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The American Bully is already a charming breed by itself, but have you heard of the Pocket Bully? If you want a cute-sized dog, you should definitely consider the Pocket Bully.

Pocket-sized Bullies are too good to be true. Even though they can’t actually fit in your pocket, they are still small enough to live in small apartments. 

In this article, we’ll touch on everything you need to know about the Pocket Bully. From its history and origin to size and appearance, you won’t miss out on anything!

What Is a Pocket Bully?

The Pocket Bully is the smallest size variant of the American Bully breed. Pocket Bullies are known for their extremely muscular build and exaggerated features. These dogs are not officially listed under major kennel clubs; however, they are recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC).

Pocket American Bullies have the same physical characteristics as the standard size but are more compact and manageable. Despite being smaller than their siblings, they are still comparable in terms of strength and build.

With more dog lovers turning towards smaller breeds, the popularity of Pocket Bullies is expected to go global. After all, it’s not just their size that makes them in demand but their other interesting traits.

Other names for the Pocket Bully include micro Bully, miniature Bully, mini American Bully, American Pocket Bully, and Pocket American Bully.

5 Interesting Facts About American Pocket Bullies

Before we delve deeper into the different aspects of Pocket Bullies, read along to learn some engaging facts about these dogs. This will also give you a sneak peek at what to expect about these delightful pups.

1. The Pocket Bully is a relatively new type of breed

The American Bully was first developed in the 1980s but was only recognized as a standard breed by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) in 2004 and the European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC) in 2008. 

It was eventually recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 2013 and was developed alongside the four American Bully size variations.

2. They are highly-trainable dogs

Pocket Bullies are natural people-pleasers, so training them is pretty easy. However, this also comes with patience and consistency. 

With their intelligence, you’ll surely have no problem training these dogs as long as you use the proper techniques.

3. They are adorable but quite powerful

The Pocket Bully might be the smallest, but they’re definitely not the weakest among other Bully types. 

Despite their short legs, they still exude power and strength. Their muscular build is enough to intimidate anyone.

4. They closely resemble American Pit Bull Terriers

The appearance of the Pocket Bully is comparable to the smaller versions of American Pit Bulls. 

They are often confused with the Pocket Pitbull, which also bears the same dominant look, sturdy build, and compact size. However, they are totally different breeds with distinguishable features.

5. They have soft personalities

Although the Pocket Bullies possess an intimidating appearance, they are true softies at heart.

They are very gentle, loving, and friendly dogs that are protective of the people around them. Overall, they make wonderful companions.

Pocket Bully Size and Weight

As the name suggests, the Pocket American Bully is the smallest among the ABKC classes, including the standard, classic, XL, and extreme Bully. 

When fully grown, male dogs measure around 14 to 17 inches tall (35.5 to 43 cm) at the withers. Meanwhile, female dogs are usually smaller, reaching only 13 to 16 inches tall (33 to 40.5 cm).

In terms of body mass, a fully mature male Pocket Bully is expected to weigh around 11 to 22 pounds (5 to 10 kg), while an adult female weighs between 10 and 20 pounds (4.5 to 9 kg). 

Both male and female Pocket Bullies reach their full-grown size at 12 to 15 months old. However, depending on their diet and activity level, they may continue to put on some weight.

Pocket Bully Appearance

Pocket Bully dogs share the same physical traits as the standard type according to breed standards, except for their size. 

At first glance, you will observe an incredibly muscular body and broad chest, suggesting a heavy bone structure. They also have large, broad heads, bulky necks, and prominent jaws and facial muscles.

The muzzle should be aligned with their nose and long enough to not affect their breathing. Their eyes can be almond or oval-shaped and come in all colors except colors brought about by albinism.

The Pocket Bully also has a short and smooth coat that is stiff to the touch. As for color, this dog can come with any solid hue with markings of a second color. 

The most common colors and combinations it can have are red, blue, fawn, black, black & tan, blue & tan, brown, buckskin, white, and seal, among others. Blue ticking is also possible.

The legs are short and well-muscled, while the feet are compact and well-arched. Their medium-length, thin tail is set low and not docked.

Pocket Bully Origin and History

 
For starters, the American Bully falls under the umbrella category of the Pitbull breed. This is the main reason why it shares many similarities with Pitbull Terriers.
 
