Pocket Pitbull

Canis lupus

Last updated: March 9, 2023
Verified by: AZ Animals Staff
© Rock City Kennels / CC BY 2.0 – License / Original

The smaller size of the Pocket Pitbull made it better suited for fleeing game as compared to larger Foxhounds.


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Pocket Pitbull Scientific Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Scientific Name
Canis lupus

Read our Complete Guide to Classification of Animals.

Pocket Pitbull Conservation Status

Pocket Pitbull Locations

Pocket Pitbull Locations

Pocket Pitbull Facts

Fun Fact
The smaller size of the Pocket Pitbull made it better suited for fleeing game as compared to larger Foxhounds.
Most Distinctive Feature
Flattened face with a bulky neck and large head.

Pocket Pitbull Physical Characteristics

Color
  • Brown
  • Fawn
  • Red
  • Blue
  • Black
  • Tan
  • Brindle
  • Chocolate
Lifespan
11-13 years.
Weight
11-22 pounds.
Height
12-16 inches.

Pocket Pitbull as a Pet:

General Health
Energy Level
Shedability
Trainability
Intelligence
Tendency to Chew
Size
Family and kid friendliness
Yappiness / Barking
Moderate
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Preferred Temperature
Average climate
Exercise Needs
High
Friendly With Other Dogs
Moderate
Pure bred cost to own
$1,500-$2,500
Dog group
Terrier
Male weight
11-22 lbs
Female weight
11-22 lbs

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Originally, the breeding of the Pocket Pitbull seemed to be a mistake, so their origins are lost in history. However, there is some speculation that it rose in the early 19th century in England for spectator sports, but the dog had too gentle of temperament for these activities, becoming a family dog.

Also known as a miniature Pitbull or a teacup mini Pitbull, a Pocket Pitbull only grows to be about 16 inches at its maximum height. Though some people may worry about “small dog syndrome” and aggression, the opposite is true for this pup. They are quite friendly and easy to train, making them loving family dogs. They have a lot of energy, so they’ll need someone with a strong arm whenever they go on a walk. Built of pure muscle, this dog gives the look of a pet with much more ferocity, but it is quite the lovebug.

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Origin Of The Breed

The Pocket pitbull was developed as a cross-breed to be a smaller version of the American pitbull terrier, although their exact origin is not known. The first generation was believed to be a mistake and in the last 20 years, they have been purposely bred to achieve the standard look of today. This dog is mainly mixed with the Patterdale Terrier and the Pitbull Terrier, although to achieve an even smaller dog, there are some breeders that are combining Pitbull Terriers with Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs.

A brown, female American bully pocket

American bully pocket dogs are well-muscled and have a lot of energy.

©Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 – License



3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Pocket Pitbull

Pros!Cons!
Easy to train: Easy to train: Thanks to the inherited intelligence and work ethic of the parent breeds, this pup is incredibly easy to train.More expensive:The Pocket Pitbull is not generally found in rescue shelters, due to its status as a “designer dog.” Their adoption price can be thousands of dollars as a puppy or adult.
Minimal upkeep for coat:Minimal upkeep for coat: While the coat is largely influenced by the breed that this dog takes after, they usually require minimal brushing.Likes to bark: Though this dog is a great watchdog, they tend to bark whenever someone unfamiliar is around.
Long lifespan:The average lifespan of the Pocket Pitbull is 11-13 years.
Concerning health issues: Since the Pocket Pitbull is a combination of two different breeds, their health issues may not be predictable if you don’t know the parents, leading the price of vet care to add up.

Size And Weight

The sizes of the Pocket Pitbulls play a major role in their categorization. Generally, these dogs have short hair, and they only measure about 12-16 inches tall. That’s why they are also called the teacup mini Pitbull or the miniature Pitbull. Any Pitbull above this range of sizes, whether male or female, is no longer considered a Pocket Pitbull. Instead, it is then referred to as a Pitbull mix.

