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Pocket Bully Breed Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Pocket Bully Breed - Pocket Bully Picture - A pocket bully is a hybrid of the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier dog breeds.


What is a Pocket Bully?

  • A pocket bully is a hybrid of the American Bulldog and the American Pit Bull Terrier dog breeds.

  • The parent breeds of the pocket bully are the Patterdale and the American pit bull terrier.  Potential pet owners are often captivated by the adorable charm and undeniable cuteness of a pocket bully puppy.

  • Pocket bullies typically stand between 13 and 17 inches tall at the shoulder (smaller thank the American Bully).

  • They have a short, smooth coat that can come in a variety of colors.

  • Pocket Bullies are a relatively new breed and have been developed by can also contain selective breeding of American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, and other Bully breeds.

  • Pocket bullies (AKA ‘pocket pitbull’ ) are known for their energetic and playful personalities, and they make great family pets.
  • The American pocket bully is known for its compact size and muscular build, making it a popular choice among dog enthusiasts.

Although they may look intimidating, these dogs actually have a gentle and friendly nature, making them great pets for any kind of household.

As a breed, American Bullies have never been utilized for dog fighting and are not put to any practical use other than as pets and show dogs.

They are easy to train and enthusiastic about learning new skills, so they can join their owners in a wide range of canine activities.

Pocket Bully Puppy Sleeping

Pocket Bully Breed History

The Pocket Bully, a more recent addition to the world of dog breeds, was developed between 1980 and 1990 in the United States.

The UKC (United Kennel Club) has recognized the Pocket Bully as a breed since 2013, and likewise, they were recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) back in 2004.

Modern American Bullies are more accepting of other dogs than some other bully mixed breeds since the original bully breeders bred them to be powerful dogs to defend their property, protect cattle, and assist with daily chores.

Why The Pocket Bully Was Bred

The Pocket Bully was bred to combine the best qualities of an American pit bull terrier and a Patterdale terrier, but it may also inherit some of those dogs' undesirable tendencies.

This breed was developed to provide a wonderful family companion that doesn't need a lot of exercise.

According to ABKC (American Bully Kennel Club), This dog was bred to have strong bones and a bulky appearance.

This breed was not developed through a single breeding program; rather, many dog owners in America with mixed dog breeds eventually gave rise to the American Bully, making them a popular dog breed, up to this day.

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What Does the Pocket Bully Look Like?

The appearance of Pocket Bully is menacing and has a muscular build, making them stocky due to their broad chest.
Their physique should be proportionately constructed, and they shouldn't have a brachycephalic (short-nosed) nose that interferes with their ability to breathe.

pocket bully puppy

Their physique shouldn't limit their mobility or agility, and they should be able to move confidently and easily, even though they have short legs.

Their muscles should provide them power and strength, but they shouldn't be overdeveloped to the point where they cause an uneven or blocky stride.

Pocket Bulley Breed Colors

Color Description
Black Black is a common color for pocket bullies, and their coat can be solid black or have white markings.
Blue Blue pocket bullies have a coat that ranges from a light grayish-blue to a deep, dark blue color. They often have white markings on their chest and feet.
Brindle Brindle is a pattern of stripes that can come in a range of colors such as brown, black, and gray. Brindle pocket bullies have a coat that has a mixture of these colors with a striped pattern.
Chocolate Chocolate pocket bullies have a dark brown coat that can range from a light milk chocolate color to a deep, dark chocolate color. They often have white markings on their chest and feet.
Fawn Fawn is a light tan or beige color. Fawn pocket bullies can have a solid fawn coat or white markings on their chest and feet.
Lilac Lilac pocket bullies have a coat that is a light grayish-purple color. They often have white markings on their chest and feet.
Merle Merle is a pattern of colors and can come in a range of colors such as blue, black, and brown. Merle pocket bullies have a coat that has a mixture of these colors with a marbled pattern.
Red Red pocket bullies have a coat that ranges from a light reddish-brown color to a deep, dark red color. They often have white markings on their chest and feet.
Tricolor Tricolor pocket bullies have a coat that is a mixture of three colors, usually black, white, and brown. They often have white markings on their chest and feet.


Pocket Bully Physical Attributes

Compact and Muscular Build:

Pocket bullies are robust and well-defined. They are muscular, lean, and athletic. This gives them a low body fat percentage

Thick, Wide Head:

Pocket Bullies are known for their big, broad heads. Short, wide nose and powerful jaw.

Short, Stocky Legs:

Pocket bullies have short, stocky legs with well-defined muscles and a robust frame.

