Pocket Bully: Small Size, Big Personality – A Must-See!

If you’re looking for a small and muscular dog breed that’s full of personality, the American Pocket Bully might be just the dog for you. 

This breed has become increasingly popular in recent years due to their adorable looks and friendly nature. However, before bringing one home, it’s important to understand what makes this breed unique.

In this detailed guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about American Pocket Bullies – from their history and physical appearance to their temperament and common health issues.

We’ll also provide tips on how to take care of your new friend, as well as the cost associated with owning one.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to decide if an American Pocket Bully is right for you.

Breed Overview at a Glance

Characteristic	Description
Breed group	Hybrid
Height	Female- 13-16 inches Male-14-17 inches
Weight	10-25 pounds
Coat length & texture	Short fur that may or may not have a wooly undercoat
Coat color	As there is no strict breed standard, the Pocket Bully may display red, black, fawn, gray, or golden colors depending on the parents
Exercise needs	Moderate
Intelligence	Moderate
Barking	When necessary
Life span	10-13 years
Temperament	Sweet, plucky, and confident
Hypoallergenic	No

What is a Pocket American Bully?

Credit- Keen line bullies

American Pocket bully also known as Pocket pitbull is simply a smaller and more compact version of the standard American bully.

It is the smallest recognized version of the American bully. You can imagine it like a tiny hippo. It has short legs, a stocky body and a wide chest.

They are extremely affectionate and playful but do suffer various health issues which we will discuss in this article. 

The American Pocket Bully is a relatively new breed that originated in the United States during the early 2000s.

It was created by breeding various bulldog types with smaller bullies such as Patterdale Terriers and French Bulldogs.

As a result of this crossbreeding, the American Pocket Bully is known for its compact size while still maintaining a muscular build.

American Pocket Bully- History and Origin

The American pocket bullies’ history is connected with the traditional or standard American Bully.

In the early 1990s, the American bully was developed in the United States by crossing various breeds like the American Staffordshire terrier, American pit bull terrier and various bulldog breeds.

The American bully was created to make a muscular dog like a pit bull terrier but with a calm and composed temperament.

Later, in the 2000s, Pocket Bully came into existence. This breed is a result of selective breeding, where breeders aimed to create a smaller version of the American Bully without compromising its muscular build and strength.

Breeders typically, achieved this by crossing the American bully and the Patterdale terrier. However, some breeders even use breeds like French bulldogs to make them even smaller.

Pocket Bullies was recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club in the year 2004 and later it was also recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC).  Further solidifying the breed in the bully world.

Today, the American Pocket Bully remains one of the most sought-after breeds globally due to its unique physical appearance and loving personality traits.

Though they may look intimidating with their muscular build and short stature, these dogs are affectionate pets that thrive on human interaction.

Their history is a testament to how selective breeding can create new dog breeds that cater specifically to people’s needs while preserving their ancestors’ lineage.

American Pocket Bully- Physical Appearance

You’ll be amazed by the striking physical features of an American Pocket Bully, with their muscular build and shiny coat that gleams like a polished car. 

The breed has a compact and sturdy body structure, which is well-proportioned with a broad chest and powerful legs. 

They have a characteristic short, smooth, and glossy coat with various color variations such as blue, black, fawn, chocolate, lilac, brindle, merle or tri-color.

It is important to know that various controversies surround the merle colour in American bullies and hence any type of merle bully including the merle pocket bully is not recognized.

Apart from their impressive physique, American Pocket Bullies also have distinctive head shapes. 

Their heads are wide and flat at the top with prominent cheekbones and strong jaws. 

The breed’s ears can either be cropped or left natural depending on the owner’s preference; however, it’s important to note that ear cropping can be painful for the dog and should only be done by a professional vet. 

Additionally, their tails are usually docked when they’re young to prevent injuries later in life.

Grooming requirements for this breed are minimal since they don’t shed too much hair compared to other breeds. Regular brushing with a soft-bristled brush will keep their coats healthy and shiny.

In conclusion, owning an American Pocket Bully guarantees you an impressive-looking companion who stands out from the crowd due to its unique physical appearance!

American Pocket Bully- Temperament and Behaviour

Many people consider Pocket Bullies to be dangerous; however, this is not true at all. Instead, they make great companion dogs.

Here, are some temperamental characteristics of the pocket bully-

Affectionate: Pocket Bullies are generally very affectionate and love to be around their owners. They enjoy human company and thrive on attention and affection. They are often described as loving and loyal companions.

Friendly: Pocket Bullies are typically friendly dogs and tend to get along well with people and other animals when properly socialized. They are known to be good with children and can be quite gentle and patient with them.

