The Complete Guide to Micro Bully Size and Care

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Selective Focus Photo of Pitbull
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Micro Bully size can be a bit tricky to understand, but don't worry, we've got you covered.

Micro Bully dogs typically weigh between 16 and 28 pounds.

They are a relatively small breed, but they still need regular exercise to stay healthy.

What Is Micro Bully?

Micro Bullies are a result of selective breeding, often crossing a Pocket Bully with a French Bulldog or other bulldog-type dog to achieve a smaller size while retaining the muscular appearance of the American Bully.

Their lineage can vary, but they are often considered a designer breed due to the lack of standard practices among breeders.

Micro Bullies are known for their short lifespan, typically ranging from three to eight years, which raises concerns about the ethics of breeding them.

A different take: Smallest Bulldog Breed

What Size Is Micro Bully?

The micro bully is a small dog breed, with males under 14 inches and females no taller than 13 inches. They're the smallest American bully-type dogs, although they're not recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC).

Credit: youtube.com, Micro Bully or Pocket Pitbull or Micro Pitbull? PRO'S & CON'S!

Males can weigh anywhere from 30 to 45 pounds, while females typically weigh around the same. Their muscular frame and miniature size make it challenging for breeders to achieve a proportionate look.

The ABKC doesn't consider micro bullies a legitimate variety of the breed, likely due to the difficulties in achieving a balanced physique.

Breed Overview

The Micro Bully breed is a result of selective breeding, specifically crossing a Pocket Bully with a Patterdale Terrier or other Bulldog breeds. This intentional breeding aimed to produce a smaller version of the American Bully without sacrificing its characteristic muscular build.

Micro Bullies are small dogs, with males under 14 inches and females standing no taller than 13 inches. They are the smallest American bully-type dogs, though not recognized by the ABKC.

Their weight can vary, but typically, you can expect Micro Bullies to weigh anywhere from 30 to 45 pounds. With their muscular frame and miniature size, it's difficult for breeders to achieve a proportionate look.

Credit: youtube.com, Micro Bully vs Pocket Bully: What’s The Difference

Here are some key characteristics of the Micro Bully breed:

  • Height: 12-17 inches
  • Weight: 10-25 pounds
  • Coat length & texture: Short fur that may or may not have a wooly undercoat
  • Coat color: 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

The Patterdale Terrier, a well-known breed in the United Kingdom, was bred for ratting and is not yet recognized by the AKC. However, it's in good standing with several other registries.

Physical Characteristics

The Micro Bully's physical characteristics are quite fascinating. They can have a wiry coat, similar to a Patterdale terrier, or a smooth single coat, just like a pit bull.

Their size is one of their most notable features, weighing between 10 to 25 pounds, which is significantly lighter than the American Bully breed.

Short legs and a muscular build are characteristic of the Micro Bully, much like a standard bully in a smaller size.

Pit Bull Breed

The Pit Bull breed is a broad category that encompasses several types of dogs, including the American Bully and the Pocket Bully.

The American Bully breed originated in the United States in the 1980s and was officially recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club (AKBC) in 2004.

Credit: youtube.com, Pitbull Dog Breed Types: Differences, Appearances, and Characteristics

The American Bully is a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the English Bulldog, resulting in a muscular build.

The American Bully is a fully UKC-recognized breed that recently appeared in the 1990s.

Pit Bull type breeds also include the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

The Pocket Bully is a smaller version of the American Bully, created by crossing an American Bully with a Patterdale Terrier.

The Pocket Bully is not considered a breed by any major kennel associations, but rather a variation of the American Bully.

Micro Bullies, also known as Exotic Bullies, can have various lineages, often resulting from breeding a Patterdale Terrier with other Bully breeds.

It's essential to note that the lack of recognition of the American Bully breed by some authorities has led to questionable breeding practices, resulting in questionable pedigrees and health issues.

Explore further: Micro Pit Bulls

Physical Features

The pocket bully's physical features are quite unique, and one of the most notable is their small size. They typically weigh between 10 to 25 pounds.

Credit: youtube.com, PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Their build is muscular, which is characteristic of the American Bully breed. This muscular build is one of the defining features of the pocket bully.

The pocket bully has a similar appearance to the French bulldog, despite not being related. Their physical characteristics are also similar to those of the American Pit Bull Terrier, but in a more compact package.

Their coat can be either wiry like the Patterdale terrier or smooth like the pit bull type, depending on their genetics.

Temperament and Training

Micro bullies are known for being friendly, affectionate, and easy to train, making them excellent family pets. They thrive on positive reinforcement and consistent training methods.

Their temperament is similar to that of the Pocket Bully, but with some key differences. Micro bullies tend to be more energetic and playful, requiring regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. In contrast, Pocket Bullies are generally more relaxed and calm, with a lower energy level.

Credit: youtube.com, Training a "novice" Micro Bully pup.

Here's a comparison of the two breeds' energy levels and trainability:

Regardless of the breed, using positive reinforcement training methods consistently is essential for effective training and a well-behaved dog.

