What Is a Micro Bully?

What is the difference between Micro Bullies and other Exotic Bullies? What is the American Bully like? This article will give you a deeper insight into their unique physical and personality characteristics, what to expect when you own one, how much the breed costs, and most importantly, how to care for one. Come along and learn about the sweet, gentle, and beautiful Micro Bully Dog!

What Is a Micro Bully?

Micro Bullies are one of the newer and most highly sought-after designer dog breeds within the American Bully lineage. These dogs look much like their larger counterparts and are the breed's shortest and least heavy version. Not a purebred dog, a Micro Bully is a cross between a Pocket Bully and a Patterdale Terrier. To take it back a step, the Pocket Bully, also known to some as a Pocket Pitbull, is an American Bully crossed with a Patterdale Terrier, making it smaller than your Standard Bully. Therefore, the Micro Bully will keep its strong Bully stature and physique but is made to be even smaller through the breeding of another Terrier. These crosses are known to many as Exotic Bully breeds, and they have been recognized as a breed since around 2008; the Micro Bully is the newest on the scene.

This dog breed lineage is highly desired as they are beautiful, intelligent, and family-friendly dogs. Like other designer-crossed breeds such as the Labradoodle and Cockapoo, crossing the American Bully with the Patterdale Terrier dog breed allows you to keep the features you know and love while also including other desirable characteristics. As a result, more and more people want to own this incredible mix that gets you the strongest and smallest version of a Bully dog available today.

What Is a Bully Dog?

A Bully dog can also be known as a Bully Pit, Exotic, or Extreme Bully. American Bully dogs were first bred in the 1980s in the United States but did not become a recognized breed until 2004. A Bully Dog is a general way to describe a variety of dogs with a particularly muscular and blockish look. As their name implies, a Bully Dog can be used to describe dogs with the word ‘bull’ in their names, such as the American Pitbull, French Bulldogs, and the English Bulldog, to name a few. Some believe that the American Bulldog, Old English Bulldog, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier were also used to produce the American Bully breed.

You may wonder what the difference is between all the different Exotic Bully breed types with the American Bully bloodlines. Since this is a relatively new breed and its standards are not entirely set in stone, you can turn to Bully breed authorities such as the American Bully Kennel Club to help define the main differences in breed types. It is important to note that the Micro, Standard, Pocket, and XL Bullies are essentially the same dog and are only differentiated by height. The Classic Bully, however, is also differentiated by its type.

Exaggerated Appearance

The Exotic Bully's features are that of the Bully breeds but made even more apparent. The muscular build is more defined, the blocky head is more prominent, and the muzzles are closer to the face. This is why their looks are captivating and intriguing to many as a physically exaggerated version of several Bully breeds. 

Size and Type of Exotic Bullies

The American Bully Kennel Club says that the type of American Bully you have highly depends on their weight and height. Here is a handy guide to help you understand some of the different categories, types, and classes of Exotic Bully available:

The XL American Bully Size

The XL American Bully is the tallest and largest type of American Bully. Their height will range between 19-23”. These dogs share the same body type as the other Bullies, but they often have more muscle mass due to their larger size. You can expect an XL to weigh somewhere from 70-120 lbs. There is another subcategory of the XL Bully, which is its taller and heavier counterpart, the XXL, which can weigh up to 200lbs.

What is the American Bully Standard Size?

The Standard American Bully can vary in height anywhere from 16-20” and weigh anywhere from 40-70 lbs.

What is the Classic Bully Size?

The Classic Bully dog is considered a different type of dog altogether because they still look like an American Bully, but they are smaller in stature and muscle mass. Much like the Standard, their height ranges from 16-20,” but the big differentiator is that you can expect their weight to be well under 60 lbs.

What size is a Pocket Bully?

Pocket Bullies are 14-19” tall, and their weight will vary based on how broad and muscular each dog becomes. Although sometimes known as a Shorty Bully or Pocket Pitbull, this dog still has all the beautiful and strong characteristics that Bully breed owners desire.

What is the size of a Micro Bully?