Broad Chest and Shoulders:

Pocket bullies have broad chests and shoulders, giving them a strong and powerful appearance.

Wide, Rounded Rump:

Pocket bullies have a large, rounded rump.

Short Tails

Pocket bullies have short tails that are usually cut off or grow that way.

Pocket Bully Size Guide

Pocket Bullies usually weigh between 4 and 16 ounces and are about 3 to 4 inches long when they are first born.

When fully grwon, Pocket Bullies are usually between 14 and 20 inches tall at the shoulders and they can weigh anywhere from 10 to 25 pounds.

It's important to remember that size and weight can change based on genes, diet, exercise, and overall health, among other things.

If you have a Pocket Bully or are thinking about getting one, you should talk to a vet to make sure they are healthy and getting the care they need.

Height    Weight
Male Pocket Bully 15 - 20 inches 10 - 25 lbs
Female Pocket Bully

14 - 19 inches

10 - 25 lbs

Typical Pocket Bully Breed Characteristics

The Pocket Bully is a popular dog breed due to its trainability and loyalty, which make it an excellent companion dog and guard dog.

These dogs are pleasant, clever, and eager to please their family.

Although this breed doesn't tend to be very violent, certain circumstances might bring forth an instinctive need to defend the family and house, making others view them as aggressive dogs.

Although they are the friendliest "bully breed" with other dogs, they may not always get along with other animals.

With the assistance of positive reinforcement-based training and excellent socialization as a puppy, a dog is better equipped for adulthood as a calm and trustworthy companion.

Pocket Bullies are funny and endearing.

This dog breed is known for being a people-pleaser that thrives on lots of mental stimulation, walks, play in a fenced-in yard, and socializing with its pack of humans and dog pals.

They are cuddly and adore children. Additionally, they are ideal for the elderly because they are very loyal and protective of their owners.

Height and Weight

On average, the standard American Bully weighs between 65 and 85 pounds.

These female dogs are typically 16 to 19 inches in size, while the males are typically 17 to 20 inches.
Pocket-sized small dogs such as pocket bully puppies range in height from 15 to 17 inches and weigh from 11 to 22 pounds.

Body Type

The typical American Bully is a medium-sized dog with high cheek muscles and a huge skull. They typically have a broadhead that is heavy and proportionate to their bodies.
They also have distinct jaws and robust, muscular bodies, and broad physiques. They seem quite strong because of their big chests.


Coat

The care needed for their sleek, glossy, shorter coat is minimal. All that is required is routine brushing with a soft bristle brush and washing.
The robust physique and wide, deep chest of the American Bully dog make it a moderate shedder.
The two colors the ABKC disqualifies are merle and albino, which may be seen in a variety of hues and combinations.

American Bully dogs come in a range of hues, including Black, White, Grey, Brown, Blue, Tan, Fawn, Red, and Piebald.
One of the numerous color variants of the American Bully breed that we are aware of is the blue version.
They may be tricolor, merle, brindle, or solid blue.

A Pocket Bully typically has a coat that is a little longer than half an inch, thus during the colder months, this dog could get cold.

Lock Jaw

According to this study (view document) by the Marin Humane Organization, the notion of ‘lock jaw’ does not exist and is a rumor.

In their document they say that there is a common misconception that bully breed dogs can't be stopped from biting because of their special jaw and tooth anatomy, causing lockjaw.

However, there is no such jaw-locking mechanism in reality.

Reference: https://www.animalfarmfoundation.org/no-pit-bull-dogs-dont-lock-their-jaws-and-other-myth-busting-facts

Pocket Bully Grooming and Care

Grooming your pocket bully is similar to grooming any other bully breed, but it is important to be mindful of their smaller size.

Follow these grooming steps:
  • Establish a regular grooming routine for your Pocket Bully. This can include brushing their coat, trimming their nails, and cleaning their ears.

  • Brushing your Pocket Bully's coat regularly will help to remove any tangles or mats, and will also help to distribute the natural oils in their coat, keeping it shiny and healthy.

  • When trimming your Pocket Bully's nails, it is important to be very careful to avoid rushing the process or cutting too quickly, due to the sensitive part of their nails.

  • Cleaning your Pocket Bully's ears will help to prevent ear infections, which can be a common problem in this breed.

  • Keep your Pocket Bully clean and well-groomed by bathing and keeping their ears and teeth clean.


