Appearance of the Pocket Pitbull
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| This breed, like the American Pit Bull Terrier it tries to imitate, is a very muscular animal that is slightly longer than it is tall, and although it is considerably smaller than the Pit Bull, it is by no means pocket-sized, measuring just over 30.5 centimeters high at the shoulder and weighing up to 23 kilos. The wide, powerful head and jaws characteristic of the American Pit Bull Terrier are present in the Pocket Pitbull, as are the thick neck and visible, well-defined musculature. Although the Pocket Pitbull is designed to look very much like the Pit Bull Terrier, there may be some minor differences, they are likely to be slightly leaner than the average Pit Bull and may have a slightly more wedge-shaped skull with a narrower muzzle. Ears generally sit high on the head and can be short to medium length, and when not cropped, fold forward or to the sides. |
Temperament of the Pocket Pitbull
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| A well-bred and well-socialized Pocket Pitbull will be an affectionate, playful and loyal dog with a generally easygoing 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 remains an exceptionally powerful animal and all interactions between dogs and young children must be carefully supervised, to avoid insults or injury to either child or dog. Although these hybrids are generally friendly and easy to live with humans, they may not be so friendly with other dogs and they tend to have a strong prey drive, so they may be happier as the only pet in the house. It's 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 can have very different health problems and temperaments, and some Pit Bull bloodlines tend to adopt dominant and aggressive behaviors. |
Needs and activities of the Pocket Pitbull
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| The Pocket Pitbull is an energetic, athletic dog that stays happiest and healthiest when it gets at least one hour of vigorous activity a day, usually divided into two or three shorter exercise sessions. Pocket Pitbulls with white or light fur may be more susceptible to developing skin cancers than other dogs, and should use sunscreen designed for dogs to protect them from harmful ultraviolet rays. In addition to walks or jogs around the neighborhood, these athletic pets can enjoy activities such as agility training or competitive Frisbee, and while some Pocket Pitbulls may find swimming challenging, many will enjoy this exercise too. |
Maintenance of the Pocket Pitbull
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| Regular grooming maintenance for this crossbreed should be exceptionally simple. They only need to bathe a few times a year, unless they get into something particularly messy or smelly, and brushing is a straightforward affair that can be dealt with in a few minutes once a week or so with a smooth brush or grooming glove, although those with a double layer of Patterdale may shed a little more than those who inherit the Pit Bull's single layer. However, this hybrid may be more prone to developing skin conditions than other dogs. So it's important to regularly inspect their skin for rashes or swelling. Pocket Pitbulls with white or light-colored fur may be more likely to develop skin cancers, and should use a sunscreen designed for dogs to protect them from ultraviolet rays. |
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