Meet Some Pocket Bullies from Instagram!
Eager to start learning about Pocket Bullies? Check out these adorable pups on Instagram, and fuel your Pocket Bully obsession!
Pebbles
Hailing from the United Kingdom, Pebbles is a rambunctious pup with plenty of energy and snuggles for everyone!
Rudy
For a lovable face, check out Rudy! This pocket bully loves to strut her stuff.
Vito
Vito is an adventurous pocket bully in the United Kingdom. His family loves to share updates about his life with his Instagram fans!
Pocket Bully, Pocket Pittie, Micro Bully, Mini Pittie…all of these names lead to the same place: an adorable, squat house-hippo of a dog that doesn’t get nearly enough attention! These small(er) bully breed dogs are every bit as sweet and goofy as their larger counterparts but come in a compact package.
In this guide, we’re covering everything you’ve ever wondered about this designer breed, and maybe even answering some questions you’ve never thought of before!
What Is a Pocket Bully?
A Pocket Bully is the smallest (unofficial) member of the “pit bull” family, but like all dogs that fall under the umbrella of “pit bull” or “bully,” there’s more to this breed’s genetics than that! While these (relatively) little dogs might look like pure-bred pit bulls, they’re an interesting combination of breeds chosen carefully for their unique physical and behavioral characteristics.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at some key info about Pocket Bullies.
History of the Pocket Bully
The Pocket Bully is the result of selectively breeding classic American Bullies with a completely unrelated dog: the Patterdale Terrier.
Patterdale Terriers were originally bred in England, where they were favored as working dogs. Similar to other terriers found in the UK (i.e. the Jack Russel) the Patterdale Terrier is a relatively small breed, around 12 inches high and between 10-14 lbs. Extremely confident and independent little dogs, Patterdale Terriers are high energy and love having a job to do. Most Pocket Bullies don’t display many physical traits of the Patterdale, other than being smaller in stature.
The American Bully is where the Pocket Bully gets most of its looks. American Bullies were first developed in the 1990s when breeders crossed the American Pit Bull Terrier with the American Staffordshire Terrier. Featuring a stable temperament and a goofy nature, the American Bully quickly became a popular family dog. Available in a variety of sizes, the American Bully is a strong, muscular, broad-headed dog with relatively short legs, and short, silky-soft fur.
The Pocket Bully is considered by many the smallest member of the American Bully breed, but because of the addition of the Patterdale Terrier, this breed is technically in a league of its own! Like Doodles and other cross-breed dogs, Pocket Bullies are actually considered designer dogs.
How Big Do Pocket Bullies Get?
Because Pocket Bullies are a designer cross-breed, there isn’t much regulation in their breeding. Because of this, it’s difficult to know just how big your Pocket Bully will get. In general, Pocket Bullies are expected to reach sizes of:
| Height | Weight | |
| Males | 17-20 inches | 11-24 lbs |
| Females | 16-19 inches | 11-24 lbs |
Don’t let the word “pocket” fool you! Pocket Bullies are medium-sized dogs, and their final size will depend entirely on their specific genetics.
Temperament of the Pocket Bully
American Bullies are well known for their extreme tolerance of children and other dogs, and their even-keeled temperament. Bred to be a family and companion dog, the American Bully is goofy, playful, and laidback, but also fiercely loyal and eager to please.
Pocket Bullies have many of the same characteristics as American Bullies and are often great family dogs with gentle dispositions. However, thanks to the addition of Patterdale Terrier, some Pocket Bullies can be high-energy and in need of lots of stimulation, exercise, and patience.
As with all dogs, it’s best to think of them as individuals. You can guess some things about a dog’s personality based on their breed, but each is unique in its own way. Don’t assume a dog will behave the way you expect it to based on breed, and always take care to give your pup time to adjust and show you their personality.
Common Pocket Bully Colors
Pocket Bullies come in all of the colors seen in other bully breeds, including white, black, blue, brindle, etc. No matter their color, Pocket Bullies always have super short, super soft fur that shines in the sun when cared for properly!
| Color | Description |
| Black | Deep, almost blue-black. Often includes white paws, tail tip, or partial mask. |
| White | All-white Pocket Bullies are highly sought after, but be aware that some may have vision or hearing issues. |
| Fawn | Fawn is sort of like the “blonde” of the dog world! |
| Blue | No, there are no truly blue dogs, but some Pocket Bullies come in a stunning slate-gray that almost looks like blue. |
| Brindle | Brindle Pocket Bullies are a stripy mix of browns, reds, fawns, whites, and blacks. Sometimes compared to a tiger, brindle dogs can also have white feet, tail tips, etc. |
Pocket Bully FAQ
How Much Does a Pocket Bully Cost?
Pocket Bullies aren’t an inexpensive choice, especially if you find a reputable breeder with provable lineage and genetics. Pocket Bully puppies cost on average $1,500-$3,000, but some are sold for prices as high as $10,000.
While you might not be able to afford the hefty price tag, there’s another, far more affordable option: Adoption! Bully breeds end up in shelters at a far higher rate than any other breed, and you can walk into virtually any shelter in the U.S. and come out with a sweet house-hippo of your own. If you’re specifically looking for a Pocket Bully, just keep your eye on local adoption sites, and you’re sure to find a small pibble looking for a home.
Is a Pocket Bully a Pitbull?
Yes, but also no. Pocket Bullies are a cross between American Bullies and the Patterdale Terrier. American Bullies are a cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. So, yes, Pocket Bullies have “Pit Bull” in their genetic makeup, but they’re also distinctly different from Pit Bulls.
Pocket vs. Micro Bullies: What’s the Difference?
There is no difference! Pocket Bully and Micro Bully are two names for the same breed and are often used interchangeably.
Are Pocket Bullies Illegal to Own in the UK?
No, Pocket Bullies are NOT illegal in the UK. However, while “bullies” are not technically banned in the UK, “pit bulls” are. Because Pocket Bullies are technically an American Bully and not a Pit Bull they are legal to own in the UK.
How Long Do Pocket Bullies Live?
Mixed breed dogs, like the Pocket Bully, tend to have longer lifespans than purebred dogs. Pocket Bullies often live upwards of 11-14 years, especially when given proper nutrition, exercise, and care throughout their lives.
Where To Get Your Own Pocket Bully
Because Pocket Bullies are not purebred, and therefore not AKC recognized, it can be difficult to find a reputable breeder. The best way to find breeders is to turn to the Internet and especially social media like Instagram. Connecting with other Pocket Bully enthusiasts and owners is a great way to get the inside scoop on the best breeders, and learn how to spot someone whose intentions may not be pure.
As we’ve already mentioned, you can also find plenty of small bullies at your local shelter, so consider adopting if you can!
