The Micro Bully: Is It the Smallest Luxury Bully Breed For You?

If you’re looking for a small breed companion but are in love with the fearsome looks of an American Bully, then the Exotic Micro Bully may be the dog breed for you.

To get a solid idea about the Exotic Micro Bully, we spoke to breeder Daniel Ribeiro from Blue Label Designer Bullies and consulted the book, The Bully Bible: Everything You Need To Know About The American Bully; this way, we can arm you with everything you need to know about this striking dog.

Just seeing this little dog in real life makes an impact. They are impossible to ignore with their broad barrel chest, short legs, gigantic head, and typically cropped ears. It’s not an exaggeration that their appearance may leave you speechless.

What’s more, these dogs have irrepressible personalities. They naturally command all the attention in the room with charm, sass, and playfulness. Other names for this breed include:

• Micro Pocket Bully;
• Micro Exotic Bully;
• Teacup Micro Bully;
• Micro American Bully; and
• Micro Pocket Pitbull.

They are also known for being one of the most expensive types in the world. Note the word type, as these dogs are not a breed on their own but rather a subset of the emerging Bully Breeds with several kinds. 

History Of The Micro Bully

The Micro Bully is a relatively new breed, having only emerged in the past few decades. It is a subcategory of the American Bully breed, created by crossing various bulldog and terrier breeds to achieve a specific appearance and temperament. 

The American Bully was developed in the 1990s as a companion and family dog, focusing on a more laid-back personality than the traditional Pitbull and adding more bulk to the Pitbull’s lean, athletic body. The first Exotic Bully was bred in 2008, and most Bully registries like the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC) have yet to recognize it. It’s not clear when the first Micro Exotic Bully arrived on the scene, but when they did, they definitely made an impact.

The goal is to produce a smaller and more compact dog than the traditional American Bully while maintaining the breed’s distinctive appearance and temperament.

What is the Micro Bully Mixed With?

To create the Micro Bully, breeders selectively choose smaller Pocket American Bullies to breed them to more extreme proportions. However, they are not a closed gene pool, and many breeders breed them with Shorty Bulls and French Bulldogs. They can also have influence from English Bulldogs, Pugs, or Boston Terriers. The appearance of the Micro Bully is similar to the American Bully but with a smaller and more compact frame. 

Some sources report the Patterdale Terrier in the Bully heritage, but this is not likely as Patterdale Terriers don’t have the bulk that Bully breeders seek. 

How Big is the Micro Bully?

Micro Bullies are typically between 10-12 inches (25.4 to 30.4 cm) tall at the shoulder and weigh around 35-45 pounds (15 to 20 kg), which is a lot of mass for such a small dog. This means they are dogs with extreme proportions, packing the maximum amount of mass possible onto the most petite possible frame.

What Do Micro Bullies Look Like?

The Micro Bully Dog is very short and low to the ground but extremely broad, packing the maximum amount of muscle and bulk their frames will allow. They have gigantic square heads that may have shorter noses and more wrinkles than the Pocket Bully. Appearance-wise, the influence of French Bulldogs and Shorty Bulls is more obvious. 

Their wide chests and blocky heads are their most notable feature after their short stature. They also have wide mouths, making them also appear a bit like pocket-sized English Bulldog with some American Pit bull Terrier features.

In the video below, you can see that the Micro Bully differs a lot in appearance, depending on their bloodline. Some look like miniature Frenchies, some like mini Pocket Bullies, and some more like miniature Bulldogs or Shorty Bulls. The differences are because there is still no single breed standard for this dog, and many of them have Bulldogs in their lineage.

Micro Bullies have a short, glossy coat. They come in a range of colors and patterns, including:

• Brindle; 
• Fawn; 
• Blue; 
• Lilac;
• Champagne;
• Piebald;
• Tricolor;
• Chocolate;
• White; and
• Black.

And many more. Merle Micro bullies are some of the most expensive ones, along with other rare ones that are the micro Bully’s exercise, housing, grooming, and dietary needs.

Exotic Micro Bully Temperament, Trainability, and Intelligence

The Micro Bully is a sweet-natured dog highly attached to its owner. They are confident, outgoing, friendly, and incredibly charming. They can be possessive and territorial at times. 

They generally get on well with other pets and children, so long as one properly trains and socializes them. However, they can be aggressive with dogs of the same gender, so don’t keep two males or two females together.

They do not have the high drive, athleticism, or potential aggression issues in the larger Bully breeds like the XL or XXL Bully that has more influence from Pitbull bloodlines like the Colby Pitbull or Gator Pitbull. 

By comparison, the Exotic and Micro Bully tend to either have the laid-back attitudes of a Bulldog or a sassy, sweet, and slightly dramatic personalities typical of a Frenchie. They are a companion breed that wants to sit on your lap and snuggle on your legs. They also have no problem complaining loudly if you’re three minutes late for their dinner!

