Last Updated on July 2, 2021 by Fumipets

The Pocket Pitbull is a hybrid dog breed that is a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier. It is sometimes referred to as Miniature Pitbull. It is a small-sized dog breed, standing between 12 and 16 inches in height and weighing between 11 and 22 pounds on average. The Mini Pitbull has a life expectancy of about 11 to 13 years.

So, what is it about these dogs that are so popular, and what more should you know about them?

1. Don’t judge a dog by its name

Contrary to popular belief, Pocket Pitbulls are not really little bundles that can be carried about in your pocket (they have nothing on Teacup Chihuahuas), but rather a smaller form of the parent breed, the American Pitbull Terrier.

Mini Pitbulls get their small stature from their Patterdale father, who is also short. As previously stated, they typically grow to reach between 12 and 16 inches (30.5 and 40.5 cm) in height. In the event that they grow any higher than this, they are simply referred to as a Pitbull mix.

Because of their tiny size, they are an excellent option for an individual or a family that would want to own a Pitbull but is turned off by the breed’s larger stature.

Keep in mind, though, that Miniature Pitbulls are still very muscular and powerful. Remember that they may weigh anything from 11 to 22 pounds (5 to 10 kg), so don’t fool yourself into believing that this dog will be as light as a feather and simple to teach to walk on a leash.

2. She makes a great exercise partner

They may be tiny, but they have a lot of power. It makes sense since this is a mix between two very energetic, working breeds. A hunting dog, the American Pitbull Terrier was developed for its strength and agility, and it was employed to hunt ground-dwelling creatures. The Patterdale Terrier, on the other hand, was developed to be a “tough as nails” hunter of ground-dwelling animals.

So, if you’re thinking of getting a Mini Pitbull because they’ll require less exercise than an American Pitbull, think again!

Dogs in this category need at least 1 hour of intense exercise each day on a daily basis. They also seem to fit in better at homes with a garden where they can run about and have fun with their friends.

3. She’ll be your kid’s best friend

In combination with the fun temperament of the Patterdale and the Pitbull’s kind “nanny dog” disposition, Pocket Pitbulls make wonderful companions for youngsters when properly taught.

Although these dogs are powerful and energetic, they are not recommended for very tiny children since a noisy young puppy might easily knock down a very small kid.

For the sake of safety, you should constantly watch your kid while he or she is around your dog. Teaching youngsters proper canine behaviour is also important, including how to approach and touch the animal as well as when to leave her alone, is essential for their safety.

4. She’ll have your back

It is true that the Mini Pitbull is similar to her Patterdale parent in that she is typically an excellent watchdog and will bark to warn you to an intruder’s presence. This impulse is fueled by a strong desire to defend their area and the people that live there.

You should, however, take precautions to ensure that this conduct is never repeated. Despite the fact that you may want a guard dog, you must train her not to become too territorial to the point that she attacks anybody who comes through the door.

In order to do this, you must demonstrate to this dog that you are the pack leader. Otherwise, she may likely attempt to climb to the top on her own, which may lead to complications.

5. She’s a beauty… yet she’s low-maintenance!

The coat on this dog is very attractive, and she is a real beauty. It is very glossy and smooth, and it comes in a variety of colours including white, cream, tan, brown, black, and grey.

Furthermore, since they are descended from short-coated parents, Pocket Pits have a very short, low-maintenance coat of their own to maintain. This is excellent news for you since it eliminates the need for regular maintenance. Yipee!, I can hear you sobbing…

6. Pocket Pits are more expensive than purebred Pitbulls

Because these dogs are referred to as “designer dogs” and because they are more difficult to come by than purebreds, they are much more expensive. Consequently, if you want a Pocket Pitbull, you can expect to spend a little higher price than you would for a purebred Pitbull.

While a purebred Pitbull may be purchased for as little as $500, a Miniature Pitbull can be purchased for between $1500 and $2500 on average.

Purchase your Mini Pitbull from a well-known and trustworthy breeder.

Unfortunately, there are always unscrupulous breeders out there, and you have to be extra cautious when there is a lot of money on the line, as there is with this particular breed.

If at all possible, seek a recommendation from someone you know, such as a friend or your veterinarian.

If you are unable to locate someone in this manner, it is worthwhile to search on the AKC Marketplace. You may search for the breed you desire and read in depth about the breeder, as well as see pictures of the pups, on this website.

7. Finding a reputable breeder

Here are a few things you should know before purchasing a Pocket Pitbull to ensure that it comes from a reputable breeder that prioritises quality over quantity:

A responsible breeder will do the following:

Want to meet up with you in person.

Want to meet up with you in person. gladly show you where the puppy was reared and introduce you to the dog’s parents as well as the other puppies in the litter

Explain the possibility of hereditary health issues and be able to provide proof that the puppy’s parents and grandparents are not carriers of any genetic illnesses. 

