Pocket Pit Bull vs Pit Bull

Pit bulls are some of the most common breeds in America, but did you know that they aren’t actually a true “breed” of dog? The term “pit bull” encompasses a wide range of dog breeds that are descended from bulldogs and terriers, each of which has unique dispositions and appearances.

One of the newer “pit bull” breeds is the pocket pit bull. These miniature dogs are significantly smaller than standard pit mixes and are growing in popularity. Today, we will be looking at pit bulls and pocket pit bulls to understand better what makes them different. Pocket pit bull vs pit bull; why are they unique?

Comparing a Pocket Pit Bull and a Pit Bull

Pocket Pit Bull vs Pit Bull: Lifespan

The American Bully is a fairly healthy dog breed. It has a lifespan of about eight to 13 years old. Despite being a designer dog breed, it has a lifespan of up to 14 years old! Every dog breed is prone to medical conditions due to their size and sometimes genetic reasons.

The lifespan of a pocket pit bull vs a pit bull is about the same. Both breeds have an average lifespan of around 12 years. However, there are some individual dogs that may live longer or shorter depending on their overall health and genetics.

The 5 Main Differences Between a Pocket Pit Bull and a Pit Bull

The main differences between a pocket pit bull and a pit bull are their size, breed origin, and living requirements.

Pocket pit bulls are a relatively newer hybrid that is ultimately crossed from the (in)famous pit bull breeds. As such, the distinction between a pocket pit bull and a true pit bull is quite variable. Still, some differences are notable, especially when it comes to size. The pocket pit bull was originally bred with the intention of being a smaller version of a standard pit bull, much like a toy poodle is a smaller version of a standard one.

Contrary to popular knowledge, pit bulls aren’t a single breed but a category that includes three breeds: the American pit bull terrier, the American Staffordshire terrier , and the Staffordshire bull terrier. These breeds are considered pit bulls, each recognized by breed organizations such as the AKC.

The pocket pit bull is a “hybrid” breed and isn’t officially recognized by any organizations. As such, there aren’t any breed standards consistent across the breed. These dogs cross between one of the three pit bull breeds and a Patterdale terrier . The resulting dog looks like a pit bull but has the size of the smaller Patterdale terrier.

Let’s look at these differences and a few more in detail below!

Pocket Pit Bull vs Pit Bull: Breed Origin

The pocket pit bull isn’t an officially recognized breed but rather a hybrid cross between one of the three pit bulls and a Patterdale terrier. Hybrids like the pocket pit bull and many others were created during a wave of “designer breeding” in the 1990s. Designer breeds are usually simple hybrid that attempts to create a marketable breed with certain desirable traits. Other popular designer breeds include Labradoodles , cockapoos, and puggles.

Each of the three pit bull breeds has its breed origins, but the crosses today that most are familiar with occurred during the late 19th century in America. When dog fighting was gaining popularity, the various breeds were crossed, creating pit mixes that are probably more common today than any single breed .

Pocket Pit Bull vs Pit Bull: Size

As their name suggests, pocket pit bulls are a smaller version of a typical pit bull. They are generally 12-16 inches tall and weigh 11-22 lbs, about a third the size of a standard pitty or pitty mix.

All three pit bull breeds are similar in size, and they average 18-24 inches tall and weigh between 20-80 lbs. Often, the build of a pit will depend on its genetics as some individuals are significantly smaller than others, despite being of the same breed.

Pocket Pit Bull vs Pit Bull: Appearance

Most pit bull breeds, mixes, and hybrids are extremely similar in appearance. There aren’t any breed standards for how pocket pit bulls are “supposed” to look, although there are still standards for how they usually look. These dogs are short, stocky versions of their parents, usually resembling their pit side more than their Patterdale side. They can come in all sorts of colors but almost always have short hair.

Pit bulls are well-recognized for their appearance. They are generally well-muscled, stocky, and shorthaired dogs. Their fur is extremely short and only has a single coat, although they do shed. Each pit breed has its standard, but being well-muscled are features they all share. Additionally, pits can come in almost any color, including brindle and merle.

Pocket Pit Bull vs Pit Bull: Living Requirements

One of the primary reasons pocket pit bulls were bred was to reach a niche of people who wanted a pitty but had smaller living arrangements. As such, the pocket pit bull is smaller and much better adapted to life in an apartment or similar living conditions. That said, they still need to be exercised daily .

Pit bulls are medium to large-sized dog breeds and can be quite active. Still, they do pretty well in apartments, provided they exercise enough daily. Due to their stocky builds, a pit bull isn’t a great endurance breed, so a few solid walks a day should be enough.

Pocket Pit Bull vs Pit Bull: Temperament

When it comes to temperament, both breeds are nearly identical. They are known to be courageous, affectionate, loving, and intelligent. The breed’s history as a fighting dog has marred them in the public eye, despite them being wonderful companions known for their sensitivity. The only difference between the pocket and the standard pit is that the Patterdale mix occasionally brings a bit of a prey drive ( squirrels beware).

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• Micro Pitbull vs. Pocket Pitbull
• Micro Pitbull vs. Pocket Pitbull
• American Bulldog vs Pitbull: 5 Key Differences Explained

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