At their adult weight, males and females alike are about 11-22 pounds. Since they are often mixed with a terrier or a similar small dog, it is difficult to say how big a puppy is.

Height (Male):12-16 inches tall
Height (Female):12-16 inches tall
Weight (Male):11-22 pounds, fully grown
Weight (Female):11-22 pounds, fully grown

Common Health Issues

Taking care of the Pocket Pitbull requires more than just the right foods and grooming. They have a few common health issues that they inherit from the parent breeds, which is why choosing the right rescue or breeder is necessary.

Hypothyroidism is a major concern among any variation of Pitbull, leading to low hormone levels that cause weight gain and lethargy. Heart disease is inherited from the Patterdale Terrier, which often shows up in symptoms like coughing, weight loss/loss of appetite, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping or breathing.

Hip dysplasia can be a difficult issue for any Pitbull breed as well, which is more common in older dogs, though obesity can lead to a greater chance of it later in life. Obesity can also put them at a greater risk of heart disease (which is mentioned above).

Eye issues can plague the miniature Pitbull. They can cause pain and blindness if left untreated, so it is important to go through screening with their vet to get ahead of possible problems. The Pitbull side gives this breed a predisposition to skin allergies too, which often are found on their feet, their ears, and even the natural folds of their skin.

Though these are the most common issues that mini Pitbulls face, their breeding will also play a role. Always learn as much as possible before deciding to rescue this adorable breed.

The typical health issues associated with the Pocket Pitbull include:

Health and Entertainment for your Pocket Pitbull

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Temperament

american bully

Pocket pitbulls have a friendly personality and need mental, as well as physical, stimulation.

©Oksamutnaya/Shutterstock.com

Since the Pocket Pitbull is influenced by two different breeds, their behavior, and personality can have quite a range. Still, they have a fairly friendly personality that is loyal to their family. They have an aura of confidence, paired with their impressive intelligence. They need some mental and physical stimulation, making them a great companion for active families.

If this pup takes after the Patterdale Terrier traits, you might struggle with separation anxiety. While they may be calm for a couple of hours as you run an errand or go to a movie, they don’t like to be alone for long, leading to potentially destructive behaviors. This desire to be close comes entirely from a love for their family, and they will act as a territorial guard dog to make sure nothing happens to them. They are extremely good watchdogs, barking if an intruder comes near.

Regardless of the side that this dog is prone to, one thing is certain – they love children. With their natural playfulness from Patterdale and their tendency to act as a nanny dog from the Pitbull, they will be a great companion with the right training. They sometimes forget their strength, so most breeders will not recommend this type of dog for a home that has small children.

How To Take Care Of A Pocket Pitbull

Adopting a Pocket Pitbull is a big step, regardless of whether the dog is from a rescue or a breeder. Even as a puppy, the Pocket Pitbull needs to feel welcome, nourished, and safe. The tips below can make it easy to achieve those goals.

The Best Dog Food For Pocket Pitbulls

Choosing high-quality dry food at any age is necessary, due to the many allergies that the dog can sustain. They also need a lot of protein to sustain their energy levels. Also, remember that this breed can suffer from heart disease. Keep your dog reasonably active and fit. Also, avoid feeding them dog food with legumes, which have been linked to heart failure in dogs.

Most mini Pitbull owners choose either a dry dog food diet that requires 2.5 to 3 cups a day, or they choose to feed the dog a diet of raw muscle meat, organic meat, vegetables, and fruits. The latter also includes bones as a regular staple. The people who choose this type of diet – often called the BARF (Bones and Raw Food or Biologically Appropriate Raw Food) diet – claim that it improves their coat, skin, and energy levels.

For a puppy, the meals should be broken down into 2-3 times daily until they are six months old. When they walk away, take away the dish to avoid spoiling and maintain a consistent routine.

The A-Z Animals top pick as the best dog food for Pocket Pitbulls is Stella & Chewy’s Wild Red Classic Kibble Dry Dog Food.

