25-45 lbs
14-17"
Unknown
The Pocket Pitbull is a hybrid dog, developed as a smaller version of the American Pit Bull Terrier. This is usually achieved by breeding an American Pit Bull Terrier to a Patterdale Terrier, a small, enduring terrier from Northern England, although a few breeders are combining American Pit Bull Terriers with other dogs such as French Bulldogs and Boston Terriers to achieve the smaller size and calling their hybrids Pocket Pitbulls as well. For this reason, and because some lines of Pit Bull may carry aggressive or fearful behavior, it is important to perform due diligence when choosing your Pocket Pitbull. These dogs are easy to groom and some individuals may do well in an apartment setting, but they are also quite active and athletic, so most would be happiest in a larger home with a fenced yard to run in.
The Pocket Pitbull is a designer dog, a deliberate cross between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier, two terrier breeds that are recognized by the United Kennel Club in England, but not yet by the American Kennel Club. This canine, also known as the Pitterdale Terrier, the Miniature Pit Bull, and even just the simplified Pocket Pit is being developed as a smaller version of the American Pit Bull Terrier, as it is recognized by the United Kennel Club in England. Although the American Kennel Club does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier, they do recognize the American Staffordshire Terrier, a canine that is similar enough to the American Pit Bull Terrier that some individual dogs are registered with both the UKC as American Pit Bulls and with the AKC as American Staffordshires, although breed standards for the Pit Bull allow a greater range of sizes and colors than the Staffordshire. The Patterdale Terrier is one of several breeds believed to be descended from the Fell Terrier, a small, enduring terrier bred to hunt in packs. The Patterdale was first referenced in the 1930’s when a breeder by the name of Joe Bowman began to selectively breed his terriers for both hunting ability and gameness so that they could go to ground after fleeing foxes where the larger Foxhounds could not. Several contributors in the 1950s and the 1960s helped to refine the breed including Brian Nuttall, Cyral Breay, Frank Buck, and Tommy Dobson, and in 1995 it was recognized by the United Kennel Club in England. The combination of the two dogs produces a courageous, muscular dog that looks and acts a great deal like an American Pit Bull but is about a two-thirds to half the size.
This breed, like the American Pit Bull that it is trying to emulate, is a very muscular animal that is slightly longer than it is tall, and while it is considerably smaller than the Pit Bull, it is by no means pocket-sized; it stands just a little over a foot tall at the shoulder and can weigh up to 50 pounds. The characteristic powerful broad head and jaws of the American Pit Bull are present in the Pocket Pitbull, as are the thick neck, and the noticeable and well-defined musculature. Although the Pocket Pitbull is designed to look very much like the Pit Bull Terrier, there may be a few minor differences; they are likely to be slightly leaner than the average Pit Bull and may have a skull that is slightly more wedge-shaped with a narrower muzzle. The ears generally sit high up on the head, and can be short to medium in length, and when uncropped they fold forward or to the sides.
The regular grooming maintenance for this crossbreed should be exceptionally simple. They only require bathing a few times a year, unless they get into something particularly messy or stinky, and brushing is a simple affair that can be handled in just a few minutes once a week or so with either a slicker brush or a grooming glove, although those with a double coat of the Patterdale may shed a bit more than those who inherit the single-layer coat of the Pit Bull. This hybrid may be more likely to develop skin conditions than other dogs, however, so it is important to inspect their skin to check for rashes or swelling on a regular basis. Pocket Pitbulls with white or light fur may be more prone to developing skin cancers and should utilize sunblock designed for canines to protect them from the ultraviolet rays.
A well-bred and well socialized Pocket Pitbull will be an affectionate, playful, and loyal canine with a generally easy-going but protective nature. They are generally good with people of all ages, but even though this dog is much smaller than the standard sized American Pit Bull Terrier it is still an exceptionally powerful animal and all interactions between canines and small children should be carefully supervised, to prevent insult or injury to either the child or the canine. Although these hybrids are generally friendly and easy-going with humans, they may not be as amicable with other dogs and they tend to have a high prey drive, so they may be happiest as the only pet in the household. It is important to do your research when it comes to choosing your Pocket Pitbull as some breeders may use breeds other than the Patterdale Terrier, such as French Bulldogs or Boston Terriers, which may have a very different health concerns and temperaments, and some lines of Pit Bull have a tendency towards dominant and aggressive behaviors.
The Pocket Pitbull is an energetic and athletic dog that stays happiest and healthiest when it gets at least an hour of vigorous activity a day, usually split into two or three shorter exercise sessions. Pocket Pitbulls with white or light fur may be more prone to developing skin cancers than other dogs and should utilize sunblock designed for canines to protect them from the damaging ultraviolet rays. Along with walks or jogs around the neighborhood these athletic animals may enjoy activities such as agility training or competitive frisbee, and while some Pocket Pitbulls may find swimming to be difficult, many will enjoy this exercise as well.