Temperament and Characteristics

The Pocket Bully is a unique breed that combines the traits of a Patterdale terrier and an American Bully in a smaller size, typically weighing between 10 to 25 pounds.

They have a muscular build and short legs, making them a compact and adorable companion dog. Their coat can be either wiry like a Patterdale terrier or smooth like an American Bully, and they come in a variety of colors including fawn, black, and rare white markings.

Micro Bullies tend to be more energetic and playful, requiring regular exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

Pocket Bullies, on the other hand, have a more relaxed and calm demeanor, making them a great choice for families with children.

A different take: Patterdale Terrier Weight

Credit: youtube.com, Temperament & Personality

Here's a comparison of the energy levels and trainability of Micro Bullies and Pocket Bullies:

Micro Bullies are extremely devoted and love human companionship, making them a great choice for families who want a snuggly companion.

They are also social dogs that warm up to strangers quickly, but may take some time to get comfortable around new people.

Are They Energetic?

They're naturally high-energy dogs, requiring regular exercise to prevent destructive behavior.

Some breeds are more prone to restlessness, such as the Australian Shepherd and Border Collie.

Their high energy levels also make them excellent candidates for agility training, as they can learn complex commands and courses quickly.

Their intelligence and athleticism make them well-suited for this type of training.

With proper exercise and mental stimulation, they can thrive in active households with owners who can keep up with their energy.

However, inactivity can lead to boredom and destructive behavior.

Are They Aggressive?

Some breeds are naturally more aggressive than others. The American Bulldog, for example, has a strong prey drive and may not be suitable for homes with small pets.

Credit: youtube.com, What's Wrong Shelter Temperament Tests and How They Create Aggression/Resource Guarding

Aggression can be linked to fear and anxiety, which can be caused by a lack of socialization in the early stages of a dog's life. This is why proper socialization is crucial for any breed.

The Labrador Retriever, on the other hand, is known for its friendly and outgoing temperament, making it a great choice for families.

Health and Grooming

Micro bullies suffer from various health issues that can shorten their lifespan and lower life quality. Joint pain and respiratory problems are two main health issues seen in most micro bullies.

They are prone to elbow dysplasia, which reduces the range of motion and causes severe discomfort, often developing as early as their teenage years. Respiratory problems affect all short-nosed dog breeds, and micro bullies have narrow nostrils and windpipes that cause breathing difficulties.

Here are some common health issues that affect micro bullies:

  • Joint pain and respiratory problems
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Respiratory problems
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Allergies
  • Skin problems
  • Cherry eye
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat (gastric torsion)

Micro bullies have low grooming needs, requiring only a weekly brush to distribute their natural oils across their coat, which keeps it shiny and nourished.

Do You Need to Groom?

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Grooming is a crucial part of a Micro Bully's care, and the good news is that they have very low grooming needs.

You can use a bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt one to two times a week to remove dead hair from their coat. Since they have short hair, Micro Bullies don't need haircuts.

Bathing should be done when they get dirty or develop an unpleasant smell. Routine dental care, eye and ear cleaning, and nail trimming are also essential.

Brushing their coats weekly is effortless and can help keep shedding in check. Micro Bullies shed very minimally, so you don't have to worry about clumps of hair everywhere.

Brushing your Micro Bully's teeth daily and scheduling routine dental cleanings can lower their risks of developing periodontal disease. This is especially important, as 80% of dogs show signs of this disease by age 3.

For more insights, see: Australian Silky Terrier Short Hair

Health Problems

Micro Bullies suffer from various health issues that shorten their lifespan and lower life quality. Joint pain and respiratory problems are two main health issues seen in most micro bullies.

Credit: youtube.com, The Benefits of Regular Grooming for Dog Health

Their body is often too heavy for their frame, leading to elbow dysplasia, which reduces the range of motion and causes severe discomfort. This condition is common in micro bullies as early as their teenage years.

Respiratory problems affect all short-nosed dog breeds, and micro bullies are no exception. They have narrow nostrils and windpipes that cause breathing difficulties, making it hard for them to carry their body around.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are common issues in micro bullies due to their weight and breathing difficulties. It's essential to take them out for daily walks in cooler parts of the day and keep them light and short.

Some other health problems that commonly affect micro bullies include congenital heart disease, allergies, skin problems, cherry eye, and hip dysplasia.

Here are some common health issues in micro bullies:

  • Joint pain and respiratory problems
  • Elbow dysplasia
  • Heat exhaustion and heatstroke
  • Congenital heart disease
  • Allergies
  • Skin problems
  • Cherry eye
  • Hip dysplasia

Pocket Bullies may also share some health issues from their parent breeds, such as skin issues, brachycephalic airway syndrome, and hip dysplasia. They may also be prone to bloat, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical care.

Proper care, regular exercise, and a well-balanced diet can help prevent or manage many of these health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and prompt treatment of any health concerns are also essential for maintaining their well-being.

