American Bully Pocket Pitbulls are a unique and fascinating breed that requires specific care and attention. They are known for their muscular build and compact size, weighing between 16-20 pounds.
These dogs are generally quiet and laid-back, but may require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A daily walk of at least 30 minutes is recommended.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are essential to prevent health issues.
History and Origins
The American Bully breed was developed as a natural extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier, with its unique build and structure emerging around the 1990s.
The breed was influenced by the infusion of several other breeds, including the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge, which helped shape its distinctive physical appearance.
The American Bully breed was formally recognized by the United Kennel Club on July 15, 2013, after years of selective breeding to eliminate aggression and focus on creating a companion breed.
A unique perspective: American Bully English Bulldog Bulldog
What Is the History of?
The American Bully breed has a fascinating history that spans over three decades. It developed as a natural extension of the American Pit Bull Terrier.
The breed was created around the 1980s with American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and bulldog-type dogs. Breeders selectively bred these dogs to eliminate aggression and focus on desirable traits.
The American Bully's history begins around the 1980s, a time when breeders were looking to create a new breed with a calm temperament. By the 1990s, the desired temperament and physical traits were established.
The breed gained recognition and establishment in 2004 with the inception of the American Bully Kennel Club, also known as the ABKC Registry. This marked a significant milestone in the breed's history.
The United Kennel Club or UKC recognized the American Bully breed in 2013, further solidifying its place in the world of dog breeds.
The American Bully was subtly influenced by the infusion of several other breeds, including the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge. This blending of breeds helped create a unique breed with a distinct appearance.
The breed was created to give the American Pit Bull Terrier a new direction and outlet, while keeping its positive characteristics like loyalty and stability with humans and children.
Explore further: American Bully Terrier
Understanding Pedigrees
Understanding Pedigrees is crucial when buying a dog. You want to get a quality linebred dog, which means the same ancestors appear more than once in the 4 generation pedigree.
Linebred dogs usually produce more consistent litters, which is a good sign of a healthy breeding program. Kennels that have been around for a while and have quality productions to show often linebreed.
You can line breed your dog using the kennel that you purchased your female from. This will produce more consistent litters.
Physical Characteristics
The American Bully Pocket Pitbull is a compact and muscular breed, with a broad appearance that belies its agility and athleticism. They come in three distinct sizes, including the Pocket, Standard/Classic, and XL.
Their body structure is close-coupled and square, with a broad, deep chest and well-sprung ribs. The chest is free from exaggeration, and the forechest does not extend forward much beyond the point of the shoulder.
The Pocket Bully typically weighs between 30-50 pounds, depending on its bone structure and gender. This weight range is consistent across the breed, regardless of size.
The Pocket Bully's height ranges from 13-17 inches, making them a medium-sized breed. This height range is specific to the Pocket Bully, and is shorter than the Standard Bully.
Their forequarters are strong and muscular, with large or round bone. The upper arm is roughly equal in length to the shoulder blade and joins at an apparent right angle.
Here are the key physical characteristics of the American Bully Pocket Pitbull:
Their coat is smooth to the touch, and they are known for their stocky, muscular build. Pocket Bullies come in various colors, including black, fawn, red, gray, white, golden, and variations of these colors.
A fresh viewpoint: Bully Dog Colors
Temperament and Personality
American Bully Pocket Pitbulls are known for their affectionate nature, and they thrive on being part of the family. They are gentle dogs that bond strongly with their people.
They are naturally curious and intelligent, understanding human emotions and behaviors. This intelligence makes them highly trainable, but it also means they require a lot of mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
Socialization is key to preventing aggression in Pocket Bullies, as they can become protective if they don't receive proper training and care. With early socialization, they can get along well with children and other pets.
These dogs are not naturally inclined to bark at strangers, but they will investigate and try to befriend unfamiliar faces. However, they can get protective if faced with a threat, making them a loyal companion.
Here's a comparison of the temperament of Micro and Pocket Bullies:
- Micro Bully: Typical traits include affectionate, playful, and obstinate.
- Pocket Bully: These dogs are rather confident, loyal, and friendly, though they have a hint of stubbornness that is easy to handle.
Overall, American Bully Pocket Pitbulls are loving and crave affection from their owners. They are not inherently aggressive and can get along well with children and other pets with proper socialization and care.
