Last Updated on February 24, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Pocket Pitbulls, or sometimes called Pitterbulls, Mini Pits, or Pocket Bullies, are a special kind of dog. They’re not like regular dogs because they’re a mix of two purebred dogs: the American Pitbull Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier.
Even though their parents are purebred, Pocket Pitbulls themselves aren’t. Instead, they’re what people call a “designer breed,” which means they’re very popular and in demand.
What’s the Origin of Pocket Pitbulls?
Let’s start by looking at the two kinds of dogs that make up the Pocket Pitbull: the Patterdale Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier.
Patterdale Terriers are known for being strong working dogs. They have lots of energy and love to make their owners happy. Originally from Northern England, they were mainly used for hunting rather than as pets. But now, with the right training and care, they can be very loyal companions.
The American Pitbull Terrier became an official breed in 1898, first recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC). This name is also used for other similar breeds like the American Staffordshire Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
Originally, Pocket Pitbull terrier were bred for hunting and controlling animals like semi-wild livestock. They were expected to be tough for their job but friendly with people. Breeders only chose dogs with good temperaments to keep the breed friendly.
When these dogs came to America, people noticed how helpful and friendly they were. Breeders wanted to keep these qualities but make them smaller so they could be better companions for families, not just for farms.
Pocket Pitbull Pictures
Traits of the Pocket Pitbull
Let’s talk about pocket pitbulls. First, we’ll learn about where they come from. Then, we’ll discuss what they look like and how they behave.
Appearance of Pocket Pitbull
Pocket Pitbulls are categorized by their size, typically reaching a maximum height of 16 inches and weighing between 11 to 22 pounds, as per the AKC. However, the pocket pitbull size may differ depending on the sizes of their parents.
Even though they’re called “small,” don’t think of pocket Pitbull dogs as tiny dogs. They have the strong build of the American Pitbull Terrier, with a wide chest, muscular legs, and a solid appearance.
Their coat is short, shiny, and usually smooth. But if they take after their Patterdale parent more, their coat might be a bit longer and wiry. They come in different colors like white, tan, cream, black, brown, and gray.
Pocket Pitbull Temperament
The parent breed of Pocket Pitbulls, the American pocket bully, is known for being friendly and gentle. They’re not usually aggressive and are very athletic, which makes them a good choice for families.
These good qualities are also found in Pocket Pitbulls. People who have them as pets say they’re really sweet. They like to be cuddled, play around, and they’re good with kids, just like Pitbulls are known for. Some owners even think their Pocket Pitbulls smile at them.
But sadly, owning a pocket Pitbull mix can sometimes come with negative opinions. Even though people worked to breed out aggression, illegal dog fighting brought it back. This led to more breeding in backyards and more aggression in the breed.
In many places, laws called Breed Specific Legislation have been made that ban owning certain breeds of dogs. This has made it harder for people to have Pocket Pitbulls.
But things are slowly changing as people learn more about training dogs. It’s not the breed that determines aggression, but how the dog is raised and trained.
Living with a Pocket Pitbull
Is a Pocket Pitbull a good match for your family? Here are some important things to think about to help you decide.
Grooming of Pocket Pitbull
Pocket Pitbulls are pretty easy to take care of when it comes to grooming. Their coat is short and shiny naturally, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time or energy on it. But it’s still important to brush them often and keep an eye out for any skin problems.
Exercise of Pocket Pitbull
Pocket Pitbulls stay active and full of energy throughout their lives. They need plenty of exercise, at least an hour every day. Since they come from working dog breeds used to being outdoors, they enjoy spending lots of time outside.
Training of Pocket Pitbull
It’s important to know that every breed of dog has certain behaviors they’re naturally inclined to. Pocket Pitbulls have instincts for hunting and guarding that need to be managed. If not, they might become protective and unfriendly toward strangers who come into your home.
According to Stanley Coren, a psychologist who studies dog intelligence, American Staffordshire Terriers (which are similar to Pocket Pitbulls) are considered pretty smart.
They’re in the third tier of intelligence, which means they can learn new tricks after being shown 15 to 25 times, and they’ll listen about 70% of the time. Pocket Pitbulls can be a bit stubborn because they’re full of energy, which might affect how well they follow commands.
Pocket Pitbull Health Issues
Pocket Pitbulls typically live for 11 to 13 years, but like most dog breeds, they can face health challenges. Common issues include:
- Hyperthyroidism: Excessive thyroid hormone leading to weight loss and restlessness.
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome: Breathing difficulties due to short snouts, causing snoring and trouble breathing.
- Heart Disease: Various conditions affecting blood pumping.
- Skin Allergies: Itching and irritation often related to food.
- Hip Dysplasia: Poorly developed hip joints leading to pain and lameness.
- Eye Related Issues: Problems like cataracts or cherry eye affecting vision.
Quality food is crucial to help prevent these problems. Pocket Pitbulls may inherit skin irritations, so monitoring for food allergies is essential.
When considering a Pocket Pitbull, opt for a reputable breeder to reduce the risk of health issues.
Are You Prepared to Have a Pocket Pitbull?
Pocket Pitbulls might not be purebred, but they can still cost between $800 to $4000. When looking for one, ask friends or community members about trustworthy breeders. Adopting might be harder since there aren’t many Pocket Pitbulls available, and their pedigree might be unclear.
These dogs are great for active people who have time for them. Even though they’re small, they’re fine in apartments, but having a yard or dog park nearby is best. They’re also good for families because they match the energy of kids, making them great companions.
Despite their tough appearance, Pocket Pitbulls are very loved by their owners. If you think they’re a good fit for you, you won’t regret having them as part of your family.
Pocket Pitbull Pros and Cons
Let’s explore the Pocket Pitbull pros and cons.
Pros:
- Pocket pitbulls inherit playfulness from Patterdale terriers.
- They have protective instincts similar to Pitbulls.
- With proper training, they can be excellent companions.
Cons:
- They may occasionally forget their strength.
- Many breeders advise against keeping them around small children due to this.
Note: Find your perfect companion with a pocket Pitbull for sale. Experience the love and loyalty of a pocket Pitbull puppy. If you want to learn more about pets, read our article at Harpersatelier.
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