.

To clean your Pocket Bully’s ear, use ear-cleaning wipes. Simply take a wipe and swipe it over the ears. It’s important to do this once a day to prevent ear infections and earwax buildup.

Feeding

The Pocket Bully has a unique body structure which also has unique dietary needs. They need to have strict diets to prevent obesity and bloat. It’s important to divide your Pocket Bully puppy’s food into 3 to 4 meals a day. Once it reaches adulthood, you can divide its food into 2 meals a day.

A Pocket Bully Puppy will need to eat about 0.4 lbs of food a day. Once it’s full-grown, it needs to be increased to 0.8 lbs of food a day.

Table comparing different brands of dog food to feed Pocket Bully puppies:

Table comparing different brands of dog food to feed adult Pocket Bullies:

Again, it’s important that your Pocket Bully has no access to food outside of its meal times. You should also provide your Pocket Bully with water after every meal to make help it digest its food better. This will help prevent bloat and keep your dog from gaining too much weight.

We have made a separate post where we cover The Best Foods for Pocket Bullies in greater detail, check it out.

Dental Care

Like most dogs, Pocket Bullies need to have their teeth brushed once a day. It’s important because it can prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum diseases. You can brush your Pocket Bully’s teeth using a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste.

You should start brushing your dog’s teeth early on to help it get used to the routine. Most dogs don’t enjoy having their teeth brushed but if you do it regularly, your dog will eventually get used to it. If you prefer not to brush your dog’s teeth, you can also use flavored enzymatic toothpaste.

It’s easier to give your dog flavored enzymatic toothpaste because it tastes like a treat for your Pocket Bully. Your dog won’t even realize that you’re taking care of its teeth and will instead think that it’s just getting a fun snack. Enzymatic toothpaste is formulated to break down plaque and tartar in your dog’s teeth and gums. It helps prevent mouth and gum diseases in dogs.

You can also go even further and give your Pocket Bully water additives. Water additives are formulated to give your dog a fresher breath and fight tartar and plaque buildup. To use water additives, you just need to pour a capful of it into your Pocket Bully’s water once a day.

Exercise

Aside from making sure your Pocket Bully has a healthy diet, you need to make sure that they get regular exercise. Pocket Bullies need plenty of space to be able to move around, play, and exercise.

Your dog needs about an hour of regular exercise. It’s best to give your Pocket Bully leash-free exercise so that it can have fun while exercising. You will also need to walk them twice a day so that they get enough time outdoors. Pocket Bullies can walk moderate distances. Their short stature and potential breathing difficulties mean you should tailor walks to their comfort. Start with shorter walks and gradually build up distance as they build endurance.

Pocket Bullies also need some mental stimulation. You can keep them interested by playing various games. Playing with your Pocket Bully helps keep your dog’s mind sharp and makes your relationship with them stronger.

Pocket Bullies love to tug and chew on things. A great way to play with them is by using a tug rope. You can also use heavy-duty chew toys to keep your Pocket Bully entertained.

Creating a Friendly Environment for Your Pocket Bully

Creating a suitable home for your dog is about tailoring your living space to their needs, here’s how you do it.

1. Safe Zones: Just like us, Pocket Bullies need their own space. Create a cozy corner with a comfy bed where they can relax and retreat whenever they need a breather.
2. Social Hotspots: These social butterflies love interaction. Designate spots in your home where they can easily socialize with family members, including a clear path for them to engage in their favorite pastimes.
3. Pawsitive Vibes: A friendly atmosphere matters. Fill your home with positive energy – laughter, love, and warmth. Pocket Bullies are highly attuned to their surroundings and thrive in a harmonious environment.
4. Playful Paradises: These pups love to play! Set up play areas with toys that cater to their small size and active nature. This encourages physical activity and mental stimulation.
5. Pet-Safe Zone: Ensure your home is pet-proofed. Remove any hazardous items or substances that could be harmful to your furry friend. Keep electrical cords, chemicals, and small objects out of their reach.
6. Napping Nooks: Pocket Bullies love their beauty sleep. Provide cozy spots in various rooms where they can catch some Zs whenever they desire.