Health and Care
American bully pocket pitbulls are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy between 10 and 14 years. With proper care and attention, they can live a long, happy life.
Regular vet visits are essential to prevent and detect health issues early on. Micro bullies, in particular, are prone to knee problems, breathing problems, and overheating.
To keep your American bully pocket pitbull healthy, make sure to provide a high-quality diet and plenty of love. They have little grooming needs, requiring only weekly brushing to remove dead hair.
Pocket bullies need to be checked for joint problems, heart conditions, and weight gain, as these can worsen other health conditions. Regular ear, eye, and teeth cleaning, as well as nail trimming, are also necessary.
Key Health Comparison:
- Micro Bully: Tending to knee problems, breathing problems, and overheating.
- Pocket Bully: Nearly the same health issues but slightly bigger.
By following these care tips and being mindful of potential health issues, you can help your American bully pocket pitbull live a happy, healthy life.
Dog Care
Pocket bullies are relatively low-maintenance dogs that don't demand much from their human partners. They need regular vet visits to stay healthy.
A complete set of evenly spaced, white teeth is a key feature of the American Bully breed, meeting in a scissors or even bite. Missing teeth are considered a serious fault.
Pocket bullies have little grooming needs, requiring only weekly brushing to remove dead hair, and more often in spring and fall when they shed more. Nail trimming, ear, eye, and teeth cleaning are also essential.
While they shed minimally throughout the year, pocket bullies do shed moderately in spring and fall, making regular brushing a must to manage shedding.
Health Problems
Pocket bullies and micro-bullies are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health problems. These include hip and elbow dysplasia, a common issue in many dog breeds.
Regular check-ups with a vet are crucial to catch any potential health issues early on. This can help prevent or manage problems, and ensure your dog lives a long and healthy life.
Joint problems are a common health issue in both pocket bullies and micro-bullies. They may also develop breathing problems, particularly in hot regions where they can suffer from heat stress.
Consider reading: American Bully Dog Health Problems
Eye issues such as ectropion and entropion can also affect pocket bullies. Respiratory problems, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), are another potential issue.
Heart disease is a concern for both pocket bullies and micro-bullies. This can lead to complications such as fluid accumulation in the abdomen and lungs.
Weight gain is a significant health risk for both breeds, particularly as it can worsen other health conditions. Monitoring your dog's weight and following a healthy diet can help prevent this.
Here are some key health issues to be aware of:
- Micro Bully: Tending to knee problems, breathing problems, and overheating.
- Pocket Bully: Nearly the same health issues but slightly bigger.
How Long Do They Live?
Pocket bullies have a life expectancy between 10 and 14 years.
They are generally healthy dogs, so with proper care and attention, they can live a long and happy life.
Provided with enough care and attention, they can thrive and become loving companions for many years.
Take a look at this: American Bully Care
A Stud vs a Proven Producer
A Stud vs a Proven Producer is a crucial distinction for anyone considering breeding.
Some Studs may seem promising, but they often fail to deliver on their hype.
Top producing dogs are often inbred or linebred from an outstanding bloodline.
This means they have a higher chance of passing on desirable traits to their offspring.
Linebred and inbred Studs have a better track record of success than scatterbred Stud dogs.
This is due to basic genetics, where the focus is on preserving and strengthening specific characteristics.
A Proven Producer, on the other hand, is a Stud that consistently produces high-quality litters.
They have an established track record of success and a deep understanding of genetics and breeding methods.
This expertise is often gained through experience, successes, and failures, as well as trial and error.
For more insights, see: American Bully Genetics
Exercise and Training
Exercise and training are crucial aspects of caring for an American Bully Pocket Pitbull. They are intelligent dogs that thrive on pleasing their owners, making them relatively easy to train.
Pocket bullies learn new things quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement, such as praise and treats. They don't respond well to harsh corrections, so it's essential to use a gentle approach when training them.
For your interest: American Pitbull Terrier Training
A short walk and some playtime in the yard or at a dog park is enough exercise for a Micro Bully, but they do require some form of activity on a regular basis. This can be as simple as a few minutes of running around the house.
Pocket Bullies are a bit more energetic and can adjust to relatively active demands, but they still don't require hours of vigorous exercise. A couple of walks in a day and some playtime should keep them content and in shape.
