Micro vs. Pocket Bully: A Guide to Miniature Dog Delights
“Micro bully” and “pocket bully” sound like they could mean the same thing–they’re both adorably small american bullies, right? While they are indeed both delightfully miniature dogs, that's not all there is to these pups.
These new fun size bulldogs are quickly becoming popular due to their small size that fit in any home or even an apartment! The charming personality and temperament of their bigger relatives stays - just in a smaller package.
Not sure which one is the right fit for you? Check out our list of the differences between the micro bully vs pocket bully.
The Difference Between the Micro Bully vs Pocket Bully?
Both of these types of pitbulls resemble a smaller version of the classic bully dog. They are both stocky and muscular, with broad chests, thick necks, and short legs. There are, however, notable differences. They are both considered an exotic bully.
The Head Shape and Size
The head on pocket bullies are larger than that of the micro bully.
The Ears
Both have ears set high on the head. However, the ears of pocket bullies are usually cropped, whereas those of the micro bully are usually not cropped.
The Eyes
Both have wide-set eyes, but the pocket bullies eyes are typically round while the micro bullies are usually almond-shaped.
The Tail
The pocket bully has a tail ranging from medium to long, which is usually docked. Since the micro bully's tail is short, it is typically not docked.
The Coat and Fur
You can expect an exotic bully to have a nice and smooth coat. However, the pocket bullies coat is short, while the micro bullies are medium in length.
Overall Size Difference Between Pocket Bullies & Micro Bullies
Size is probably the most notable difference between the pocket pitbull and the micro pitbull. The pocket bully is not actually small enough to fit in your pocket, unless you have pockets that can accommodate a dog that averages 30 to 50 pounds. The micro bully is smaller on average, ranging from 20 to 40 pounds.
Bringing a dog into your life is a serious decision that will affect the lives of both you and the dog for years to come, so it is essential to be prepared to provide top-notch care for your special pup.
This is as true for the American Bully breed as it is for any other dog, perhaps even more so. Since there are several types and classes of the classic bully breed, careful research is needed to ensure you choose the one best suited to your lifestyle and expectations.
According to the American Bully Breed’s founding registry (the ABKC), there are 4 American Bully Classes: pocket, classic, standard, and XL. This article will be focusing on the exotic bully - both micro and pocket.
Background on the Standard Bully Breed
When discussing Pit Bulls, there are several different classic bully breeds that fall under this umbrella term in the United States, including the American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Bulldogs, or any combination of these breeds. These dogs can be easily recognized by their short, muscular, and stocky build and short snouts.
History of the Pit Bull
The origin of the term "Pit Bull" dates back to 1927, although in other countries, such as the United Kingdom, "Pit Bull" typically refers specifically to the American Pit Bull Terrier breed. Many Pit Bulls can trace their ancestry back to the British Bull and Terrier of the 19th century, a breed developed for dog fighting by crossbreeding an Old English Bulldog with an Old English Terrier. This combination aimed to retain the courage and tenacity of the Bulldog, while adding more speed and agility from the Terrier.
Size of a Standard Bully
Pit Bulls typically weigh between 55-75 pounds for males and 40-55 pounds for females, and have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.
While Pit Bulls can be excellent dogs when properly trained and socialized from a young age, they can be stubborn and bossy if not given the proper guidance. Their strength also requires proper training and handling, as it can make it challenging to control their behavior, especially with issues such as chewing (since they have very strong jaws that can easily destroy flimsy toys or furniture).
Due to their reputation in illegal dog fighting, the classic bully dog is often misunderstood, despite the fact that the vast majority of Pit Bulls that are properly raised and trained make excellent pets. They've even been used by US Customs and Border Protection as drug detection dogs to prove their intelligence, loyalty and strength which could be harnessed for good use.
How Big Does A Pocket Bully Get?
A standard pit bull can weigh up to 75 pounds or even more, but a pocket bully will typically only weigh between 30-50 pounds. A Pocket Bully will also average about 12 - 16 inches in height in comparison to a standard bully which can be up to 22 inches in height. This makes them much more manageable for families who don’t have as much space or prefer to not have such a large dog.
How Big Does A Micro Bully Get?
