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.
Watch this video to see how the Pocket Bully looks in action:
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 vs. Pocket Pitbull: Are They the Same?
More often than not, the Pocket American Bully is mistaken for the Pocket Pitbull dog breed.
This is because of the undeniable resemblance between the two. Both are muscular and athletic in appearance, but they are not the same dogs.
The photo below shows the Pocket Bully’s appearance:
First of all, the Pocket Bully is just a miniature version of the standard American Bully. Although small in size, it has the same physical attributes as other Bully breeds.
Unlike the Pocket Pitbull, the Pocket Bully is not proportionately built. It is also squatter and wider than it is tall. Their muzzle is also longer, and the face has less pronounced wrinkles and muscles.
For reference, here’s how a Pocket Pitbull looks:
The Pocket Pitbull is produced by crossing an American Pit Bull Terrier or an American Staffordshire Terrier with a Patterdale Terrier.
As a mixed breed, they are not recognized by major kennel clubs, unlike the American Pocket Bully.
Sometimes called Patterdale, the Pocket Pitbull designer dog was initially developed to encapsulate the traits of the American Pit Bull Terrier or American Staffordshire Terrier into a more compact size like that of a Patterdale Terrier.
Meanwhile, the Pocket Bully is bred according to the American Bully breed standard.
When it comes to temperament, both dogs are almost identical. They are both people-oriented and regarded as “nanny dogs” for children. They can also be trained to become therapy dogs.
Watch this video if you want a visual comparison between a Pocket Bully and a Pocket Pitbull:
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.
How Much Does a Pocket Bully Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Small as they are, Pocket Bullies are no cheap dogs. A Pocket American Bully puppy costs anywhere between $1,000 and $5,000 from a reputable breeder. If you are eyeing an exotic variant, you should expect to pay even more.
The average price also depends on several factors, including the puppy’s bloodline, color, markings, and the breeder itself.
To help prepare your budget, here are some initial expenses associated with owning a Pocket Bully:
| Type of Expense | Cost |
| Food and Treats | $70 – $110 |
| Bowls | $10 – $30 |
| Toys | $30 – $60 |
| Beds | $40 – $200 |
| Collars and Leashes | $15 – $50 |
| Crates and Carriers | $50 – $370 |
| Grooming Essentials | $50 – $160 |
| Initial Vet Visits | $100 – $500 |
| Initial Vaccine Shots | $50 – $300 |
| Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications | $40 – $300 |
| Neutering or Spaying | $50 – $500 |
| Microchipping | $40 – $60 |
| Dog License | $10 – $20 |
| Other Essentials | $20 – $50 |
| Total Initial Cost | $505 – $2,710 |
One of my close friends who just got a Pocket Bully from a reputable breeder expected that the total initial cost of expenses is expected to be lower for Pocket Bullies than for larger Bully types.
Though this is somewhat true, he also realized that even with the size of a Pocket Bully, the expenses that come after are also quite significant, especially when it comes to the health and sustenance of his puppy.
Places to Find Pocket Bully Puppies for Sale and Adoption
One thing to be mindful of when purchasing a puppy online is internet scams. Luckily, you won’t fall victim to these tactics if you choose to buy from our recommended breeders.
Here are some reputable breeders that specialize in Pocket American Bullies:
- Venomline – This is a Florida-based breeder that produces Pocket Bullies with short and compact frames, massive heads, broad chests and shoulders, and short muzzles. They have also produced many ABKC Pocket Champions. Aside from focusing on their dog’s athleticism, they make sure that they make great family dogs.
- Muscle Boom Kennel – This is a family-owned kennel that provides high-quality Pocket Bully puppies. All of their pups are examined, microchipped, and vaccinated by a veterinarian before moving to their new homes. They are also ABKC-registered.
- Royalty Bully Kennelz – If you’re from Michigan or Indiana, you can get a Pocket Bully puppy from this breeder. They are proud members of the ABKC and The Bully Registry Company. They mainly focus on their puppies’ genetics and diet.
If you don’t have the budget to buy from a breeder, you can adopt a Pocket Bully from one of the rescue organizations below:
- Fresno Bully Rescue (FBR) – This California-based rescue aims to provide loving homes to American Bullies of all sizes. Since their operation in 2005, they have rescued over 2,500 dogs. Aside from rescuing Bullies, they also provide educational, therapy, and volunteer services.
- NorCal Bully Breed Rescue – This is a foster-based rescue dedicated to saving American Bullies, including Pocket Bullies, from high-kill shelters in Sacramento, California. Most of the dogs they rescue have severe injuries, are pregnant, or are traumatized.
- California Bully Rescue – California Bully Rescue focuses on the intentional rescue of American Bullies and the education of the community regarding the proper care for these dogs. They have a strict adoption process involving reference checks to ensure that their rescued dogs end up in the right homes and will never end up in a rescue again.
Whether you buy or adopt a Pocket Bully, ask for medical documents to ensure that the dog is free from congenital disabilities and other conditions.
You wouldn’t want to end up with an unhealthy dog and an expensive medical bill in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Types of American Bullies Are There?
There are five American Bulldog types or classes. These are the Standard, Classic, XL, Extreme, and Pocket Bully.
These dogs share the typical physical characteristics of the breed except for their size and muscle density. The Pocket Bully is the smallest variety, while the XL is the largest.
Do Pocket Bullies Drool?
If you’re a Pocket Bully owner, you may have noticed that they drool frequently. This is because their dewlaps are big, where saliva can develop.
They also have the so-called ‘Pavlov reflex,’ which makes them instantly drool when you open a bag of kibbles.
Drooling can also be a response to other stimuli. However, extreme drooling can be a sign of digestive issues or dental disease.
Do Pocket Bullies Shed a Lot?
Pocket Bullies have short, smooth coats that shed minimally. They typically don’t need frequent bathing and regular grooming.
If you observe that your dog is shedding excessively, it may signify that they have parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites.
Are Pocket Bullies Aggressive?
Pocket Bullies are precisely the opposite of aggressive dogs. Like other Bully types, it’s very unlikely that they will attack or show any form of aggression. They are naturally protective, but they are generally sweet and calm pets.
Do Pocket Bullies Get Along With Cats?
When socialized properly as puppies, Pocket Bullies can get along with cats, as well as other dogs and animals.
It’s necessary to introduce them gradually to create a safe environment for everyone. It may take some time, but the end result is always worth it.
Are you taking home this dog soon? Let us know your thoughts about the American Pocket Bully in the comments! You may also ask us any questions about this smaller version of the American Bully!