As for its origin, it is believed that the first American Bully was first produced by mixing an English Bulldog and an Old English Bulldog.
 
From there, different variants of the American Bully were developed. These include the Pocket Bully, along with other Bully varieties. These dogs were mainly bred in the United States. 
Like the American Pitbull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier, the American Bully breed shares the same reputation of being an aggressive dog. This is because they were also used in bloody dog sports.
 
As a result, Pocket Bullies are also subject to Breed Specific Legislation (BSL), meaning that some states and countries ban or restrict ownership of these dogs.
 

Pocket Bully Kennel Club Recognition

 
Pocket Bullies are currently recognized by two major kennel clubs — the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) and the United Kennel Club (UKC). They were officially recognized in 2004 and 2013, respectively.
 
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has yet to acknowledge the Pocket Bully as a breed in its own right. 
 
Regardless, you can still register your Pocket Bully in ABKC or UKC to join conformation dog shows or agility and obedience events.
 

Is It Legal to Own a Pocket Bully?

 
The Pocket American Bully is legal to own in the United States. However, you might want to research the local restrictions in your state or town. 
 
Some places may ban or restrict ownership of American Bullies due to reports of violent behavior.
 
American Bullies are not as stigmatized as Pitbulls, so you can expect fewer restrictions for Pocket Bullies. Rest assured, you won’t be putting your family at risk by owning this miniature dog.

Pocket Bully Lifespan and Health Issues

 
Like other dog breeds, American Pocket Bullies are vulnerable to specific health problems. Their average lifespan ranges between 8 and 13 years.
However, some Pocket Bullies can acquire or inherit some health issues due to genetics, nutrition, and environmental factors. While some are curable, others may require lifetime treatment.
 
Before you get a Pocket Bully, you should be mindful of the following health conditions common to the American Bully breed:
 

Hip Dysplasia: This is a skeletal condition that causes the looseness of the hip joint. As hip dysplasia progresses, the hip cartilage begins to deteriorate. Obesity can also cause more discomfort and strain to the hip joint. In severe cases, surgery is done to replace the hip completely.

Skin Diseases: American Pocket Bullies are prone to skin conditions such as eczema and seborrheic dermatitis. Eczema is characterized by dry patches on the skin which appear inflamed and often itchy. Meanwhile, seborrheic dermatitis or seborrhea results in excessively dry or oily skin due to dysfunctional moisturizing glands.

Eye Issues: One of the common eye issues in Pocket Bullies is called the cherry eye. This is characterized by an “extra” or third eyelid. This appears as a swollen red mass on the lower eyelid near the nose or muzzle, which can be treated surgically.
Ensuring a healthy lifestyle for your Pocket Bully as early as puppyhood should be done to prevent the onset of severe illnesses and extend your dog’s life. 
 
You should also buy a puppy from reputable American Bully breeders that can guarantee its health.
 
Pocket Bully Temperament and Personality
The Pocket Bully is more than just cute looks. This Bully type is also full of surprises when it comes to its temperament. Overall, it is considered the perfect family dog with a happy and outgoing personality.
 
Like other American Bulldog classes, the Pocket American Bully is a good-natured, loyal, affectionate, and a great family pet. 
 
It is gentle with people and very tolerant of children. In fact, the Pocket Bully is often used as a nanny dog for babies.
 
As a pocket love bug, this dog needs plenty of cuddles and kisses. You will often observe them following you around the house and sleeping at the foot of your bed. 
 
However, because of their soft and warm-hearted temperament, they may develop separation anxiety when ignored or left alone.
 
It’s important to teach your Pocket Bully dog independence and keep it mentally stimulated through toys, puzzles, and physical activities. As a highly energetic pup, you also need to schedule time for outdoor adventures.
 
Because of its obedient nature, an American Pocket Bully wants nothing more than to please its owner. 
 
It is confident, tenacious, and quite a courageous guard dog. However, this fearless disposition shouldn’t be mistaken for aggressiveness.
 
Any form of human aggression has been bred out of the American Bully breed ever since dogfighting was outlawed. Now, Pocket Bullies only serve as loving companions and even service dogs.