I guess there is a little misunderstanding with the term “pocket pit bulls.”
Technically pitbulls are not a breed but a type that generally encompasses the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and crosses of any of these. This is not a recognized breed, and there is no official miniature or “pocket pitbull” breed recognized by the AKC.
The so-called pocket pitbulls are often terriers or bully breeds deliberately bred to be miniature. Selectively breeding miniature forms of somewhat larger breeds may lead to health consequences or other behavioral problems and thus this provokes ethical questions.
Responsible breeders care about the health, its personality and the ability to conform to the breed standard rather than the miniaturization or gigantization. When breeding dogs of different size categories the health of the female may be compromised during pregnancy as well as during delivery.
People interested in owning a pitbull-type of dog, should not look at so called “pocket” or “teacup” version but do their research on reputable breeders of the defined breeds known to be appropriate for the said lifestyle and the experience in handling dogs out there. An individual’s temper and trainers are far more significant than his/her size towards becoming a good family dog.
3 Pros And Cons Of Owning A Pocket Pitbull
| Pros! | Cons! |
| – Intelligent – Most of the dog breeds fall under this category, they are smart and are willing to learn. | Costly – Due to the fact they are designer hybrids they tend to be expensive, in fact you can end up paying thousands of dollars for them. Adoption is less common.
Characterized by barking – Though they can be good guard dogs they are known to bark at anyone they do not recognize. This could be a nuisance. |
| – short and dense fur- Your pet has short fur that is only long enough for you to ever have to worry about it once in a while. | It is actually because of hybrid vigor that their health is not as predictable as the pure bred breeds. Expenses incurred especially through the vets are likely to accumulate over the longness of a pets life. |
| Long lifespan – These dogs have a life span of 11-13 years, more than some breeds. | They are intelligent and hardy dogs, with low-maintenance coats and long life expectancy, there are such aspects as high price, tendency to bark, and weak health as essential disadvantageous parameters to consider for owners to be. Advantages and disadvantages vary slightly depending on what characteristics are important to someone or a family deciding to get a dog. |
Size And Weight
- – Usually 12-16 inches tall
- So called “mini” or “teacup” Pocket Pitbull
- Range in weight from about 45 kilograms or 11-22 pounds as full grown adults.
- Problematic to determine their size when they are still puppies because the puppy is a mixed breed.
| Height (Male): | 12-16 inches tall |
| Height (Female): | 12-16 inches tall |
| Weight (Male): | 11-22 pounds, fully grown |
| Weight (Female): | 11-22 pounds, fully grown |
Common Health Issues
- It is about Hypothyroidism – can cause weight gain and lethargy
- Cardiac disease – from Patterdale Terrier siring, signs are coughing, lethargy, and weight loss.
- -Hip dysplasia – seen more in Pitbull breeds and while it is more witnessed in aged dogs obesity increases the chances.
- Obesity – that makes them vulnerable to heart disease and hip dysplasia.
Breeding and genetics are a large part of it, so one must know where the developing dog or puppy is coming from before adopting him. Good care and nutrition can help prevent or reduce some of these potential health dangers. Well, at least knowing which issues one has to consider will help to notice any problems at the early stage.
