Pocket Pitbull Breed
What Is A Pocket Pitbull
The Miniature Pitbull or the Pocket Pitbull is a relatively new dog breed. They are becoming very popular for families interested in owning a pitbull without the massive muscular size. The following is everything you need to know about this adorable new breed!
Origin: Where did the Pocket Pitbull originate?
The Miniature Pitbull Terrier is the result of mating a full bred American Pitbull Terrier and a full bred Patterdale Terrier. While this is the most common combination, these designer dogs have also been bred from American Pitbulls and various other small dog breeds.
What is a designer dog? A designer dog is any breed that may be the result of mating pure breeds. Mixed breeds or designer dogs are not considered a pure breed themselves, according to the American Kennel Club.
What’s in a name? Most designer dogs (mixed breeds) are named after their purebred parents. For example, a Labradoodle is the result of a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. However, the name of the mixed breeds does not always happen this way.
As in the case of the Miniature Pitbull. They are named more so for their size and their appearance than their parents. Otherwise, they may have been called American Patterbull Terriers. These adorable pups have been known by various names including:
- Pitbull Patterdale Mix
- Mini Pitbull
- Pocket Bully
- Pocket Pit
- Miniature Pitbull
- American Pocket Pitbull
- Pocket Sized Pitbull
Is it all about the genes?
Some people say that the best way to predict how a dog will behave can be seen by observing its parents. In this case, the parents are an American Pitbull Terrier (which is a breed with a bad reputation) as well as a Patterdale Terrier (which isn’t exactly a very well known breed). So, let us take a deeper look at these pure breeds to discover, truly, where the Pocket Pitbull came from.
The Patterdale Terrier:
This particular Terrier was originally from England. They are skilled hunters, workers, and watchdogs. This is a very loyal, loving breed but, they really shine when you give them a job to do. The Patterdale may be small, but they have huge hearts and grand work ethics.
As a result of their size, they were a fantastic rabbit, fox, rat, badger, groundhog, and raccoon hunters throughout England and later the United States of America. The breed is still more popularly found in England than here in the U.S.
When you first meet a Patterdale Terrier, you may get the impression that they are both tough and friendly, and you would be correct! This breed is tough when he needs to be and friendly the rest of the time. A Patterdale is a small dog with a compact, yet sturdy body type. Their coats are short, smooth and easy to maintain. They can come in black, tan, brown and red.
As with most terriers, the Patterdale Terrier can be stubborn at times and he has a hard skull that is strong and usually slightly squared off (literally and figuratively hard headed). Their ears are “V” shaped which fold forward after a slight arch from the skull. A Patterdale’s muzzle is tapered and very powerful when need be.
They have straight (not curled) tails that are usually carried high. They can be tough little dogs, and they can be lap dogs. If they have a strong owner, they will do very well in any home.
The American Pitbull Terrier:
Once known as “The Nanny Dog,” the American Pitbull Terrier has had a wide range of reputations. Today, they are one of the most (if not the most) feared dog breeds. This is mainly due to the commonness of the breed being used as fighting dogs.
People choose Pitbulls as a fighting dog opponent because they can and will fight other dogs and people to the death if they are threatened, or their families are in danger. This does not mean the breed is automatically dangerous. In order for them to become aggressive, they either need to be provoked or trained to be aggressive.
Overall, the American Pitbull Terrier is an excellent family dog. They absolutely love children and desire to be a lap dog in spite of their large, clumsy, size. The following are facts about this breed, directly from the experts (veterinarians, trainers, and breeders).
- Although they are large, they can do well living in an apartment as long as there is a dog park, walking path, or another green space for them nearby.
- Pitbull Terriers are very sensitive animals. They recognize your mood (good, bad, etc.), and they demonstrate empathy and even feel your pain with you.
- They are very active dogs that enjoy warm climates (as opposed to chilly winter climates).
- Pocket Pitbulls can be aggressive or uneasy around other dogs if they are not properly socialized as puppies or if they are trained to fight.
- The American Pitbull Terrier loves their families, children, and even strangers. Most times, they do not make the best guard dogs because they love everyone. Unless they are trained otherwise. A Pocket Pitbull will watch after children, play with them and love them as though they were their pups.
- Their coats are short, low-maintenance and easy to take care of.
- They are easy to train (especially if they have a strong owner)
- Pocket Pitbulls are full of energy. They can play and run for hours. They require a decent amount of exercise to avoid becoming overweight or destructive. A bored dog is a destructive dog ( not breed specific).
With these two breeds as parents, it is no wonder the Pocket Pit is such a sought after dog breed! They seem to have the very best qualities of both worlds.
Other necessary information about the Miniature Pitbull
Pocket Pitbulls aren’t small because the smallest of purebreeds were bred together like you would with toy and teacup dogs such as Yorkshire terriers and chihuahuas. Like we stated earlier Miniature Pitbulls are a mix of the American Pitbull and the Patterdale Terrier.
This breed will usually resemble the American Pitbull Terrier parent more than the Patterdale parent. In fact, they may seem like they are 100% American Pitbull Terrier, just a little shorter.
Their coats are one of their most wonderful physical qualities. They are always a shiny and smooth coat that is very short in length. The Pocket Pit’s coat can come in white, tan, cream, black, brown, and gray.
How big do Pocket Pits get?
We know that they are a short breed, but, how short are they, really? Most Miniature Pitbulls only grow to be 12 to 16 inches tall. If they are any taller than 16 inches (which is the max) then they would not be considered “miniature” Pitbulls.
Finally, a standard weight for a Pocket Pitbull would fall between 35 pounds and 60 pounds. Your veterinarian will advise you if your pooch is not reaching the average weight for the breed and age as well as if your dog has exceeded a healthy weight for his breed and age.