The Exotic Bully – Everything That [Really] Makes Them Special

You’re not the only one who has just lately learned about the Exotic Bully. This dog breed was created in 2008, making it relatively new.

Due to their striking resemblance to their nearest relative, the American Bully, many people get confused. The Exotic Bully does, however, exhibit a blend of characteristics from other Bulldog breeds, notably the French Bulldog.

Continue reading if you’re curious about Exotic Bullies and want to know more. We’ll go over what really makes them stand out.

Other Names	Exotics
Weight	30-81 pounds
Height	13-17 inches
Lifespan	<7 years
Colors	Black, Cream. Gray, Chocolate, Blue, Red, White, Tri-Color, and Brindle
Health	3/10
Grooming Needs	5/10
Exercise Needs	7/10
Shedding	7/10
Kid Friendliness	10/10
Pet-friendliness	10/10
Protectiveness	7/10
Good for apartments	Yes
Average puppy cost	1750-7000 USD

Exotic Bully Characteristics

Physical Appearance

• Size: 13-17 inches
• Weight: 30-81 pounds 
• Colors: Black, Cream, Gray, Chocolate, Blue, Red, White, Tri-Color, and Brindle
• Coat Type: Short Coat

They have large shoulders and thick bones across their entire body. The entire appearance should exude immense power and unmistakable confidence. It is quite easy to associate their appearance with intimidating behavior, although this would be a wrong association.

Their physical structure constantly demands strong attraction. In contrast to their hefty and noticeably wide shoulders, their neck is broad and short. The main cause of Exotic’s dwarfish appearance is its short forelegs. Moreover, their hindquarters are strong and slightly rounded out.

Their chests are recognized for being incredibly wide, hefty, and full. In addition, Exotic bullies’ body is always deep, short, and heavy.

Exotic Bullies have a notable space that separates their eyes and their head is slightly larger than the rest of their body. Usually, their nose is flat or slightly pushed back, and they have large canines in their square and broad jaws. Their ears are average size.

Moreover, Exotic Bullies also have a powerful tail that is neither whippy nor thin, and a short, smooth coat. Additionally,   They typically have delicate, slightly loose skin that isn’t completely hanging. Soft wrinkles can be seen on their head and faces.

The Exotic Bully Colors (and a Word About The Merle Exotic)

The Exotic Bully has a short, straight, stiff coat that is sleek and shiny. But what colors are they available in?

Again, due to the ambiguity surrounding breed standards, they can come in a wide range of colors, but often, Exotic Bully puppies will be:

• Tricolor
• Brown
• Brindle
• White
• Black

The majority of Exotic Bully breed clubs accept the merle pattern, despite its rarity. Exotic Bullies are among the breeds that naturally carry the gene that generates the merle pattern.

This gene can influence the coat color as well as the hue of the eyes and the skin around the paw pads and nose. Merle dogs, for instance, can have two different-colored eyes, one blue and the other brown.

Although many merle dogs are typically healthy and enjoy long, fulfilling lives, the gene that gives them their color can lead to serious health issues.

An Exotic pup has an excellent opportunity to avoid this if it only inherited one copy of the gene. However, dogs who have a copy of the gene through both parents are more likely to be blind or deaf, or even both. 

No respectable breeder ever takes the risk of mating two Merles because doing so exposes the puppies to significant risks of issues with their hearing, eyesight, sensitivity to sunlight, and skin cancer.

Merle Dogs are also generally more expensive than their counterparts of other colors, but Merle Bullies are particularly expensive.

History 

The Exotic Bully dog breed was created in 2008, making it a relatively new breed. Breeders view this year as one in which the Exotic Bully separated itself from the American Bully, a close relative.

Since Exotic Bullies were recognized as a distinct breed, they have sparked a number of contentious issues among dog breeders and enthusiasts.

Due to tracking and records of the breed’s recent development, we should know everything about this relatively new breed. However, even as a new breed, that’s not the reality with Exotic Bully and we don’t know everything we should know about them.

Nevertheless, nowadays we know that modern exotic dogs are a hybrid of the American Bully, Olde English Bulldog, French Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Shorty Bull. In comparison with the Original American Bullies, these dogs are renowned for possessing more bulldog traits.

They appear to have conquered the breeders’ world overnight. Consequently, they were affectionately referred to as “Exotics.” They quickly gathered millions of fans from all across the world, so this success encouraged dog lovers to promote them further and properly breed them.