The Micro Bully is considered to be a subcategory of the Pocket Bully dog. This newest and highly desired Bully dog will be under 16” even when fully grown, and you can expect its weight to remain under 50 lbs. Although small, their strong and muscled physique still makes them solid and heavy pups. These dogs were bred to inherit the strong and broad muscular physique of the Exotic Bully breeds, but in a smaller and more compact form which makes them a great addition to any home and family, especially for those with a smaller house or yard. Your new playful and sweet Micro Bully will fit right in with you anywhere in your home, most likely on your couch or in your bed!

Essentially, these designer dog breeds look to be smaller versions of the Pitbull and are also sometimes known as Miniature Pitbulls. But be sure not to confuse the two, as the Pitbull and American Bully are two completely separate breeds.

How Much Will a Micro Bully Cost?

Puppy prices will vary based on your plan for the dog. If you want to purchase a dog from a highly respected bloodline to breed them, you can be sure it will cost a lot more than a puppy you want to have as a family pet. Always be sure you get your dog from a reputable breeder, as many people will falsely advertise a bigger Bully as a Micro Bully. Venom, who is one of the most popular and desired Micro Exotic Bullies out of the United States, creates lookalike puppies that can start at around $8,000.

Micro Bully Physical Characteristics

The American Bully has a beautiful look that many people fall in love with, and the Micro is no different. Their face will be broad, round, and slightly pushed in with well-defined cheeks. Their blocky head will look much like the American Pitbull Terrier, with small, sleek, and perky ears that gently flop forward. Their shoulders will be broad, wide, and muscular, as you would expect with the other Bully breeds.

Coat and Markings of the Micro Bully

A Micro Bully’s coat will be short and glossy and can come in a variety of colors and textures. To the average onlooker, their coat will look like what would be expected from the American Bully Breed. Still, in reality, some Micro Bullies will have a wiry undercoat that can be passed down from the Patterdale Terrier side of their lineage. Markings will vary from dog to dog and will be determined by which dogs are bred together; the possibilities are endless!

The Clean Micro Bully: What You Need to Know

Bullyblood.com states that “‘Clean Exotic’ is a new phrase in the Bully community that represents the attempt to breed the new subcategory responsibly.” This essentially means that these Clean Exotic Bullies have specific characteristics without any less desirable traits that can sometimes come from cross-breeding. Many reputable breeders will agree on some of the following characteristics being part of what makes a clean Exotic Bully:

• Clean Exotics will be under 13" in height.

• The dog’s length will be similar to their height.

• The width of the Exotic Bully’s head will be the same at the top and bottom, creating a ‘squared’ look.

• Their muzzle will be under 1.5.”

• A Clean Bully’s elbows will not stick out past the width of their shoulders.

The Clean Exotic movement comes from many reputable breeders and passionate Bully community members who want to see the breed have more beautiful dogs showing the correct features and minimal health defects.

The Micro Bully Personality

When considering the Micro Bully for your home, it’s crucial to determine what is fact and fiction about the American Bully bloodlines. Unbeknownst to most, the Bully dog was bred to have a low prey drive and be a family companion. Although their temperament is loved by many, there is still a lot to consider when thinking about owning your very own Micro Exotic Bully.

Shedding Misinformation about Bullies

Given their appearance, many people assume that a Bully dog will be aggressive or vicious, but those who know the breed say that they are incredibly loving and make a great family dog. The unfortunate stigma that has plagued the breeds means that it is more important than ever to practice responsible ownership, which entails training your dog well enough to ensure that only their best loving and obedient features come through. Many Bully breeds have been mistakenly called aggressive due to their history of dog fighting, but when trained and raised correctly, you will find that the bully breeds are not at all aggressive. The American Pitbull Terrier, and any other breeds with that strong and intense look, often find themselves discriminated against based solely on their looks and misinformation, so it’s important to know that your Micro Bully can be prone to this type of misconception as well.

Thankfully, the Bully community continues to educate the public about these incredible dogs and show that the bad reputation is often completely untrue. As with all dog breeds, it is important to socialize and adequately train them from a young age to ensure their playful and sweet personalities come forth from day one. It cannot be stressed enough that early socialization is essential as your dog will be physically strong due to its genetics. Be sure to be a responsible owner and train your dog well to prevent perpetuating any mistaken beliefs.

Although the Pocket Bully and the Micro Bully are known for their smaller size, it is important to note that these dogs are still highly energetic and need lots of attention and room to play. You will find that the Bully breeds are incredibly loyal, protective, playful, and great with children.