Playful: These dogs have a playful nature and enjoy engaging in various activities and games. They have a good amount of energy and require regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

Protective: Pocket Bullies have a protective instinct and are naturally inclined to guard their families and territories. While they are not typically aggressive, they can be wary of strangers and may display protective behavior when they sense a threat.

Intelligent: Pocket Bullies are intelligent dogs and are generally quick to learn and eager to please their owners. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods and enjoy mental challenges. With proper training and socialization, they can become well-behaved and obedient pets.

Calm: Despite their protective nature, Pocket Bullies are known for their calm demeanor. They are not prone to excessive barking or hyperactivity. However, it’s important to note that individual temperaments can vary, and proper socialization and training play a significant role in shaping their behavior.

American Pocket Bully- Weight and Height

As we all know by now, Pocket Bullies result from crossing the American Bully and Patterdale Terrier.

American Bullies can weigh between 40 to 70 lbs, while Patterdale Terriers weigh between 10 to 13 lbs. When it comes to Pocket Bullies, they tend to be on the lighter side of this range, usually weighing between 10 to 25 pounds.

In terms of height, male Pocket Bullies are slightly bigger than female Pocket Bullies. A male Pocket Bully’s height can range between 14 to 17 inches, while a female Pocket Bully’s height can range between 13 to 16 inches.

American Pocket Bully-  Life span

Just like a plant needs proper care to thrive and live a long life, an American Pocket Bully’s lifespan can be extended with the right nutrition and exercise regimen.

The average lifespan of an American Pocket Bully is between 10 to 13 years. However, this can vary depending on several factors such as breeding requirements, exercise needs, training methods, and diet requirements.

To ensure that your American Pocket Bully lives a long and healthy life, it’s important to provide them with regular exercise. 

American Pocket Bully-  Health Issues

Moderate Health issues-

Skin Sensitivities: Some pocket bullies may have sensitive skin, which can cause itchiness or rashes. Regular grooming with gentle products can keep their skin healthy.

Ear Infections: Because of their floppy ears, pocket bullies are more likely to get ear infections. Cleaning their ears regularly and taking proper care can prevent these issues.

Dental Problems: Pocket bullies can experience dental issues like plaque buildup or gum inflammation. Brushing their teeth regularly and giving dental treats can help keep their mouth healthy.

Joint Sensitivities: As pocket bullies get older, they might have mild joint discomfort or stiffness. Doing moderate exercise and providing joint supplements can improve their joint health.

Allergies: Some pocket bullies may develop allergies to certain foods or things in their environment. Identifying and managing these triggers can relieve allergy symptoms.

Eye Irritations: Occasionally, pocket bullies may have eye irritations or discharge. Keeping their eyes clean can prevent minor eye problems.

Severe Health issues-

Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket, causing pain and mobility issues. It can lead to arthritis and reduced quality of life for the dog.

Elbow Dysplasia: Similarly to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a hereditary condition affecting the elbow joint, leading to lameness and discomfort.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): Pocket bullies have a unique face shape that can make breathing difficult. BOAS can cause breathing problems, especially in hot weather or during exercise.

Luxating Patella: This condition involves the kneecap slipping out of place, leading to pain and difficulty walking.

Heart Issues: Some pocket bullies may be prone to heart conditions like dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), which weakens the heart muscle and can lead to heart failure.

Uncommon Health issues-

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): Also known as bloat, this is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and traps gas, causing rapid expansion and putting pressure on the organs.

Tips to take Care of Pocket Bully

To ensure that your American Pocket Bully stays healthy and happy, you’ll want to make sure they receive plenty of exercise, a balanced diet, and regular check-ups with their veterinarian. Here are some tips to help you take care of your pocket bully:

• Grooming Tips: American Pocket Bullies have short coats that require minimal grooming. Brush them once a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat shiny. Trim their nails regularly and clean their ears with a cotton ball dipped in a vet-recommended ear-cleaning solution.
• Exercise Routine: Your pocket bully needs daily exercise to maintain its health and happiness. Take them for brisk walks or runs at least twice a day for 20-30 minutes each time. Engage them in activities like fetch or tug-of-war to stimulate physical activity. Make sure to not over-exercise them and keep the intensity of the exercise low.
• Nutrition Plan: A balanced diet is essential for the well-being of your pocket bully. Feed them high-quality dog food that meets all the nutritional requirements of their breed. Avoid feeding them table scraps or human food as it can lead to obesity and other health problems.
• Socialization Techniques: Socializing your American Pocket Bully from an early age is crucial for its mental development. Introduce them to different people, animals, sounds, and environments so they can adapt easily when encountering new situations later on in life.
• Training – Training is an important aspect of keeping your bully disciplined and well-behaved. Make sure to start training at an early age. check the article How to Potty Train an American Bully to get an in-depth idea.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your American Pocket Bully stays healthy, happy, and well-rounded throughout its life. Remember that regular veterinary check-ups are also essential for maintaining good health in your bully!

