Pocket Pitbull

Good news for those averse to hours of grooming — the Pocket Pitbull requires little by the way of preening. In many cases, a couple of minutes a week with a slicker brush or grooming glove should suffice, although a bit longer might be necessary if the dog in question has a double coat. This can sometimes be passed down on the Patterdale side.

Although they don’t need lots of brushing, parents will still need to check their pet frequently for signs of skin complaints, be that rashes or swelling. Similarly, Pocket Pitbulls with light or white fur should be covered with suncream on summer days to reduce the risk of skin cancer developing.

This is especially vital when you take into consideration the fact that this is a dog that will be outside for long periods, expelling their mighty supply of energy. This athletic hybrid should have at least an hour’s activity every day — split up into two or three sessions if need be — and around nine miles of walking throughout the week.

You might find your Pocket Pitbull is keen on agility training or competitive frisbee. Some even like swimming, although many others are more than happy to keep away from water.

Pocket Pitbull Health Risks

Proponents of intermixing dog breeds point to a concept called ‘hybrid vigor’, which asserts that dogs — along with other animals and plants — from mixed backgrounds have better health outcomes than pets that have emerged from the same gene pool.

Some scientific papers have found evidence to back up this theory, while others are more doubtful. One thing that can be said for certain is that hybrid dog breeds aren’t immune from hereditary disease and there are several health conditions that Pocket Pitbulls are more susceptible to developing at one point or other in their lives.

As such, it’s important that parents only work with breeders that perform thorough health screenings on their dogs — this isn’t a failsafe method, but it certainly lowers the likelihood of nasty problems emerging in your dog.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral discs are found between the bones of the spine and act as a shock absorber for this extremely delicate part of the body. When they stop functioning as intended, it can spell bad news for dogs.

As you can guess from the name, this is what happens in cases of intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD for short. Discs become swollen or ruptured, leading to potential damage to the spinal cord. Unfortunately, a mini Pitbull is more prone to being diagnosed with this than other breeds.

If this occurs in your dog’s body, they’ll often experience severe pain, a reduction in mobility and a new inability to urinate. In more extreme cases, they might not be able to feel pain at all.

Once a vet is sure a dog is suffering from IVDD, they will either prescribe medication or recommend surgery in more serious instances. In the majority of cases, the prognosis is good, although recovery time can be lengthy.

Cerebellar Abiotrophy

Another condition that Pocket Pitbulls are slightly more predisposed to is cerebellar abiotrophy. This is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system that affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for movement and motor control.

As a result, dogs with the condition often display incoordination, exaggerated movements, muscle tremors and an absence of a menace reflex (the instinctive blinking or turning of the head in response to an incoming object).

There are several types of cerebellar abiotrophy, but all are sadly incurable. A vet will normally recommend euthanizing a dog with the condition to prevent further suffering. Fortunately, the condition is relatively uncommon.

Patellar Luxation

This condition is common in smaller breeds like the Pocket Pitbull and occurs when a dog’s kneecap regularly dislocates. Sometimes the affliction is present at birth, but in other instances, it develops later in life.

Either way, parents will usually spot their dog limping, moving their leg in an awkward fashion or crying out in pain.

Depending on the severity, your vet will either opt for medication or surgery. Thankfully, a full recovery can be expected in the majority of cases.

Every pet parent needs a good vet to keep an eye out for their dog — a wellness plan covers routine examinations and testing that can often spot worrying signs at a crucially early stage.

What to feed a Pocket Pitbull?

Given their size, Pocket Pitbulls should be served recipes designed with smaller breeds in mind. These will include a combination of nutrients and minerals catered towards their specific needs and the biscuit size will be more suited to tiny mouths as well.

If you’re in need of a little inspiration, our partner Dog Food Advisor has done the hard work and picked out some of the best options available to buy today.