Training a Pocket Bully

Pocket Bullies are highly intelligent dogs that make them easy to train. They should be able to pick up any trick you teach them with enough effort and patience. But why is training important? Well, it’s essential for safety, behavior, and bonding. It promotes good behavior, socialization, and communication. Training also keeps your Pocket Bully mentally and physically active, reducing stress and enhancing their quality of life.

Learn how to teach your Pocket Bully essential commands and cultivate positive social behaviors down below:

1. Understanding Your Pocket Bully:
   • Get to know your Pocket Bully’s unique personality, as each dog is different.
   • Understand their breed characteristics, such as loyalty and intelligence.
2. Start Early with Socialization:
   • Begin socializing your Pocket Bully as soon as possible to build their confidence.
   • Introduce them to various people, other dogs, and different environments.
3. Basic Obedience Commands:
   • Teach essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” and “come.”
   • Use positive reinforcement – praise and treats – to reward good behavior.
   • A great treat for Pocket Bullies is jerky because it has an interesting texture that they appreciate.
4. Leash Training:
   • Choose a sturdy leash and harness.
   • Start with short walks and gradually increase the distance.
   • Reward your Bully for walking calmly beside you.
5. Crate Training:
   • Introduce your Bully to their crate as a safe and comfortable space.
   • Never use the crate for punishment; it should be a positive environment.
6. House Training:
   • Establish a consistent feeding and bathroom schedule.
   • Be patient during housetraining, and reward outdoor bathroom breaks.
7. Social Skills:
   • Arrange playdates with well-behaved dogs to improve your Bully’s social skills.
   • Encourage positive interactions with other dogs and people.
8. Exercise and Mental Stimulation:
   • Keep your Pocket Bully active with regular exercise.
   • Provide mental stimulation through toys, puzzles, and interactive games.
9. Positive Reinforcement:
   • Use positive reinforcement techniques consistently to reward desired behavior.
   • Praise, treats, and affection are powerful motivators.
10. Consistency is Key:
    • Ensure all family members use the same training methods and rules.
    • Consistency prevents confusion for your Bully.
11. Professional Training:
    • If you face challenges or behavior issues, consider enrolling your Bully in a professional training class.
    • Consult with a dog trainer experienced Pocket Bully breeds for guidance.
12. Health and Wellness:
    • Regular vet check-ups are essential for your Pocket Bully’s health.
    • Provide a balanced diet and groom your Bully regularly to keep them happy and healthy.
13. Patience and Love:
    • Training takes time, so be patient with your Bully.
    • Shower them with love, attention, and positive reinforcement to build a strong bond.

You can also teach your Pocket Bully to become a good swimmer, more about that in This Article.

Common Health Issues in Pocket Bullies

The Pocket Bully is a designer breed which means that it can inherit the common health issues that each of its parent breeds has. It’s important to know your Pocket Bully’s medical history. You should discuss this with your puppy’s breeder and ask about the possible health conditions that its parents have or had. This way, you can be mindful and keep an eye out for any relevant symptoms.

Below are some of the health issues commonly found in Pocket Bullies:

1. Hypothyroidism
2. Glaucoma
3. Skin Fold Dermatitis

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition that affects a Pocket Bully’s thyroid gland. When a dog has hypothyroidism, its thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroxine. Thyroxine is a hormone that converts food into fuel or energy for a dog.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism include hair loss around the back and rear, dull skin, weight gain, muscle loss, loss of energy, and ear infections. More severe symptoms include seizures, heart problems, and sterility.

If your Pocket Bully has at least three of these symptoms, you need to take it to the vet for a diagnosis. Your vet will diagnose your dog through a series of blood tests that will cancel out other potential causes of the symptoms you find.