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Exercising Your Pocket Bully

As lively and vivacious dogs, pocket bullies need regular exercise to stay healthy and content.

pocket bullies should get at least 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise per day. But keep in mind the amount of exercise needed largely depends on the dog breed.
It is suggested to speak to your qualified vet for information and guidelines.

It's crucial to remember that pocket bullies, despite their small size, can be quite energetic, which means they could require more activity than other small breeds.

They will be able to maintain a healthy weight and avoid behavioral problems like destructive behavior or excessive barking with regular exercise.
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5 Top Pocket Bully Exercise Ideas You Will Both Love

Daily walking and running (nothing new here I know!) but this builds a routine for both you and your pocket bully.
Plus the consistency of repetitive exercise is essential and can be fun.

1 - Play fetch:

ANY dog should love this game! You can use a ball, frisbee, or other small toys to play with your dog in a securely fenced yard or park.

2 - Tug of war:

Tug of war is a great way to get your dog to use its muscle and strength and to burn energy.

Tug of war-games with your pocket bully will be a great bonding experience between you and your best friend.

Use a sturdy rope toy and play with your dog in a supervised and controlled environment.

3 - Hide and Seek:

Hide and seek is a fun game that you can play with your pocket bully both indoors and outdoors.

4 - Hiking:

Pocket bullies love the outdoors and enjoy going for a hike with their owners.

Take your dog on a hike in a safe and dog-friendly area and enjoy the scenery together.

5 - Treibball:
Treibball is a fun and engaging sport you can play with your pocket bully.
It involves herding large exercise balls into a goal using only verbal commands and body language.

Pocket Bully Lifespan and Health

A Pocket American Bully puppy or dog typically lives between 11 to 12 years and the better they are taken care of the longer they will live.

The popularity of the Pocket bully dog breed is rising. These canines' amiable and extroverted dispositions appeal to a lot of people.

On the parent side, the American bully may be susceptible to several health issues, such as hip dysplasia and hypothyroidism.

Other than that, the common health problems in pocket bullies are:
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Allergies: Environmental, Food, and Medication Allergies
  • Skin Conditions, eye problems
The Pocket Bully breed of dogs does tend to live healthy and relatively long lives.

What Dog Food Should I Feed My Pocket Bully?

A high-quality, protein-rich dog food is recommended for a Pocket Bully.

Look for brands that use actual meat as their primary ingredient, and stay away from products that contain filler ingredients such as maize and wheat.

We do suggest speaking to a professional vet to identify the best food and eating routine for your pup.

Some popular dog food options for Pocket Bullies are:

  • Royal Canin Bulldog
  • Wellness Complete Health Bulldog Recipe
  • Blue Buffalo Life Protection Bulldog Recipe
  • Nutro Ultra Small Breed Dry Dog Food
Always check the label and consult with your vet to ensure the food is appropriate for your specific dog's age, health, and dietary needs.

Many dog food brands offer a range of options, including dry kibble, wet food, and specialty diets, so you can choose the best one for your dog's specific needs.

It's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to your dog's diet.

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Quick Summary - Top Pocket Bully FAQ’s Answered

What is a Pocket Bully?

A hybrid dog breed, the Pocket Bully is a mix of the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Bulldog.

What does a Pocket Bully look like?

A Pocket Bully is small and muscular, with a thick, wide head, short, stocky legs, a broad chest, and a rounded rump. Most of the time, their shoulder height is between 13 and 17 inches.

What are the breed characteristics of a Pocket Bully?

Pocket Bullies are known for being easy to train and for being loyal. They make great pets and guard dogs.

They are friendly and cute, and they have a personality that makes them good at making people happy. They thrive on mental stimulation, walks, playing, and being with other people.

What is the history of the Pocket Bully breed?

The Pocket Bully breed was made in the United States between 1980 and 1990.
The American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) both recognized them as a breed in 2004 and 2013.

Why do people keep Pocket Bullies as pets?

The American Pit Bull Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier were crossed to make the Pocket Bully, but they may also have some bad traits from their parents.
This breed was created so that people could have a great family pet that doesn't need a lot of exercises and looks strong and powerful.

Final Thoughts

Despite all the concerning issues, the Pocket Bully makes a lovely family dog with a laid-back nature that is powerful in size yet loving in disposition.
The average cost of an American Bully is between $2,000 and $10,000. But if they are descended from distinguished bloodlines or purebred dogs, their price may go as high as $20,000.

Bully dogs are wonderful family pets and best friends when given the right training and care.
They make ideal pets due to their small size, relatively low grooming and exercise needs, and loving and devoted personalities.

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