A Micro Bully on the other hand is even smaller than a Pocket Bully and will typically only weigh around 20-40 pounds when full grown. Micro Bullies will share a similar body type as Pocket Bullies but will weigh less and will only grow to be about 10 to 14 inches in height in comparison to Pocket Bullies, which can grow to around 16 inches in height. Micro Bullies are one of the smallest types of exotic bullies available and can be a great companion for families who are looking for a smaller version of a bully!
What Is a Pocket Bully?
A Pocket Bully is a mixed dog breed that is bred from an American Pit Bull Terrier and a Patterdale Terrier which can be bred in a variety of sizes. Pocket bullies are basically a miniature version of the American Bully breed. Exotic pitbulls are actually a hybrid dog resulting from an American Pit Bull Terrier and a patterdale terrier and aren’t actually a purebred breed. They should not be confused for a true purebred miniature breed.
A Pocket Bully is a smaller and more compact version of the American Bully breed. They are typically between 12 to 16 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 30 to 50 pounds, making them a smaller and more manageable version of the American Bully. Pocket Bullies are known for their muscular build, large heads, and short, glossy coats.
They are also known for their friendly, loyal, and affectionate nature, making them great companions for families and individuals alike. While they may have a tough appearance, Pocket Bullies are also known for their gentle and playful nature, making them great with children and other animals when properly socialized. The exotic bully is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) because of its mixed breed status. This is really only a downside if you want to compete in shows. Unless this is your ultimate goal, you will likely find the pocket bully to be a great pet.
What is a Micro Bully?
A Micro Bully is a small and compact version of the American Bully breed, typically weighing between 20 to 40 pounds and standing at around 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder. Micro Bullies are known to be even smaller than a pocket bully but will typically share many common character traits.
The micro pitbull is a hybrid of the pocket pitbull and the Patterdale Terrior. Like the pocket bully, they have not been recognized by the AKC because of their hybrid breed status. While they may be small in size, Micro Bullies are still muscular and athletic dogs that require regular exercise and playtime to keep them healthy and happy. They are also known for their friendly and loyal nature, making them great companions for families and individuals alike.
History of Pocket Bullies
Pocket bullies are extremely new as far as dog breeds go. The American Bully Kennel Club (not to be confused with the AKC) initially recognized the pocket bully in 2004.
The original breeders of the pocket pitbull had the goal of creating a warm, friendly companion dog. The exotic bully was meant to be well-suited for older pet owners and for families.
Despite its fun-loving personality, the pocket bully does not require a large amount of time devoted to exercise. This makes it great for those who don’t have the time, energy, or physical ability to dedicate a sizable chunk of their time to exercising their pup.
History of Micro Bullies
The Micro Bully is a relatively new breed that emerged in the early 2000s. They are a smaller and more compact version of the American Bully breed, and their origins can be traced back to selectively breeding the smallest American Bullies to produce a smaller and more manageable version of the breed. The breed gained popularity in the United States, where they are primarily bred and raised. Micro Bullies are known for their muscular build, large heads, and short, glossy coats.
Despite their small size, they are still athletic and active dogs that require regular exercise and playtime to keep them healthy and happy. While the breed is not yet officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, they have gained a devoted following among enthusiasts and breeders. As with any breed, it's important to do thorough research and choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs when considering adding a Micro Bully to your family.
Attributes of the Pocket Bully and Micro Bully
Despite the physical differences, the personality and needs of the pocket pitbull and the micro pitbull are largely similar.
Pocket Bully And Micro Bully Personality
Pocket and micro bullies boast the characteristics that many pet owners look for in a dog. They are loyal, friendly, and good at adapting to various situations. They are known for enjoying spending time with their owners, whether while playing or while relaxing.
How Much Should You Exercise a Pocket Bully or a Micro Bully?
We mentioned that pocket bullies and micro bullies don’t require as much exercise as many other dog breeds, but what does that mean exactly? These types of pitbull have moderate energy levels, and should be taken on one moderate walk each day. Daily playtime is also a must, both for exercise and for bonding between you and your dog.
Diet of the Pocket Bully and Micro Bully
Pocket and micro pitbulls require a diet of high-quality kibble. You can also incorporate high-quality tinned meats. The diet of the pocket bully and micro bully should be made up of a minimum of 30% protein and 20% fat.