Although hypothyroidism isn’t a life-threatening disease, it cannot be cured. If your Pocket Bully is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, your vet will prescribe your dog L-thyroxine which is a replacement for a lack of thyroxine.

L-thyroxine is relatively cheap and easily accessible. It’s available in most drugstores and veterinary clinics. The dose that your dog will take depends on your vet’s prescription and your Pocket Bully will also need to take L-thyroxine for the rest of its life. Without his medication, your dog will suffer an unhealthy living condition.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a medical condition wherein too much fluid builds up in your Pocket Bully’s eyes and increases pressure. This pressure can destroy your dog’s retina and cause blindness. There are two types of glaucoma: open-angle glaucoma and closed-angle glaucoma.

Open-angle glaucoma is a slow and gradual development of vision loss over a period of time. Close-angle glaucoma is a fast and sudden increase in eye pressure accompanied by pain, redness, and blindness.

The symptoms of glaucoma include dilated and unmoving pupils, redness in the eyes, enlargement of the eyes, and frequent blinking or winking. If you observe these symptoms in your dog, you must take it to the vet immediately.

Treating your Pocket Bully will depend on the type of glaucoma it has. The treatment for glaucoma is normally a mix of both medicine and surgery. The surgery will remove the pressure from your Pocket Bully’s eye to reduce and minimize the damage caused by swelling. If it’s a severe case, your veterinarian might need to remove your dog’s affected eye entirely.

Skin Fold Dermatitis

Skin fold dermatitis is a skin infection between the wrinkles of the skin. This is common among dogs with wrinkly skin, including the Pocket Bully. These infections occur because the pockets in the skin folds can get moist and become prone to bacteria.

The symptoms of skin fold dermatitis include foul odors coming from the skin folds, redness between skin folds, swelling, and excessive itching. Dogs normally have yeast and bacteria in their skin but when that bacteria overgrows, it causes an infection.

Veterinarians normally diagnose skin fold dermatitis by doing a thorough check-up of your dog’s skin. Once the skin fold dermatitis is identified, your veterinarian will then determine if it can be treated with cleaning or if it needs to be treated with medication.

The treatment for skin fold dermatitis depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases will be cleaned by veterinarians using a special solution for skin fold dermatitis. After cleaning, your Pocket Bully will be prescribed anti-microbial shampoo. More severe cases will need to be medicated with certain creams to alleviate the infections.

A good way to prevent skin fold dermatitis is by keeping your dog in a clean and cool environment. Your Pocket Bully is more prone to skin fold dermatitis during hotter seasons so you must check on your dog’s skin folds every now and then during the summer. You can also keep your Pocket Bully’s skin clean by keeping them away from dirt or mud and bathing it regularly with treatment shampoo.

Is your Pocket Bully breathing hard? If so, you might want to check This Post.

Final Thoughts

The Pocket Bully is a dog that has it all. It has a small manageable size, a strong and muscular look, and a gentle and loving personality. It’s easy to see how they’ve become so popular among dog lovers because it’s such an attractive breed.

Pocket Bullies might look intimidating at first, but once you get to know this adorable breed, you’ll realize that it’s gentler than any other dog. If you have a family with young children, you should definitely look into getting a Pocket Bully of your own. These loyal and affectionate dogs are sure to keep you and your kids safe.

Since the Pocket Bully is still a new and developing breed, it’s sure to improve over time. It’ll be exciting to see how else the Pocket Bully can become an even better dog as its breeders work towards creating a perfect combination of the Patterdale Terrier and American Pitbull. Hopefully, the breed becomes healthier in the future and gets to a point where it has no inherent health issues.

Matt Reyno

Hey there! I’m Matt and I’m a content writer from the Philippines. I’ve raised over 10 dogs and 5 cats. I love taking care of my rescue dog Kewpie and my two rescue cats, Misty and Rosy.