Everyone knows the American Pitbull. This lively and energetic breed has become one of the nation’s favorites. Fewer people, however, are aware of the smaller version of this famous breed: the Pocket Pitbull. While not exactly pocket-size, this adorable breed is becoming increasingly popular across the country.
Crossed with another popular breed, the Patterdale, it’s no surprise this variety of designer dogs is taking up residency in millions of American homes. In many ways, the Pocket Pitbull is America’s best-kept secret, with a small number of people being aware that this breed even exists! Ever seen a Pitbull at the local dog park and thought it looked unusually small? That was likely a Pocket Pitbull, a fun-sized version of the American Pitbull Terrier.
In this blog post, we’re breaking down everything there is to know about this charming small dog, including health, temperament, appearance, and how to know if this is the breed for you. By the end of this blog post, you’ll know all there is to know about the Pocket Pitbull.
What Is A Pocket Pitbull Dog Breed?
Despite their adorable names, the Pocket Pitbull might not be as small as you think. The pocket Pitbull is a designer dog made up of the American Pitbull Terrier and the Patterdale. Rather than being ‘pocket’ sized, the Pocket Pitbull can be more actually described as a smaller sized version of its Pitbull parent.
Almost identical to the Pitbull in everything apart from the size, the Pocket Pitbull is ideal for those who desire an American Pitbull but don’t have space. The Pocket Pitbull is small like its other parent, the Patterdale.
Unfortunately, being a designer dog means the pocket Pitbull cost significantly more than both its parents. If you’re interested in owning a Pocket Pitbull, you want to make sure buying this dog is a worthwhile investment for you and your family.
Pocket Pitbull Dog Breed Quick Facts
Male: 12″ – 16″ (30 to 40 cm)
Female: 12″ – 16″ (30 to 40 cm)
Average Weight:
Male: 11 – 22 lbs (4 to 9 kg)
Female: 11 – 22 lbs (4 to 9 kg)
Average lifespan: 11-13 years
Origin: United States
Pocket Pitbull Dog Breed Characteristics
- Friendly
- Loyal
- Affectionate
- Stubborn
- Independent
- Confident
- Intelligent
- Playful
- Alert
- Active
- Protective
Where Is The Pocket Pitbull Dog Breed From?
As mentioned previously, the Pocket Pitbull is a designer dog. The designer dog phenom is relatively new. Typically, two pure-breed dogs with desirable qualities create a ‘designer dog’. This desirability is what gives designer dogs such a high price tag.
Due to this allusive origin, not much information is available on these hybrid pouches. Although the designer dog phenomenon continues to grow across America, it’s a relatively new breeding method which has only been around for a few decades.
Many assume that the Pocket Pitbull was first intentionally bred sometime in the last twenty years. The exact date and information remain unknown. As is to be expected, dog breeders and owners suspect that the Patterdale-Pitbull cross would have accidentally occurred at some point in history, but an intentional mix of the two breeds would have happened much later.
The parent breeds of the Pocket Pitbull are both hunting and working dogs, meaning although not much is known about the breed, we’re aware they have a rich and interesting ancestry.
Today, many global kennels fail to recognize the Pocket Pitbull as a breed. The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Pocket Pitbull breed, but the Dog Registry of America Inc does. Despite this, the popularity of this unique breed continues to grow. We have no doubt kennels across the world will welcome them with open arms!
Pocket Pitbull Dog Breed Physical Appearance
Physically, the Pocket Pitbull is almost identical to its Pitbull parent. This is excluding their evident size difference at all.
The Patterdale Terrier averages at twelve inches tall, and the American Pitbull is around seventeen to nineteen inches tall. This dramatic height difference means the Pocket Pitbull is significantly smaller than the American Pitbull Terrier.
With regard to appearance, the Pocket Pitbull has the same short stature, muscular frame and short, smooth fur as the Pitbull. As is the case with all crossbreeds, a Pocket Pitbull can end up looking more like either one of its parent breeds.
Pocket Pitbulls have short, smooth and shiny coats. This style of coat requires minimal grooming. To groom your Pocket Pitbull, run a short bristle brush over their coat and keep bathing to a minimum. Although pocket Pitbulls are low maintenance pups, you still need to engage in general hygiene upkeep.
To make sure your dog is as hygienic as possible, remember to brush their teeth with a dog tooth brush, trim their claws with dog nail clippers, and clean their ears every few weeks. Owning a pocket Pitbull might be physically hard work, but small mundane tasks like trips to the groomers are infrequent.
Temperament and Nature of Pocket Pitbull
Unfortunately, just like the bad reputation that Pitbulls have earned, some people believe their offspring are also aggressive and stubborn. That’s not the case with either Pitbulls or their offspring.