This is not the most intelligent or trainable breed, as they are a bit stubborn. But do not resort to punishment! These are sensitive dogs, and harsh treatment can damage their trust in you irreparably. It’s best to rely on consistency, patience, and plenty of praise and rewards for good behavior. They love to work for food and adore praise and attention, so you can shape good behavior easily with positive reinforcement.

General Care Of The Micro Bully

Exercise Needs

Micro bullies are not athletic dogs due to their small size and extreme proportions. Daily walks of about 20 to 30 minutes are sufficient for these dogs, along with some additional playtime. They are highly susceptible to overheating and heatstroke, so it’s crucial to monitor them closely on hot days.

Housing Needs

Micro Bullies can adapt to various housing situations, including apartments or small homes. However, they do require space to move around and play. They should have access to a secure outdoor area for safe exercise and play. These dogs thrive as close companions and often prefer to share their owner’s bed, so they do best when kept in close proximity within the home.

Grooming Needs

The Micro Bully has a short, glossy coat that requires minimal grooming. Weekly brushing is recommended to remove loose hair. Keep in mind that they are prone to seasonal shedding and are not hypoallergenic.

Bathing may be necessary every few months, depending on their activity level and coat condition. Since these dogs are prone to skin issues, it’s advisable to use a dog shampoo formulated for sensitive skin.

Owners should regularly check their dog’s ears, teeth, and nails, addressing any issues promptly. Essential grooming equipment includes canine nail clippers, ear wipes, eye wipes, and a dental mouth rinse.

Dietary Needs

Micro Bullies require high-quality dog food that meets their nutritional needs, which may vary based on age, size, and activity level. Owners should monitor their dog’s caloric intake and adjust portions to maintain a healthy weight.

It’s important to note that health conditions can affect their ideal diet. Regular veterinary check-ups are recommended to screen for potential issues such as liver problems, kidney stones, or diabetes, which may necessitate a specialized diet.

Is The Micro Bully The Right Dog For You?

A good home for a Micro Bully includes:

• Owners who are often home as these dogs don’t like being left alone. Ideally, people who work from home or retirees are a good option. However, they are more independent than other lap dogs like the Teacup Maltese or Cavachon. So, they can adapt if you do need to work a 9 to 5, so long as you make up for it with lots of attention and playtime when you get home.
• Homes with only adults for children over seven or eight years who can handle dogs gently and with care. But make sure kids and dogs both treat each other with respect to prevent accidents.
• Non-allergic homes are best, as Micro bullies are not a hypoallergenic breed.
• Owners prepared for hefty vet bills and who are willing to invest in pet insurance.
• Owners who are not as active as these dogs cannot keep up on runs or hikes.

Is the Micro Bully Healthy?

Ideally, the Micro Bully and the exotic Bully should be healthier than the modern English Bulldog and French Bulldog, in theory. They should have some hybrid vigor because they don’t have a closed gene pool. That said, breeding for extreme proportions and exaggerated features increases the risk of health problems in any dog, including the Micro Exotic Bully. 

Common problems to look out for include:

Breathing Problems

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can cause difficulty breathing because of short noses and the deformities that may come with it.

Skin Issues

Skin fold pyoderma is common in dogs with many wrinkles, as well as skin allergies and other skin issues like dilute color alopecia. This genetic problem can appear in blue micro bullies or dogs with different dilute colors, such as lilacs or fawns. Merle micro bullies may also be prone to specific health problems, including deafness.

They can also inherit congenital ichthyosis, where their skin becomes dry, thick, black, and scaly.

Eye Problems

Eye problems in short-nosed dogs, such as cherry eye, dry eye, cataracts, brachycephalic ocular syndrome, corneal ulcers, or canine multifocal retinopathy. 

Joint Problems

Degenerative joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, displaced kneecaps, or osteochondrosis, where cartilage cracks and breaks away from the bone.

Weight and Metabolic or Hormonal Disorders

Micro bullies are prone to gaining weight, so beware of any obesity that can cause other health issues. Malignant Hyperthermia, a metabolic disease, is possible, as well as diabetes and hypothyroidism.

A number of genetic tests can be done for American Bullies to screen them for genetic problems. Since they have a lot of influence from French Bulldogs, breeders should also test for genetic issues in French Bulldogs. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final thoughts

The Micro Bully is a relatively low-maintenance breed that can adapt well to different lifestyles. This is a showstopper of a dog with an delightful and endearing personality.

However, owners should still be prepared to provide proper exercise, regular vet visits, housing, grooming, and dietary care to ensure their dog stays healthy and happy.

Meet Your Experts

Tamsin De La Harpe

Author

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.

Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.