We favor this legume-free chicken, duck, and turkey kibble for Pocket Pitbulls. Its high protein comes from 81% animal sources, with glucosamine and chondroitin to help prevent joint dysplasia. The taurine in this recipe is an important nutrient for eye and heart health as well.

Follow the link below to get Stella and Chewy’s Wild Red Classic Kibble on Chewy or Amazon.

Best Overall
Stella & Chewy's Classic Kibble
  • Packed full of protein with beef, pork, and lamb
  • Crafted without legumes or poultry
  • 81% of protein is from actual animal sources
  • "Whole prey” ingredients including muscle meat, organ meat, and cartilage
  • No fillers, artificial colors, artificial flavors, or preservatives.


Check Chewy

Maintenance And Grooming

The unpredictability of the coat of the Pocket Pitbull makes it difficult to determine the type of care that it will need. The breed is typically a combination of Patterdale Terriers and the American Pitbull Terrier, and the two dogs have significantly different coats. While the Patterdale Terrier is coarse and wiry as their top layer of fur, they also have an undercoat that is quite dense. The Pitbull is typically sleek and smooth, and they have no undercoat at all.

Typically, the Mini Pitbull’s coat will be closer to that of the American Pitbull Terrier, which only needs weekly brushing to keep the fur and skin healthy. The foods that you choose for your pup will influence the health of the coat as well.

Regardless of the genetics that the Pocket Pitbull takes after, they will likely shed a lot, so brushing will prevent the hair from building up within their coat.

Training

One of the biggest advantages of the Pocket Pitbull is that this breed is incredibly easy to train. Both of the breeds in their genetics are known for their intelligence and role as working dogs, so this willingness to learn is practically programmed into their DNA. With a firm disposition and positive reinforcement, the Pocket Pitbull can be trained much more easily than other breeds.

When training a Pocket Pitbull, remember to keep a calm demeanor without giving up your assertiveness. Set boundaries to ensure that the dog knows where he is allowed to go.

Exercise

Though the Teacup Mini Pitbull is small, it comes with a lot of energy, and they need regular exercise to stay healthy. Both of the parent breeds have a lot of energy as well, especially considering that the Patterdale Terrier is typically a hunting dog.

To keep the Pocket Pitbull entertained, they will need a lot of interaction with their owner. It is best to help them relieve their excess energy with no less than 1 hour of active play every single day, and they’ll need to go on regular walks. To avoid behavioral issues, make exercise a consistent part of their routine, giving them plenty of open space to run, play, and have fun.

Puppies

A Pocket pitbull, is smaller than a pitbull, shown here, and can be more independent so it will need early training.

©Edwin Luciano, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons – License

Pocket Pitbull puppies can easily take on the more independent side that the Patterdale Terrier has, which is why training early is so important. They need a firm owner that will take on the position of their alpha before they grow too far into their independence so that they are easy to push through house-breaking and obedience training. Socializing with other dogs is particularly helpful to their mental and intellectual growth.

Pocket Pitbull And Children

Introducing a child to any dog takes time, but the Pocket Pitbull seems to be better suited to families without very small children. The strength and muscle of the Pocket Pitbull can easily overpower a small child during play, though the gesture is not meant to be in aggression.

Always take the time to monitor interactions between children and any dog, teaching them the correct behavior around the breed.

Dogs Similar To A Pocket Pitbull

Any owner of a Pocket Pitbull needs to be ready for the intelligence and high energy of the breed. However, some similar breeds include the Patterdale Terrier, the American Staffordshire Terrier, and the American Bulldog.

  • Patterdale Terrier: The Patterdale Terrier is one of the parent breeds of the Pocket Pitbull. They are strong and friendly, though they have primarily been used as fox-hunting dogs.
  • American Staffordshire Terrier: Commonly referred to as a Staffie, this pup doesn’t quite have the same instinct to act as a watchdog. However, they have a similar build in a larger package for people who want a bigger dog.
  • American Bulldog: The energetic nature of the American Bulldog easily matches that of the Pocket Pitbull. They originally were brought to America with early colonists, bred to scare off predators.

