Pocket Pitbull

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.

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 who are combining Pitbull Terriers with Boston Terriers and French Bulldogs.

3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Pocket Pitbull

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 to 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.

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 Pitbull-type breeds, leading to low hormone levels that cause weight gain and lethargy. Heart disease can also occur in Pocket Pitbulls, with symptoms like coughing, weight loss or loss of appetite, fatigue, and difficulty sleeping or breathing, but it is not specifically inherited from the Patterdale Terrier.

Hip dysplasia can be a difficult issue for any Pitbull breed as well. It 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.

Temperament

Since the Pocket Pitbull is influenced by two different breeds, their behavior and personality can exhibit a wide range. Still, they have a fairly friendly personality and are 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 the 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

Choosing high-quality dry food at any age is necessary due to the many allergies that the dog can have. 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 to 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.

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

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 who will take on the position of their alpha before they grow too far into their independence, so that they are easy to push through housebreaking 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 aggressive.

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 were brought to America with early colonists, bred to scare off predators.