The Mini Pitbull: A Good Dog in a Small Package (With Pictures)
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Pitbulls are one of the most famous breeds in the canine kingdom, fueled by equal parts proprietary loyalty and media controversy as fuel. He is also one of the most popular dogs around, and his popularity has inspired the creation of the Mini Pitbull. What should you know about this "designer dog"?
Where does the Mini Pitbull come from?
Like most hybrid dogs that fall under the "designer dog" category, there is no specific date of origin when pocket Pitbulls began appearing on the scene. Because he is not a purebred dog, he is also not officially recognized by most dog registry organizations. However, some groups identify it as their race.
What is known is the breeds responsible for creating the shortest dogs. Mini Pitbulls are a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier. While this dog is more commonly known as Mini Pitbulls, he can go by other names such as the Mini Pitbull, Patterdale, or the Pocketpit.
Size Matters: Mini Pitbull Popularity
The hybrid has become very popular largely due to his size. He offers a lot of the same characteristics you might see in a traditional Pitbull, such as body shape, coat, and athleticism - just in a smaller package. He's hard to deny the compact dog isn't just plain adorable, especially when you catch the little guy in high spirits.
A Look at the "Bloodline" of a Mini Pocket
To gain a full understanding of how a pocket Pitbull behaves, it is necessary to take a look at the breeds that conspire to produce the little ones. This requires a bit of research for novice dog owners. After all, the Patterdale terrier isn't exactly a well-known dog, and the American Pit Bull Terrier is mired in misinformation.
The Patterdale Terrier is a working breed initially bred to hunt vermin. The breed's shiny black coat, expressive eyes, and short tail are almost Labrador-like in appearance. While not all of them are as popular in the United States, they do have a very sizable following in Europe.
The history of Patterdale translates into a tough, intelligent breed that can flex some impressive athletic muscles. However, when properly trained, he can become an excellent guard dog.
While the breed does have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off through daily exercise, he is not as hyperactive as other members of the terrier family. His calm demeanor also means that he is not prone to becoming too barky.
A properly trained American Pitbull Terrier is essentially the exact opposite of the unruly beasts some people think they are. They also tend to maintain puppy-like tendencies into adulthood.
They are also very trainable, and this metric, combined with their natural athletic ability, makes them natural sports dogs. And while they are loyal family dogs, their zest for life and eagerness to please a dog-friendly makes them immensely. It also tends to make hideous watchdogs.
How Do the Parent Breeds Shape a Mini Pitbull's Personality?
The typical pocket Pitbull tends to carry the best traits of the parent or another breed. The dog has physical characteristics that strongly identify with the American Pit Bull Terrier, another characteristic that appeals to owners. They are also affectionate, playful little dogs that run entirely against the existing Pitbull stereotypes.
Unlike a typical American Pit Bull Terrier, a Pocket Pit Bull makes a top-notch watchdog - a trait straight out of the Patterdale Terrier. Mini Pitbulls are also athletic puppies that are easier to train than other puppies.
A typical Mini Pitbull will be 11 to 22 pounds and will stand between 12 and 16 inches. Even though they are smaller, this hybrid is still not a suitable dog for apartment life. This energetic dog needs space and facilities to help expel his vigor, and small or limited space will make life miserable.
Because you are dealing with two different breeds when you are getting a Mini Pitbull, you must do your due diligence and make sure that your new puppy comes from parents with good bloodlines. Doing so will give you an idea of what your dog can be expected to behave after training and how healthy he may be during his lifetime.
What are the basic exercise requirements for a Mini Pitbull?
A lot of exercise is required to keep him happy and healthy. Expect to take your dog on a long walk or even a daily run. You'll also need to carve an adequate amount of playtime every day into your schedule, too.
You should also ensure that your intellectual and physical capacity nurtures a part of your game time. For example, athletic-based puzzles and toys will help your little guy use his glass, allowing him to focus his mental energy in positive ways instead of destructive behavior.
Because Pocket Pitbulls are natural athletes and easy to train, they can be taught various dog sports such as flyball courses and running agility if desired. Due to his work instinct, he will see these types of athletics as a job to perform. You'll see it as a way of carrying out the saying, "A tired dog is a good dog."
Products For Mini Pitbull
What are the health problems with a Mini Pitbull?
Because Mini Pitbulls are hybrids that don't necessarily have close bloodlines, the dogs' health tends to be quite good. They have a life expectancy of around 11 to 13 years. This is shorter than a Patterdale Terrier's lifespan but is comparable to the lifespan of your average American Pit Bull Terrier.
That said, pocket Pitbulls can still be susceptible to picking up several common problems with their parent breeds. The biggest problem to highlight here is hip dysplasia, a condition caused by a malformation of the ball and socket joint of the hip. This painful condition can affect your dog, much like arthritis affects humans.
Other problems with your Mini Pitbull can include eye problems such as conjunctivitis, allergies, hypothyroidism, and heart disease. Be sure to talk to your vet to see how the threat of some of these issues could be minimized.
What are the pet needs of a Mini Pitbull?
One of the Pocket Pitbull's most attractive features is that they do not require a great deal of intensive grooming. The hybrid features a very short, smooth coat that is easy to maintain. While the dog won't shed, it won't necessarily apply to your furniture in dog hair like other breeds.
As such, you can get by with a few grooming basics to make your dog look his best. Regular brushing, routine nail trimming, and consistent teeth, eye, and ear cleaning are all you need to do to help your dog maintain a proper appearance.
Mini Pitbulls Carry the Same Reputation as Regular Pitbulls?
Unfortunately, because pocket pit bulls resemble miniature versions of the American Pitbull Terrier, you may experience some of the same reactions that uninformed people reserve for pits. This can not only include people prejudging your dog but also prejudging you. If you cannot handle this potential anger, another dog should be considered.
However, suppose you feel you can handle such grossly unwarranted scrutiny and have the right amount of living space. In that case, you'll be able to find a pocket pit bull to be a sweet, loving companion who is eager to please and will love you and your family unconditionally.
Why Is Pitbull Aggression So Intense?
Pitbulls are known for their aggressive nature due to their history as bloodthirsty fighting dogs. Although Pitbulls can be aggressive towards animals, they are loyal and affectionate.
Pitbulls weren't bred to fight people, but most people don't know that.
Pitbulls that are raised properly are one of the best canines. The American Temperament Test Society (ATSS) has tested hundreds and hundreds of Pitbulls. They have proven to be among the calmest and friendliest breeds. They scored higher than dogs such as corgis, chihuahuas, and German shepherds.
Unfortunately, most people are still not convinced that Pitbulls can be considered a gentle breed. Pitbull owners who are not responsible and criminals like to have scary dogs to cover up their own shortcomings. They regularly adopt Pitbull-type dogs and train them to be aggressive, which only worsens the breed's reputation.
A dog's aggressiveness is determined by the environment in which he was raised. This is well known. A puppy will become violent if you teach him violence.
Pets can also develop personality defects due to neglect and abuse. Poor or insufficient training during youth can also lead to erratic behavior. Any dog, regardless of breed, is dangerous if it does not have a loving owner and proper training.
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