Registries that Recognize The Exotic Bully

Although the Exotic Bully is not recognized by the AKC or UKC, these dogs are accepted by registries all over the world. The top four registries for the Exotic Bully are:

• US Bully Registry – Since registering Exotic Bullies in 2013, the USBR has established a breed standard for these dogs. Exotic bullies who meet these requirements are referred to as Clean Exotic Bullies.
• International Breed Certificate – Exotic Bullies are a new breed of American Bully that have more Bulldog-like characteristics, according to the IBC.
• American Bully Register – The Exotic Bully is a sub-breed of the American Bully with accentuated features, according to the American Bully Register.
• International Bully Coalition – They were the first organization to establish breed standards for the Exotic Bully.

Learn more about how to register your Bully here.

Temperament 

The American Bully, as we’ve already mentioned, is kind and sociable, and the Exotic Bully, a near relative, shares this trait. Actually, it might even be gentler.

The Exotic Bully makes a wonderful family dog. It gets along with other dogs nicely and adores people. However, even though exotic bullies really are great with kids, you should always keep an eye on any interactions between kids and dogs regardless of the breed.

If you have other pets in the house, it shouldn’t be a problem. They’ll probably be adored by your Exotic Bully just as much as you are by them!

This dog essentially exists to love you, so it makes an excellent companion and a sweet lapdog who will gladly cuddle all day. However, don’t forget to socialize your exotic bully as it’s an essential step for a well-behaved dog.

Health and Lifespan 

The Exotic Bully actually has shorter lifespans and more health issues than American Bullies because of their exaggerated characteristics.

Bully breeds are generally recognized as being brachycephalic. As they have flat faces and short muzzles, they have difficulty breathing because air cannot move through their compressed and narrow airways as effectively.

Exotic bullies are characterized by even flatter faces, which makes it more difficult for them to breathe. It is crucial that you do not overwork this breed or allow it to become too hot since these things can make their respiratory issues worse. You can learn more about bullies’ breathing problems and concerns here.

Inbreeding and irresponsible breeding practices contribute to the breed’s health problems. Exotic  Puppies that have been poorly bred may also suffer back, joint, and bone problems. 

Moreover, despite their muscular build, their shorter legs make it difficult for their bodies to carry their own weights, so they are prone to back and joint problems.

Although they may not directly shorten their lives, other health concerns such as joint, bone, and back pain do affect their quality of life.

There is no defined lifespan for the Exotic Bully breed because it is relatively new and because there is no official standard. Although there is no known lifespan, most critics believe that an Exotic Bully has a maximum lifespan of 7 years.

Nutritional Needs 

Your exotic bully may easily gain weight if you overfeed them. In this breed, obesity can quickly exacerbate any existing joint and cardiovascular issues.

To stay healthy, your Exotic Bully will require a diet of high-quality dry food. High levels of protein and fat should also be included in this diet. There are dog foods designed specifically for Bullies that can help them maintain lean muscle mass and keep their bulky appearance.

Always remember to feed your dog appropriately for its age and activity level. Due to the fact that senior dogs do not expend as much energy as young, active dogs, they have a different formula than puppy foods.

Moreover, the amount of food they consume should be in harmony with the amount of activity they engage in each day. 

You can check out my complete guide to Bully foods here. If you want your bully to grow up muscular and stunning, you should also consider supplements. I have a guide for the healthiest, most effective bully supplements here that you should definitely check out.

Grooming Needs and Shedding

Thankfully, it wouldn’t be as difficult when it came to grooming. Exotic Bullies don’t actually need much maintenance because of their short, smooth coats.

Since their coat seldom tangles, brushing them once or twice a week and bathing them every few months ought to be fine. However, you would need to bathe them if they got really soiled and smelly in order to keep them clean.

Additionally, look for yeast infections in your dog’s ears, and if necessary, clean them with a cotton ball and a cleaner that has been recommended by your veterinarian. 

Moreover, by keeping your Exotic Bully’s teeth healthy, you can ward off sickness. Use brushes on a daily basis or dental sticks to maintain your dog’s teeth in good condition.

The grooming process also includes clipping your Exotic Bully’s nails as needed, just like it would with any other dog. You can use regular clippers to trim them, or you can leave it to the pros at a pet salon or your veterinarian.

Exercise Needs 

These Bullies need to exercise because they already weigh a lot and you don’t want them to gain any more weight.