Miniature Pitbulls are affectionate dogs reared in a supportive and safe family environment. Like other dogs, they also want to be the center of attention and be considered another family member of their owner.
Since they are an intelligent dog breed, they can be easily trained. They are apt at following and understanding commands and memorizing them. Besides, they are highly curious and need a lot of mental exercises.
For instance, you can try to engage them with puzzles and challenging toys. You can also deploy treat dispensers, encouraging them to be better at following commands.
Also, they should not be left alone at home for long as they can become a little destructive. Fortunately, they don’t suffer separation anxiety or depression when alone. Still, you need to keep them busy with something.
Pocket Pitbulls can be great with children if trained properly. They can guard children and will ensure that they are safe. But suppose your child is just a toddler. In that case, it is advised to be physically present, as your dog can accidentally hurt your baby while trying to play.
Additionally, miniature Pitbulls can be pretty territorial, so that they can be excellent watchdogs. They are alert and will bark at strangers when they approach your house.
It is advised that you should introduce your miniature Pitbull to training from a young age. This will ensure they can quickly get along with other people and your dogs or pets.
Pocket Pitbull Dog Breed Exercise And Training
Being bred from two hard-working breeds means the Pocket Pitbull demands high-levels of exercise. Although small, these pups are full of energy!
Now, you might be looking into getting a pocket Pitbull because a full-sized American Pitbull won’t fit in your home. If this is the case, you’re probably wondering, can you own a Pocket Pitbull if you live in a small space like an apartment? The answer to this question is yes. You can own a Pocket Pitbull if you live in an apartment, however, there are still requirements you need to meet. For example, it’s best to still have available space for your dog to run around. If your apartment has a shared outdoor area, this is ideal!
Pocket Pitbulls require a significant amount of daily exercise for a dog of their size. If you own a Pocket Pitbull, you need to be able to provide them with up to one hour of exercise a day. If you’re in an apartment, this means taking them out to a field, dog park, or on a hike. Pocket Pitbulls need mental and physical stimulation and won’t thrive if stuck looking at the same scenery.
Put your pocket Pitbull on a leash (you’ll need a pretty strong one, this breed can pull) and go adventuring! The pocket Pitbull is an idea for solo-adventures or adventure-loving families.
Regarding training, you need to be just as active in their lives as you are with how much exercise they’re getting. Despite having the Patterdales innate playfulness, the pocket Pitbull can take after its Pitbull parent and show signs of frustration. This frustration is usually the cause of a lack of mental and physical stimulation and can result in poor behavior.
To avoid this bad behavior, train your pup in obedience from a young age. Pocket Pitbulls are a clever dog breed and can be trained successfully in an array of things. For example, Pocket Pitbulls can become affectionate and loving family pets if you introduce them to children from a young age.
As is the case for most dogs, especially Pitbulls, socialization from a young age is imperative. Making sure your dog reacts well to others will shape them in later life and influence your relationship with them.
Pocket Pitbulls have strong protective instincts. This can be both a blessing and a curse. If you want a watchdog, the Pocket Pitbull is ideal for this. This breed has strong protective instincts which make them great guard dogs. Alternatively, if you’re more focused on having a loving pet, you need to train your Pocket Pitbull to be this as soon as you introduce them into your home.
This breed can be brilliant with children, however, don’t forget, this dog breed is strong and might not be ideal for very young children!
Overall, if you’re considering owning a pocket Pitbull, make sure you’re willing to give them a lot of exercise and put the time in to train them into being your perfect pet!
Pocket Pitbull Dog Breed Health
As is the case with most hybrid breeds, health is always a tricky topic to navigate. On the one hand, generally, cross-breed dogs are at an advantage, being less susceptible to the illnesses their parents often get. On the other hand, the information on their health is often minimal, which can potentially cause concern if your cross-breed does get sick.
Looking at the common illnesses in their parents and analyzing the information on the breed over the last few decades can give us an indication of potential health concerns. Here are a few health concerns to be aware of it you own a Pocket Pitbull:
- Hypothyroidism: It is one of the most common diseases that affect pocket Pitbulls. In this case, you need to take your dog to the vet, and they will prescribe the proper medication for your dog.
- Hip Dysplasia: Pocket Pitbulls can suffer from this disease, which can be genetic due to the external environment. This can lead to knee problems and eventually cause weakness in the hind legs of your dogs.
Treatment options are available for this condition, following which your dog can lead a normal and healthy life. - Heart Disease: Pocket Pitbulls, just like Pitbulls, can suffer from heart conditions. But detecting heart diseases in Pocket Pitbulls is challenging as there are not many physical symptoms.