What To Feed Your Pocket Bully?

Pocket Bullies are a muscular breed, and to maintain all that muscle, it is important to feed them a diet that contains around 30% protein and 20% fat.

You can feed them lean meats like chicken and fish, cooked eggs, and a small amount of fruits and veggies. Another option is to choose high-quality commercial dog food, ensuring that the primary ingredient is meat.

American Bullies can suffer from bloating, so it is recommended not to feed them large amounts of food at one go.

Instead, opt for smaller meals a couple of times a day. You can also buy a slow feeder, which will help prevent bloating in your bully.

They are prone to weight gain, so it’s essential to keep an eye on their weight. Lastly, it is highly recommended to consult a vet about the diet for your American Bully.

Cost of Pocket Bully?

The cost of owning an American Pocket Bully can be steep, but the unconditional love and companionship they provide are priceless. If you’re considering getting a pocket bully, it’s important to understand the various expenses that come with owning one.

Here are some factors that contribute to the overall cost of owning a pocket bully:

• Breeder prices: The initial cost of purchasing a pocket bully from a breeder can range anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the bloodline and quality of the dog.
• Adoption fees: Adopting a pocket bully from a shelter or rescue organization is typically less expensive than buying one from a breeder. Adoption fees usually range between $100 to $500.
• Monthly costs: Once you bring your pocket bully home, there will be ongoing monthly expenses such as food, treats, toys, and preventative healthcare. These costs can add up quickly and should be factored into your budget.

In addition to these expenses, there are also training expenses and grooming costs to consider. Training classes can range from $50 to $200 per session depending on the trainer and location.

Grooming costs will vary based on whether you choose to groom your dog yourself or take them to a professional groomer.

Overall, owning an American Pocket Bully requires financial commitment in addition to emotional commitment.

It’s important to carefully consider all of these factors before making the decision to bring one into your home.

With proper planning and budgeting, however, the joy and love that comes with having a loyal companion by your side is well worth it in the end.

Pros And Cons of Owning Pocket Bully As a Pet

Pros-

Cons-

Amazing Fun Facts About Pocket Bully

• Despite their intimidating appearance, Pocket Bullies are very affectionate, loyal and devoted to their families. They love to cuddle!
• No two Pocket Bullies look exactly alike.
• The “Pocket” in their name refers to their smaller stature.
• Despite their smaller size, Pocket Bullies are incredibly strong dogs for their size due to their stocky, muscular build.
• The AKC does not recognize the pocket bully  

FAQ

What is the value of a Pocket Bully?

The price of a Pocket Bully can vary significantly depending on factors such as the dog’s pedigree, bloodlines, age, health, color and breeder reputation. You can expect to pay anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000 or even more.

Is a Pocket Bully considered a Pitbull?

Yes, a Pocket Bully is a type of Pitbull. The term “Pocket Bully” refers to a smaller, more compact version of the American Bully

Are Pocket Bullies well-suited as family dogs?

Pocket Bullies can be excellent family dogs. Pocket bullies may be small in size but they do have big hearts. They are known for their affectionate, loyal, and friendly nature. they are very adaptable and can be excellent pets for singles, couples or seniors.

Can Pocket Bullies reproduce naturally?

Yes, Pocket Bullies can breed naturally. although some pocket bullies with extreme proportions may find it difficult to mate and may require some assistance.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations on making it to the end of this comprehensive guide on American Pocket Bully! We hope you’ve gained valuable insights into their history, physical appearance, temperament, weight and height, life span, common health issues, and tips for taking care of them.

One interesting statistic to note is that the American Pocket Bully has gained immense popularity in recent years. According to the United Kennel Club (UKC), which recognized the breed in 2013, there has been a significant increase in registrations for American Pocket Bullies over the past decade. In fact, they’re now one of the fastest-growing breeds in America!

However, with great popularity comes greater responsibility. As an American Pocket Bully owner, it’s crucial to provide them with proper care and attention. 

In conclusion, this guide provides you with all the relevant information needed before considering owning an American Pocket Bully. As with any pet ownership decision: do your research thoroughly! Understanding what it takes to properly care for this breed, both financially and emotionally, should be carefully considered before bringing a dog home into your family!