Exotic Bullies’ owners shouldn’t leave them alone all day. These dogs require a lot of activity as well as owner interaction.

You’ll need to take these dogs to the park or on lengthy walks; you can’t just leave them in the backyard for a few hours.

Exotic Bullies are not, however, marathoners. They won’t accompany you on your long runs, but they can jog around the block with you. Since they have trouble breathing and can rapidly become overheated, don’t overdo the exercise. Just do 30-minute daily walks.

Training 

Exotic Bully training is extremely important and should begin as soon as your new puppy is brought home.

Regardless of whether it is interacting with people or other dogs, they should also be socialized early on, and it shouldn’t be difficult to get an Exotic Bully to socialize with people and other dogs because they are naturally social.

Bully breeds, in general, are stimulated by rewards like treats. By the way, you can check out my picks for training treats here.

In addition, they adapt well to clicker training. Whatever kind of training you employ, you must have a positive attitude and reward good conduct. Even if you feel frustrated after the training session, you should keep praising your dog for its diligence.

Never inflict physical punishment on your dog. Physical punishments may not only result in injury to your dog but also leave your dog extremely frightened. This could quickly make your dog aggressive or shy.

The greatest method to ensure that your dog learns something useful is through careful correction. Exotic Bullies require energy redirection just like any other type of dog, especially if they have turned destructive in some way. Your dog will respond well if you correct them in a nice way.

As Family Dogs 

At first look, the Exotic Bully may seem a touch threatening to some people, but in reality, they are very amiable dogs. They are incredibly devoted pets that like receiving attention and snuggling with their owners.

They get along well with people too, and kids are not an exception. However, always keep an eye on them while they engage with the children. Don’t leave with the children because they can push the dog’s boundaries without realizing what will happen.

They connect with other dogs quite well as well, especially if you started socializing them early. Therefore, if you already have other pets, introducing your Exotic Bully to them shouldn’t be too difficult.

As Guard Dogs 

They are fiercely devoted and may act protectively if they believe you or your family are in danger. Since they are mild-tempered and typically get along with people, they are not actually “guard dogs.”

Additionally, they would typically not be alarmed by an intruder. If they do become alarmed, they won’t likely attack; instead, they may just bark a lot, which can be rather scary to see. In the rare instances that they attack, don’t expect them to give up easily.

Check out this article where I discuss in more detail how to train Bullies to be guard dogs.

Where to Find Exotic Bullies? 

Always start by looking into your local shelter. This makes good sense for two reasons: first, rescues evaluate each dog and, when possible, place them in foster homes. The dog gets prepared for a new home by being trained, socialized, and receiving any necessary medical care.

Additionally, the adoption fees are much less expensive than what you would pay to purchase the dog directly from the breeder!

You can also look into adopting an Exotic bully at these places:

• Fresno Bully Rescue: All different breeds of Bullies, including Exotic Bullies, are available for adoption.   You may choose the kind of dog you wish to take care of because they have both adults and puppies. Depending on the age of the dog, adoption fees range from $125 to $220.
• Don’t Bully Us Rescue: This is another place worth visiting. They are situated near South Jersey and Philadelphia. All of their dogs and puppies have been examined, vaccinated, and microchipped. They spay or neuter their dogs by the time they are 6 to 8 months old. Depending on the age of the dog, their adoption fees range from $250 to $400.

Famous Exotic Bully breeders 

I’ve selected a few well-known places for you to visit if you’re searching for a location to buy your Exotic Bully:

• NWG Bullies: For ten years, this breeder has been producing top-quality Exotic Bullies. If you want to buy a healthy Exotic Bully, they provide a health guarantee and a purchase agreement with each puppy. Their dogs are all eligible for registration with other Bully clubs and are registered with the UKC, USBR, BBCR, and ABKC as well.
• Toadline Exotic Bullies: Their Exotic Bullies are sold with all necessary documentation, a health certificate, and a seven-day health warranty. Additionally, if you’re not happy with your purchase, you can return your puppy thanks to their satisfaction guarantee. This is valid if you return the puppy within four days and give them notice within twelve hours.
• Venom Line: You might also want to look at this place. The Bullies that they produce are renowned for being healthy. They will give you a contract, registration documents, and most crucially, a health certification issued by a qualified veterinarian.

You can check out my complete guide to the Best Bully Breeders here.

