The Pocket Bully a.k.a ‘The American Bully,’ is a hybrid breed of the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. Bred for protection, Pocket Bullies make excellent family dogs and are known for being extremely child-friendly.
Pocket Bullies are the smallest in the Bully family, but don’t let the name fool you - they are kind, affectionate, and loyal pets that are eager to please their humans.
As a medium to fast learner, training and socialisation can instill good behaviours in your Pocket Bully, enabling them to live in a range of environments. If you want to know more about this friendly breed, read our guide below to see if Pocket Bullies are the pet for you.
If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Pocket Bully:
Pocket Bullies have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years.
Pocket Bullies usually reach their full weight and height by six to twelve months old. Healthy male and female Pocket Bullies are between 22 - 27 cm tall and weigh between 4 - 9 kgs.
Pocket Bullies are a short-haired breed and shed a low to moderate amount of fur.
If you’re a family with young children looking for a gentle pet to introduce into your home, the Pocket Bully might be a good match. Although they may look intimidating, Pocket Bullies have been intentionally bred to remove ‘aggressive’ behaviours and characteristics.
Pocket Bullies are incredibly loyal and are eager to protect their owners in dangerous situations. In saying this, they also understand the difference between threatening and non-threatening environments.
Pocket Bullies are prone to separation anxiety, so they need to be included in a range of family activities. Pocket Bullies have short coats, so aim to keep them inside during winter and autumn to avoid hypothermia.
Pocket Bullies are playful and energetic goofballs. With the right training, they make a very obedient family pet. With a soft temperament and miniature size, they’re a great breed for small to medium sized homes.
As an intelligent breed, reward-based training can be an effective way to bring up your Pocket Bully. Like most dogs, Pocket Bullies are food orientated, so rewarding good behaviours and manners with treats is a way to instil obedience.
Pocket Bullies have a short coat and require minimal grooming. Regular brushing (with a firm bristle brush) 1-2 times a week is adequate to keep your Pocket Bully’s coat healthy and shiny. Like any other breed, they also need their nails clipped and teeth brushed regularly to maintain good hygiene.
Pocket Bullies have moderate exercise needs and should be walked for 60 minutes every day. As a high energy breed, incorporating different kinds of activities like running, walking and playing are great ways to hit your 60 minute target!
As small puppies, Pocket Bullies should be fed three small meals a day. A Pocket Bully’s diet should be well balanced with several nutrients, around 30% protein and 20% fat. Scheduled feeding can help create a routine around meals and limits the chance of your Pocket Bull gaining unnecessary weight.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary skeletal condition seen in medium to large dog breeds. The condition creates a deformity in a dog’s hips as they grow, leading to reduced mobility and range of motion. Pocket Bullies have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia because of their genes. Early signs of hip dysplasia in a dog can be limping, abnormal walking patterns, and loss of muscle in the hind legs.
Due to their genes, Bully breeds are prone to a range of eye conditions, specifically entropion, where parts of the eyelids roll inwards, causing discomfort. Pocket Bullies also suffer from dry eyes that are often a result of insufficient tear production.
If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your Pocket Bully, factors like age and location will affect the cost of your premium. Woolworths Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.
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