Care and Maintenance

Credit: youtube.com, Exotic Bully – The Ultimate Guide

The Micro Bully is a relatively low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Regular grooming practices are necessary to keep their coats healthy and their skin in good condition.

You'll want to establish a regular grooming routine to keep your Micro Bully's coat looking its best. This can be as simple as brushing them a few times a week.

A well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining your Micro Bully's overall health. A deep-chested breed like the Micro Bully is more susceptible to bloat, so it's a good idea to divide their daily portion into two meals instead of feeding them all at once.

Feeding your Micro Bully two meals a day can help prevent bloat and other health issues. Always consult with your vet to determine the best diet for your individual dog.

Choosing a Micro Bully

Choosing a Micro Bully is a big decision, and it's essential to consider your lifestyle and living situation. The Micro Bully breed originated from breeding a Patterdale Terrier with other Bully breeds, such as the French Bulldog or Olde English Bulldogge.

Credit: youtube.com, 5 Different Types of American Bully Which One is Yours

If you live in a small apartment or have limited space, a Micro Bully is a great choice due to their compact size. They typically weigh between 10-25 pounds and stand 12-17 inches tall. Their short fur is easy to maintain, but they still require regular grooming.

To determine if a Micro Bully is right for you, evaluate your energy level and ability to provide regular exercise. Micro Bullies have moderate exercise needs, and they're best suited for owners who can provide daily walks and playtime. Consider the following factors when choosing a Micro Bully:

  • Energy Level: Micro Bullies are suitable for owners who prefer a more relaxed and low-energy companion.
  • Size: Micro Bullies are smaller, making them more suitable for apartments or smaller homes.
  • Trainability: Micro Bullies can be trained effectively with consistent training and positive reinforcement.
  • Health Considerations: Micro Bullies may be prone to health issues, so regular vet check-ups and a balanced diet are crucial.
  • Grooming Needs: Micro Bullies have relatively low-maintenance coats, but they still require regular grooming.

Choosing a Class or Type

Choosing a Class or Type is one of the most important decisions you'll make when selecting a Micro Bully.

The American Bully breed originated in the United States in the 1980s, and was officially recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) in 2004.

To determine which type of Micro Bully is right for you, consider the size you prefer. Do you want a smaller dog, or something bigger? The Pocket Bully, a cross between an American Bully and a Patterdale Terrier, is a great option for those who want a smaller dog.

Credit: youtube.com, ABKC classes: Determine what class your bully belongs in

The American Bully breed has four recognized classes: Pocket, Standard, Classic, and XL. The Pocket Bully is determined by its adult height, while the Classic Bully is determined by its body structure and build.

If you're looking for a dog with exaggerated features on a smaller, more compact body, the Exotic Bully may be the way to go. However, be aware that the Exotic Bully is known for having health issues and a shorter lifespan.

Ultimately, the type of Micro Bully you choose will depend on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Make sure to research reputable breeders and consider the potential health issues associated with each type.

For more insights, see: Micro Pocket Exotic Bully

The Breed's Popularity

The American Bully breed's popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, and it's easy to see why. The breed was 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's continued to gain momentum. The breed is on track to finish 2019 in similar fashion.

So, what's behind the breed's rapid rise to fame?

Similar Breeds and Information

Credit: youtube.com, Pocket, Standard, & XL Bullies...What's the Difference?

If you're considering a micro bully but want to explore other options, there are several breeds worth looking into. The American bully, for instance, emerged in the 90s as a companion and guardian, with a sweet temperament and guarding instincts.

The American Staffordshire terrier is another breed to consider, recognized by the AKC and weighing between 40 to 70 pounds. They carry the signature white mark on their chests.

The French bulldog may also be a good fit, with its compact size and popularity in the United States making it easier to find than some other breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a bully and a micro bully?

The main difference between a Bully and a Micro Bully is size, with Micro Bullies being a more compact version of the breed. Despite their smaller stature, Micro Bullies share a similar muscular build and temperament with their larger counterparts.

Are micro bullies aggressive?

The Pocket Bully is a breed known for its strong and somewhat aggressive nature, particularly towards strangers or new people. However, with proper training and socialization, they can become confident and calm companions.

How big are American Bully pockets?

American Bully "pocket" males typically reach 14-17 inches (36-43 cm) and females 13-16 inches (33-41 cm) in height at the withers.

What are the problems with micro bullies?

Micro Bullies are prone to various health issues, including breathing problems, joint pain, and digestive issues, making them a high-maintenance breed. If you're considering a Micro Bully, it's essential to research their specific needs and potential health concerns.

How do you know if you have a micro bully?

To identify a Micro Bully, look for a dog that weighs between 30-50 pounds and stands 12-17 inches tall at the shoulders. If your Bully puppy falls within these size ranges, it may be a Micro Bully, but proper identification requires a closer examination of breed characteristics.

Sherman Bogisich

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Sherman Bogisich is a meticulous and detail-oriented professional with a passion for language. As a seasoned copy editor, he has honed his skills in refining written content to perfection. With over two decades of experience in the publishing industry, Sherman brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project he undertakes.

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