All About the Exotic Bully In a Nutshell 

The Exotic Bully is a small breed, not exceeding 17″, that requires little upkeep, is very friendly, and is simple to care for. They have Bully breeds characteristics aka heavy-boned, fairly wide, and muscly. However, they have many health issues and their known life span doesn’t exceed 7 years.

What Is the Difference Between American Bullies and Exotic Bullies? 

Size

Exotic bullies typically stand shorter and wider than American bullies. However, they should stand out from other bully breeds thanks to their exaggerated features.

Most Exotic Bullies should be no taller than 17 inches (42 cm). Ideally, Exotic Bullies weigh between 30 and 50 pounds (13.6 to 22.7 kilograms).

Though they exist in a range of sizes, American Bullies are typically taller dogs with broad postures. Their height should not exceed 20 inches (or 50 cm). American bullies can weigh as low as 40 pounds or as much as 130 pounds (18 to 59 kilograms).

Energy Levels

American Bullies typically have a lot of energy, like other bully breeds. They have more energy than Exotic Bullies, and this energy can be a bit challenging for anyone to handle.

Food Intake

American Bullies require a lot of food as all other bully breeds do. They require substantially more food than the Exotic Bully, typically four cups (950 mL) per day. Check out this guide for the best foods for American Bullies.

The recommended daily food intake for an Exotic Bully is 2 cups (480 mL) of food. It would be beneficial if you also looked at the weight-based feeding recommendations provided by the manufacturer of your dog food.

Temperament

Contrary to popular belief, which holds that American bullies are more vicious, both the Exotic Bully and Bully are calm, devoted, and affectionate dogs. They are wonderful family pets and are wonderful with kids.

Both breeds are also smart and simple to train. They thrive in tricks and obedience training. The Exotic shorty, however, is more independent than the Bully and could be more challenging to train. You can learn more about training Bullies here.

Health

Compared to the American Bully, the Exotic Bully is more susceptible to health problems. The following health issues are particularly common among Exotic Bullies:

• Back Problems: For dogs, having a strong back is crucial because it allows them to move around. This is especially true for creatures with four legs. Your Exotic Bully might not be able to walk correctly, lie down, get up or play if they have back issues.
• Hip Dysplasia: Larger dogs frequently struggle with this problem; some develop it as they age. However, Exotic Bullies frequently have hip dysplasia along with bowed back and front legs.
• Joint Problems: The joints are a very common source of trouble for Exotic Bullies. This occurs as your dog ages or perhaps as it put on weight.
• Brachycephalic Face: Exotic Bullies and other flat-faced dogs are frequently afflicted by this pathological condition. Their airway is constricted due to their short nose, which can occasionally result in respiratory issues. It can also get worse with time, making it exceedingly difficult to take care of dogs who have this health issue. It can also get worse with time, making it exceedingly difficult to take care of dogs who have this health issue.
• Overheating: The short-nosed face of the Exotic Bully is related to overheating. They typically overheat easily and perform poorly in warm or hot environments. If you’re thinking about getting one, you might want to bear this in mind.
• Short Lifespan: Exotic Bullies are known to have a short life expectancy because they are a relatively new breed that still needs some modifications.

Meanwhile, the American Bully’s most typical medical issues are:

• Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: This disorder is brought on by an elbow joint deformity. It may result in discomfort and limping.
• Skin Problems: Skin allergies caused by environmental or dietary allergens are common among American bullies. Most of the time, they simply have sensitive skin that can occasionally become irritated, dry, and itchy.

In a nutshell, the Exotic Bully breed is a more new addition than the American Bully and is smaller, lower to the ground, and has a medium to a low level of energy. The American Bully, on the other hand, is often muscular and has a higher stature. Both species make excellent family pets but need many activities.

What Is A Clean Exotic Bully?

No, this is unrelated to the dog’s hygiene. In an effort to enhance the breed’s reputation, this is a relatively new phrase coined by breeders.

As we already observed, the Exotic Bully suffers from a variety of health problems that seriously shorten its lifespan. By coining the phrase “Clean Exotic Bully,” some breeders sought to hide from the unpleasant reality.

The conflict between supporters of the American Bully and the Exotic Bully served as one of the motivations for this action. Online disputes have escalated into physical altercations at dog shows and other events because the emotions on both sides are so intense.

Now, what does the phrase ” Clean Exotic Bully” actually mean?