If undetected, it can lead to serious conditions like aortic stenosis. Hence, regularly taking your dog to the vet is recommended to enable early detection of heart conditions. - Eye problems: These dogs can suffer from a range of eye-related problems. While most are not harmful in the long run, some can eventually lead to blindness if left undetected. Therefore, it is recommended to take them for regular vet checkups.
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome: This condition leads to difficulty breathing among dogs due to the narrowing of the air passage. In addition, factors like obesity, humid weather, allergies, and rigorous exercise may increase the problems.
- Skin Allergies: It is one of the common diseases in pocket Pitbulls, where allergens from the environment or certain food items affect the skin. In this condition, both medication and some home remedies can help your dog.
Being a high-energy dog and muscular dog breed means that Pocket Pitbull’s require a nutritious high-protein diet. Feel your Pocket Pitbull high-quality premium dry food to fuel them and keep their bodies as healthy as possible.
To avoid your dog becoming irritable, make sure you let them run off their energy and mentally stimulate them with training games and toys.
Pocket Pitbull Parents
Patterdale Terrier
The Patterdale Terrier is one of the nation’s favorite small dog breeds. Originating in the UK, the Patterdale was bred as a hunting dog to hunt rabbits and foxes. Today, the Patterdale is a small yet energetic breed popular as a family pet. Similar to the pocket Pitbull, the Patterdale requires intense training and can be stubborn at times. If you’re willing to dedicate the time to training an energetic pouch, the payoff lasts a lifetime. The Patterdale is a small bundle of joy, full of energy and with a lot of love to give.
The American Pitbull Terrier
Americans have a love-hate relationship with the American Pitbull Terrier. However, many assumptions about this loyal breed are unfounded. The American Pitbull Terrier can be a loving and loyal family pet. Much like the pocket Pitbull, the Pitbull terrier demands a lot of training and attention, but this pays off in the form of a dedicated and loving pet.
Learn everything there is to know about the Pitbull in this blog post.
FAQs
A Pocket Pitbull is a planned hybrid between a Patterdale Terrier and an American Pit Bull Terrier. They look more like Pitbulls and are pretty sturdy, but they don’t grow up to the size of Pitbulls. However, they become quite social and are excellent guard dogs with proper training.
Pocket Pitbulls generally cost between $1500 to $2500, depending on the pedigree and other health conditions.
Yes, pocket Pitbulls are relatively healthy dog breeds. Owing to their sturdy parent, Pitbulls, they are comparatively healthy and do not suffer from many health issues.
Yes, Pocket Pitbulls, a cross between an American Pitbull and Patterdale terriers, stays small in size.
No, pocket Pitbulls are not purebred dogs at all. Instead, they are crosses between Patterdale terriers and American Pitbulls, bred to produce much smaller dogs.
A pocket bully doesn’t grow beyond 16 inches and 22 pounds in weight. Otherwise, they are tagged as miniature Pitbulls.
The two dogs that make a pocket Pitbull are the American Pitbull Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier.
Yes, pocket bullies are a friendly dog breed, but they need to be trained from a young age to have a friendly disposition.
The basic difference between pit bulls and pocket bullies is their physique and parentage. Pocket bullies are crosses between Patterdale terriers and American Pitbulls. So, pocket Pitbulls don’t grow as big as Pitbulls.
Summary On The Pocket Pitbull Dog Breed
The Pocket Pitbull is the perfect sized pet. With all the charm and charisma of both its parent breeds in an ideal size, the Pocket Pitbull is one of the best designer dog breeds around.
Despite their small size, it’s important you don’t assume your Pocket Pitbull doesn’t require adequate exercise and activity. Owning a Pocket Pitbull demands high levels of activity alongside mental stimulation. You need to be prepared to give your pup lots of attention. If you work a lot or don’t enjoy being active, this breed is not for you.
The time you dedicate to your pocket Pitbull is worth the investment. The more you put in, the more you get out, and giving attention to your pup will result in an affectionate and loving pet with unbounded loyalty towards you. The pocket Pitbull really can be man’s best friend!
If you come from a big family, and you want your pouch to be immersed in family life, perfect! Train your dog from an early age to respect and listen to those in your home. Always wanting to overachieve means the Pocket Pitbull always listens to training and is super obedient when successfully trained.
A Pocket Pitbull is a low maintenance and extremely rewarding breed to own. Whether you’re a family of five or riding solo, owning a Pocket Pitbull will bring an affectionate and loving presence into your home.
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Forrest is a lover of dogs, the wild outdoors, deep mysterious conversations… and coffee. He is the owner of several websites, including Canine Weekly. He resides in Austin, Texas.