Grooming a Pocket or Micro Bully
Grooming the pocket pitbull and the micro pitbull is significantly less work than it is for the majority of other dog breeds. You only need to bathe them once a week and brush their fur a few times each week.
Health Conditions Affecting the Pocket Bully and the Micro Bully
Both the pocket pitbull and the micro pitbull are known for being healthy dogs. However, no dog is immune to health issues. Here are some maladies that are relatively common in these types of pitbulls.
Dental Problems
Tartar buildup, gingivitis, and overcrowding are some dental issues that can impact all dogs, including the pocket and micro bullies. In fact, dental problems are known to be particularly common in all types of American bullies.
It is crucial to brush your pup’s teeth on a regular basis. You should also take them in for a professional teeth cleaning at the veterinarian at least once a year.
Some symptoms of dental problems: yellow or brown teeth, a buildup of tartar, bad breath, and inflammation of the gums.
BOAS
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) affects types of dogs that have broad, short skulls. Thus, it is relatively common in all types of American pit bull terrier. BOAS is an anatomic abnormality that manifests in narrow nostrils and an overly elongated soft palate.
Some symptoms of BOAS: difficulty exercising, panting, and snoring.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Dysplasia is a condition where a joint does not develop correctly. In the American bully, this is most common in the hip and the elbow. Dysplasia is hereditary, but it can also be brought on by obesity.
Some symptoms of hip and elbow dysplasia: pain, stiffness, and difficulty rising or moving.
Heart Murmur
Heart murmurs are caused by turbulent blood flow. Usually, they are benign and do not need to be treated. In unusual cases, they can be a sign of a serious cardiac condition, so it is important to have a heart murmur investigated.
Some symptoms of a heart murmur: an abnormal sound that can be heart when holding a stethoscope to the heart, difficulty exercising, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
Luxating Patella
Luxating patella causes a dog’s kneecap to be dislocated. While luxating patella is commonly hereditary, it can also be caused by a traumatic injury.
Some symptoms of luxating patella: a skipping gait, pain, lameness, trouble standing up from a lying down position.
Arrhythmia
An abnormal heart rate is known as an arrhythmia. Stress, electrolyte imbalances, and heart disease are some of the conditions that can lead to an arrhythmia.
Some symptoms of an arrhythmia: difficulty exercising and shortness of breath.
Obesity
Obesity is not more common in American Bullies than it is in other breeds of dog, but it is still a widespread condition with serious health effects. Health issues brought on by obesity include respiratory problems, heart disease, and joint issues.
Some symptoms of obesity: difficulty exercising, joint pain, problems breathing, and excess body fat.
Protecting your Exotic Bully
Protect your cherished Exotic Bully from the rising threat of dog theft with the reliable Fi GPS Smart Collar featuring Activity and Sleep Tracking. As the unfortunate trend of dog theft continues to surge, it's crucial to take proactive measures to safeguard your four-legged family member. With the Fi Smart Collar, you can easily track your Exotic Bully in real-time, providing you with peace of mind and the ability to locate them swiftly if they ever go missing.
Additionally, the collar offers comprehensive insights into their activity levels and sleep patterns, ensuring their overall health and well-being. Crafted with both style and durability in mind, this collar seamlessly integrates into your Exotic Bully's daily routine. Protect what matters most and give your beloved companion the security they deserve. Invest in the Fi GPS Smart Collar today and stay one step ahead of potential threats.
Conclusion
The pocket bully and the micro bully can both be excellent pets, depending on what you are looking for in a canine companion. The main difference to remember is that the pocket bully is somewhat larger than the micro bully, while still being far smaller than the standard American bully. There are also a number of minor physical differences, as we discussed in the section "What is the Difference Between the Pocket Bully and the Micro Bully?"
Anyone looking for a warm, friendly pup with moderate exercise needs could love a pocket pitbull or micro pitbull. These types of miniature pitbull are especially suited for elderly people, families, and busy professional couples.
If you are interested in bringing a pocket bully or micro bully into your life, be sure to spend time finding a reputable breeder. You can expect to spend about $8,000 to $20,000 for a pocket pitbull or micro pitbull, depending on their pedigree and who you buy from.
We hope that this article has encouraged you to love and appreciate these adorable and sweet miniature pitbulls as much as we do.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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