The Pocket Bully a.k.a ‘The American Bully,’ is a hybrid breed of the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier.
Pocket Bullies are the smallest in the Bully family, but don’t let the name fool you - they are kind, affectionate, and loyal pets that are eager to please their humans.
As a medium to fast learner, training and socialisation can instill good behaviours in your Pocket Bully, enabling them to live in a range of environments. If you want to know more about this friendly breed, read our guide below to see if Pocket Bullies are the pet for you.
If you’d like to get to know the breed a little more closely, here are a few key traits and facts about the Pocket Bully:
Pocket Bullies can have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years.
Pocket Bullies usually reach their full weight and height by six to twelve months old. Healthy male and female Pocket Bullies can be between 22 - 27 cm tall and weigh between 4 - 9 kgs.
Pocket Bullies are a short-haired breed and shed a low to moderate amount of fur.
If you’re a family with young children looking for a gentle pet to introduce into your home, the Pocket Bully might be a good match. Although they may look intimidating, Pocket Bullies have been intentionally bred to remove ‘aggressive’ behaviours and characteristics.
Pocket Bullies are incredibly loyal and are eager to protect their owners in dangerous situations. In saying this, they also understand the difference between threatening and non-threatening environments.
Pocket Bullies are prone to separation anxiety, so they need to be included in a range of family activities. Pocket Bullies have short coats, so aim to keep them inside during winter and autumn to avoid hypothermia.
Pocket Bullies are playful and energetic goofballs. With the right training, they make a very obedient family pet. With a soft temperament and miniature size, they’re a great breed for small to medium sized homes.
As an intelligent breed, reward-based training can be an effective way to bring up your Pocket Bully. Like most dogs, Pocket Bullies are food orientated, so rewarding good behaviours and manners with treats is a way to instil obedience.
Pocket Bullies have a short coat and require minimal grooming. Regular brushing (with a firm bristle brush) 1-2 times a week is adequate to keep your Pocket Bully’s coat healthy and shiny. Like any other breed, they also need their nails clipped and teeth brushed regularly to maintain good hygiene.
Pocket Bullies have moderate exercise needs and should be walked for about 60 minutes every day. As a high energy breed, incorporating different kinds of activities like running, walking and playing are great ways to hit your 60 minute target!
As small puppies, Pocket Bullies should be fed three small meals a day. A Pocket Bully’s diet should be well balanced with several nutrients, around 30% protein and 20% fat. Scheduled feeding can help create a routine around meals and limits the chance of your Pocket Bull gaining unnecessary weight.
Hip dysplasia is a hereditary skeletal condition seen in medium to large dog breeds. The condition creates a deformity in a dog’s hips as they grow, leading to reduced mobility and range of motion. Pocket Bullies might have a higher chance of developing hip dysplasia because of their genes. Early signs of hip dysplasia in a dog can be limping, abnormal walking patterns, and loss of muscle in the hind legs.
Due to their genes, Bully breeds can be prone to a range of eye conditions, specifically entropion, where parts of the eyelids roll inwards, causing discomfort. Pocket Bullies can also suffer from dry eyes that are often a result of insufficient tear production.
If you’re thinking about getting pet insurance for your Pocket Bully, factors like age and location could affect the cost of your premium. Everyday Pet Insurance offers Basic, Standard, Comprehensive and Comprehensive Plus cover that helps protect you and your furry friend. Check what each insurance cover includes.
Claim up to $30,000 a year
Get up to 80% back on eligible vet bills
Your pet is covered from 8 weeks old for life
Claim your benefit on the spot and only pay the gap on eligible claims=
# Policy Terms and Conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover.
* Exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply.
‡ Cover is available for the life of your pet provided you renew your policy each year without any break, lapse or change in the level of Cover. This means once your pet is insured with us and as long as we continue to offer the product, you will be able to renew your policy for that pet for life provided you continuously maintain the cover. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of your renewing policy. See details in your PDS.
= The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly® to search for GapOnly® enabled vets. GapOnly® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).
Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.