To train a pocket bully, focus on using praise and rewards, such as treats or playtime. This approach will make training a breeze, and they'll be able to learn basic obedience in just a few weeks.
Size and Variations
The American Bully Pocket Pitbulls come in a variety of sizes and variations, which can be a bit overwhelming for first-time owners. The ideal height range for mature Pocket males is under 17 inches and no less than 14 inches at the withers.
The Pocket Bully is a medium-sized dog breed, standing between 13 and 17 inches tall at the withers. They typically weigh between 30 to 45 pounds, with a proportionate body.
There are several classes within the American Bully breed, including Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. The height range for each class is as follows: Pocket (13-17 inches), Standard (17-20 inches), Classic (same height as Standard but with a lighter body frame), and XL (over 20 inches to 23 inches for males, over 19 inches to 22 inches for females).
For those who want a smaller or shorter dog, the Pocket Bully is a great choice. They're perfect for apartment living or for owners who don't need a dog that requires a lot of space.
Here's a summary of the American Bully classes:
The Micro Bully is another variation of the American Bully breed, but it's not an official breed and lacks a clear height guideline. However, they're usually less than 33 cm in height at the withers and weigh around 25 to 35 pounds.
A fresh viewpoint: Pocket Bully Breed
Purchasing and Ownership
If you're ready to bring a Pocket Bully into your life, be prepared to invest time and effort into their socialization.
Socialization is key to raising a well-behaved Pocket Bully, and it's essential to provide them with exposure to new situations, environments, people, and other animals throughout puppyhood and teenage years.
They crave attention and love from their owners, always working hard to please them, so be prepared to give them plenty of affection and attention.
With proper socialization, you'll have a well-behaved and affectionate dog, ready to welcome everyone into your home.
Choosing the Right Dog
If you're considering getting a Pocket Bully, be aware that socialization is key to their development. They need exposure to new situations, environments, people, and other animals from an early age to become well-behaved dogs.
Their temperament is sweet and loyal, making them excellent companions. They crave attention and love from their owners, always working hard to please them.
Pocket Bullies are suitable for small to medium-sized homes, but they do require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They're active yet cuddly, making them a great fit for families who want a furry friend.
The biggest need of a Pocket Bully is socialization, and neglecting this can lead to behavioral issues. They can become too much to handle if they don't receive proper training and socialization.
If you're looking for a dog that doesn't require much space, a Micro Bully might be a better fit. However, if you want a more powerful bulldog with a big heart, a Pocket Bully could be the way to go.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to your living situation, lifestyle, and the dog's purpose. Both breeds are loyal and loving, but they differ in size and temperament.
In deciding between a Micro and Pocket Bully, consider the size of your living space and your desired level of exercise. Both breeds are wonderful companions, but they have different needs.
If you're looking to add a bully to your household, conduct an exhaustive search to find a reputable breeder. This will ensure you get a healthy puppy that's well-suited to your lifestyle.
Explore further: American Bully Sizes and Weight
Cost
The cost of an American Bully puppy can vary significantly depending on several factors. Show Quality & Breeding Stock can range from $5000 to $10,000 or more.
If you're looking for a pet-quality puppy with registration paperwork, you can expect to pay around $2500 or more.
For those who don't need registration paperwork, a pet-quality puppy can cost anywhere from $2500 to $1000.
The Breed's Popularity
The American Bully breed's popularity has been on the rise, and it's not hard to see why. The breed became one of the fastest growing new breeds in 2014 and has remained in the top 5 every year since.
In 2018, the American Bully breed became the fastest growing dog breed in terms of popularity, and it hasn't shown any signs of slowing down since. The breed is on track to finish 2019 in similar fashion.
The breed's growing popularity is a testament to its appeal, and many people are falling in love with it.
A fresh viewpoint: How to Breed American Bully
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a pocket bully worth?
The cost of a Pocket Bully can range from $1,000 to $5,000 or more, depending on factors like age, health, and temperament. Prices may be higher for show-quality or breeding-quality dogs.
Sources
- https://www.ukcdogs.com/american-bully
- https://dogacademy.org/breeds/pocket-bully-breed
- https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/a/americanbully.htm
- https://blog.tryfi.com/micro-bully-vs-pocket-bully/
- https://medium.com/texassizebullies/what-is-a-pocket-size-american-bully-micro-vs-pocket-standard-xl-the-exotic-bully-98d2c9a001a9
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