How to Care for a Micro Bully

Your Micro Bully’s lifespan will be anywhere from 10-13 years. To ensure your dog lives a long, happy, and healthy life, it's vital to ensure they are fed a proper diet, get plenty of exercise, have regular checkups from their vet, and receive love and affection! Most importantly, ensure your dog’s health by getting your Exotic Bully from a reputable breeder through the Bully registry or the United Kennel Club’s breeder registry.

Micro Bully Daily Care Tips for Physical and Mental Wellness

Any breeder or owner will agree that a Micro Bully will need a lot of daily physical and mental stimulation. Like all dogs, boredom will most likely lead to destructive behaviors that will have your dog damaging your belongings or, even worse, injuring themselves. With sufficient outside time through walks and playtime, your pup will also benefit from the added mental stimulation from toys, bones, and puzzle-style feeding bowls. A physically and mentally exercised Bully will be a content and well-behaved dog! Our readers are loving this sprinkler toy to keep their dogs active and hydrated at the same time!

Although not necessary, some owners enjoy participating with their Micro Bully in canine sports. Indeed the amount of exercise needed will depend on the type and size of Bully you own, but you can feel good knowing that 1 hour a day is great for the average Bully dog.

Micro Bully Health Concerns 

Many dog breeds have predisposed health issues due to their genetics, and the American Bully is no different. When thinking about bringing a Micro Bully into the family, it is important to note what can happen to determine whether or not it is something you can take on. As mentioned before, using a reputable breeder will help ensure pure bloodlines and fewer health issues. Some of the health concerns your Bully may be predisposed to are:

Skin Diseases

Bully dogs can be prone to several treatable skin conditions such as hot spots, eczema, and seborrhea. Speak to your local animal clinic veterinarian about treatments and shampoos for these bothersome dermatological conditions.

Congenital Heart Disease

Since the Micro is in the Bully breeds, they are susceptible to congenital heart disease. Several heart issues experienced in the Bulldog family are mitral valve, septal defects, subaortic and pulmonary stenosis.

Both skin and heart issues can also be addressed internally with a healthy diet. An Omega-3 supplement such as salmon oil has been proven to promote a healthy coat and heart. It's important to choose a wild salmon oil to get the best result for your pup because farm-raised salmon have significantly fewer nutrients.

Cherry Eye and Micros 

This eye condition occurs when the Nictitans glands prolapse, causing discomfort, eye inflammation, and vision impairment due to obstruction.

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do to test for dysplasia. This condition arises due to abnormal joint growth which leads to limping, discomfort, and difficulty moving. The Bully's stockier bodies predispose them to this medical condition. These issues can be exacerbated by diet, so it's essential to give them the proper support for joint function through supplementation.

Micro Bully Grooming Routine

When grooming your Bully, you can rest assured that they are one of the easier breeds to care for. This medium shedding dog only needs their coat rubbed down or gently brushed occasionally, and their nails will need to be trimmed 1-2 times a month. Only bathe your Bully dog when necessary to ensure healthy skin and coat.

To give your dog the best oral hygiene, many veterinarians say that adding in some daily tooth brushing does not hurt to keep your Micro Bully’s smile pearly white! As always, check with your veterinarian to determine your new puppy's best routines, diet, hygiene, and supplements.

Training Your Micro Bully

Most importantly, your Micro Bully will be well behaved and content through training by an experienced and consistent owner. They are known as an easy-to-train dog breed due to their high intelligence and incredible obedient nature. Bully dogs live to please their owners and seek a firm but loving Alpha to lead them. Their days and nights will be dedicated to pleasing you, so paying them back by being an excellent dog owner is essential. With consistent training and lots of love, your Micro Bully will be trustworthy, loyal, and very sharp.

Conclusion

Micro Bullies are a strong, gentle, and stately breed with qualities that define many Bully breeds but possess enough minor differences to differentiate them. Seeing a Micro Bully in real life is a true experience, as so few of these dogs are bred. Bullies are gaining in popularity due to their jaw-dropping physical features, an almost endless variety of colors and markings, and their amazing temperament and trainability. Their unique traits entice owners to seek out this rare breed for their very own. Consider this gorgeous and loveable breed if you want to add a new member to your family.