Explain the possibility of hereditary health issues and be able to provide proof that the puppy’s parents and grandparents are not carriers of any genetic illnesses. 

Ask you a series of questions about your reasons for wanting a dog and how you plan on caring for her.

Make you sign a contract agreeing that you will spay or neuter the dog until you provide proof of doing so. 

8. She’s prone to some health problems

Pocket Pitbulls, like any other dog breed, are susceptible to a few health issues that they may pass on to their offspring from their parent breeds.

As previously said, select a high-quality breeder who can give proof of healthy breeding as well as evidence of taking excellent physical care of the puppy when purchasing a puppy. Because of these guarantees, your Mini Pitbull has a better chance of becoming a healthy pup.

She will, of course, need frequent exercise as well as a high-quality dog food in order to remain healthy. There are also specific elements in food that you may seek for to help prevent her from developing health problems or to assist her in managing current ones.

The following are the Pocket Pitbull’s primary health problems, as well as how nutrition may help avoid or relieve them: a.

Hypothyroidism

It is possible for Pitbulls to suffer from hypothyroidism, which causes low hormone levels, resulting in lethargy, weight gain, and a dull coat.

It is critical that your dog has a healthy, balanced diet since hypothyroidism may cause her to become depleted of essential nutrients. This involves feeding her a dog food that has a variety of fruits and vegetables to supply her with much-needed vitamins and minerals.

Iodine is also good for thyroid health, so seek for it in foods such as kelp, seaweed, and seafood.

Hip dysplasia

This disease, which is prevalent in Pitbulls, is characterised by abnormal development of the hip joint, which may cause discomfort and even lameness in the dog’s later years. It typically affects older dogs. Diet and way of life may definitely make a difference in the treatment of this disease.

Weight management in your dog is critical because the less weight that is placed on those joints, the less pressure that is placed on those joints.

It’s also possible to get dog diets that are especially intended to improve joint health, which often include high amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin as well as high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. You may give a younger dog lesser quantities of these nutrients to keep her joints healthy, while an older dog that is already suffering from joint discomfort can benefit from a diet that has greater amounts of these nutrients.

Heart disease

The Mini Pitbull, according to the Patterdale breed, is predisposed to a number of different kinds of cardiac problems. Symptoms may include any of the following:  Coughing,  weight loss,  Difficulty exercising,  Loss of appetite,  Breathing difficulties,  Fatigue,  Trouble sleeping.

She will need a yearly cardiac examination to rule out the presence of heart murmurs or irregular heart rhythms.

The importance of keeping your dog at a healthy weight cannot be overstated, since her risks of getting heart disease increase dramatically if she is overweight or obese.

Her diet should also be modest in sodium, since an excess of the mineral promotes fluid accumulation and puts a strain on the heart muscle.

Omega-3 fatty acids may also be beneficial for dogs suffering from heart disease. Look for meals that include fish or flaxseed oil, since they are high in omega-3 fatty acids. This, however, will not prevent the disease from occurring.

Eye problems

Miniature Pitbulls are susceptible to a variety of various eye disorders, the most of which are unpleasant, and some of which may even result in blindness if not treated promptly.

As a result, kids will need to have their eyes examined on an annual basis in addition to their heart.

There are certain fruits and vegetables that are high in specific antioxidants that may benefit your dog’s vision, but this is not a preventive strategy. These are some examples:  Blueberries, Broccoli,  Sweet potatoes,  Kale, Carrots,  Eggs Cold water fish (e.g. salmon or sardines),  Skin allergies

This dry, itchy illness originates from the Pitbull side of the family and typically affects the belly, ears, feet, and creases of their skin. It may be brought on by flea allergies, seasonal allergies, or food allergies, among other things.

If you think that she is suffering from food allergies, it is good to put her on a grain-free diet for a while, since grains are a common allergen. Other options include limited-ingredient foods, which may assist in narrowing down the list of foods she is allergic to.

Conclusion

Pocket Pitbulls are becoming popular additions to homes throughout the United States, and an increasing number of individuals are contemplating acquiring one of these little dogs. As a result, it’s critical to be informed of what to anticipate from these canines.

Mini Pitbulls are not the teacup-sized dogs that you would anticipate — instead, they are little but extremely muscular canines that seem quite similar to Pitbulls in appearance. Despite their tiny size, they have a high level of energy and need a lot of movement and play to maintain their health.

Because they are devoted and protective, these dogs are excellent with children. Pocket Pits, on the other hand, may quickly become excessively territorial, therefore it’s important to keep this tendency under control at all times.

It’s important to remember that they are much more costly than a purebred Pitbull, so be prepared to pay extra and always check that the breeder is reputable.