Famous Pocket Pitbulls

Pocket Pitbulls are still relatively new dogs, so they haven’t been exposed to the silver or small screens much (if at all). Though they were allegedly introduced during the 19th century as fighting dogs, there are no records of celebrities or historical figures that have owned them specifically.

Here are a few fun names for your new Pocket Pitbull:

  • Bella
  • Nala
  • Daisy
  • Blue
  • Rocky
  • Zeus
  • Stella

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What's the right dog for you?

Dogs are our best friends but which breed is your perfect match?

X-Small
Small
Medium
Large
Xtra-Large

If you have kids or existing dogs select:

Kids
Other Dogs

Should they be Hypoallergenic?

Yes
No
How important is health?
Which dog groups do you like?
How much exercise should your dog require?
What climate?
How much seperation anxiety?
How much yappiness/barking?

How much energy should they have?

The lower energy the better.
I want a cuddle buddy!
About average energy.
I want a dog that I have to chase after constantly!
All energy levels are great -- I just love dogs!
How much should they shed?
How trainable/obedient does the dog need to be?
How intelligent does the dog need to be?
How much chewing will allow?
About the Author

Melissa Bauernfeind was born in NYC and got her degree in Journalism from Boston University. She lived in San Diego for 10 years and is now back in NYC. She loves adventure and traveling the world with her husband but always misses her favorite little man, "P", half Chihuahua/half Jack Russell, all trouble. She got dive-certified so she could dive with the Great White Sharks someday and is hoping to swim with the Orcas as well.

Pocket Pitbull FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

What is a Pocket Pitbull?

These dogs have their origins in Patterdale terriers, a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Patterdale terrier. They can weigh up to 22 pounds, standing about a foot tall. Although it is significantly smaller than a Pit Bull, a Pocket Pit is closer to middle-range sizes, rather than a pocket-sized dog.

How much does a Pocket Pitbull cost?

The average price of a Pocket Pitbull from a reputable breeder is $1,500 to $2,500.

Are Pocket Pitbulls dangerous?

No. Pocket Pits are extremely loyal, calm, and loving watchdogs with the right training.

Are Pocket Pitbulls banned?

Not in every part of the world. Access to research that proves how nonviolent they are is paving the way for more welcoming laws worldwide.

Are Pocket Pitbulls good family dogs?

If they are given a lot of attention and lead an active lifestyle, they can make the best family watchdogs.

How do you breed a Pocket Pitbull?

The Pocket Pit is a crossbreed between the Patterdale terrier and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Is the Pocket Pitbull good with kids?

They can be very good with children with early training. However, they are not suitable for very small children, like babies and toddlers, due to their strength.

How long does Pocket Pitbull live?

A Pocket Pit can live between 11 and 13 years.

What's the difference between the Pocket Pit bull and the Pit bull?

The main differences between a Pocket Pitbull and a pit bull are their size, breed origin, and living requirements.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.

Sources
  1. Rover, Available here: https://www.rover.com/blog/pit-bull-names/
  2. Dog Grooming Tutorial, Available here: https://www.doggroomingtutorial.com/coat-care-for-pit-bull-terriers/
  3. Animal Corner, Available here: https://animalcorner.org/dog-breeds/pocket-pitbull/
  4. Animalso, Available here: https://animalso.com/breeds/pocket-pitbull/
  5. K9 Web, Available here: https://www.k9web.com/breeds/pocket-pitbull/
  6. Patterdaleterriers, Available here: https://patterdaleterriers.co.uk/do-patterdale-terriers-shed/
  7. wikiHow, Available here: https://www.wikihow.com/Feed-an-American-Bully-Puppy
  8. dogtime, Available here: https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/patterdale-terrier
  9. petguide, Available here: https://www.petguide.com/breeds/dog/pocket-pitbull/
  10. wagwalking, Available here: https://wagwalking.com/breed/pocket-pitbull

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