From what has been said so far, we can infer that there are no established breed criteria. However, some Exotic Bully breeders adhere to breed standards set by organizations like the IBC and ABR. Shortly after getting them registered in 2013, another organization known as the US Bully Registry (USBR) established its breed standards for the Exotics. This bar is perfectly met by the Clean Exotic.

The following characteristics define the perfect Clean Exotic Bully:

• Proportionate body
• The feet and pasterns (the lower leg’s region between the foot and the first joint) are firmly planted and angled properly.
• The dog’s withers should be no taller than 13 inches (shoulder).
• Their elbows don’t go past the shoulder.
• The muzzle is only two inches long.
• The Exotic must be small, with a height that is about equal to its length.
• The top of the skull needs to be the same width as the rest of the head.
• To support their big head, their necks need to be thick and sturdy.
• The ears may be natural, rose, or trimmed.
• The hindquarters must be robust, muscular, and proportionate to the dog’s front end.

There is no guarantee that Exotics won’t face medical issues outlined before, even if they meet the Clean Exotic bar. Visit the US Bully Registry website for a more thorough list of qualities needed in a Clean Exotic Bully.

Are Exotic Bullies Aggressive?

This question was presumably addressed above, but given the breed’s connection to the American Pitbull Terrier, it needs its own discussion. Additionally, an Exotic Bully can have a frightful appearance with its powerful body and huge skull, and it usually gets its ears clipped, which only emphasizes its intimidating appearance.

But to answer the question, no, these dogs are not in the least bit aggressive. They don’t have an aggressive nature and they will not show any aggressive behaviors unless they were threatened or provoked.

Can they bite you?  Biting is part of every dog’s nature, so they can, yes. However, you can get your dog a chewing toy if they have a biting problem. Moreover, when they are properly cared for, trained, and socialized, biting incidents are uncommon.

On the whole, though, these dogs get along well with people and other dogs and are calm and amiable.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What Is the Difference Between Exotic Bully and Pocket Bully?

The difference between an Exotic Bully and a Pocket Bully is their genetic makeup. Despite being the same size, their genetic differences affect how they look and behave. The American Bully and Patterdale Terrier are used to create the Pocket Bully. However, the Exotic Bully is a cross between the American Bully and a few other bulldog breeds.

Is the Exotic Bully A Good Family Dog? 

The Exotic Bully is a good family dog as it’s a close relative to the gentle and loving American Bully breed. With proper socialization, they will get along with other people, especially children. However, you might need to explore other Bully breeds if you’re looking for a lifelong friend, as the known Exotic Bullies’ lifespan is not that long.

Are Exotic Bullies Easy to Train? 

Exotic Bullies are relatively easy to train because they are eager to learn and want to be the center of attention. These delicate, small dogs need socialization training from a young age to prevent behavioral problems later on.

Are Exotic Bullies Good with Kids? 

Exotic Bullies are good with kids, but if your kids are young, you need to teach them how to behave around dogs. Furthermore, you should never leave kids unsupervised with any animal. Having an Exotic Bully won’t cause any problems for older children who are accustomed to treating animals with respect.

How Much Is the Exotic Bully? 

The Exotic Bully price starts at $5,000 and can go up because this breed is growing in popularity every day. For uncommon colored Exotics, some breeders charge between $30,000 and $40,000. Exotic Bullies may be purchased for $500 to $1,000, but be extremely cautious because they won’t be from respected bloodlines.

Is the Exotic Bully Smart? 

The Exotic Bully is a relatively smart breed that learns best through positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and play. Like all other breeds, an Exotic Bully will just get numb and become stubborn if you punish them harshly.

What Breeds Make Exotic Bully?

The American Bully, English Bulldog, Old English Bulldog, and Short Bull were the main ancestors of the majority of Exotic Bullies that we see today. It’s possible that additional breeds of bulldogs could have been added.

Is the Exotic Bully Good for First-Time Owners?

Exotic Bullies are a good option for first-time owners because they are lovely and very mild-tempered. Moreover, they have short coats so they are easy to care for, low maintenance, and don’t need much grooming.

What Are Some Popular Exotic Bully Dog Names?

Some popular Exotic Bully dog names include:

• Mr. Miaggi
• Golden Boy
• Goliath II or G2
• Bullseye
• Karate Kid
• Freakshow
• Dax
• Marcello
• Primo
• Mr. Swaggo
• Uso

Helpful Resources

The American Bully Breed Standards

Exotic Bully Dog: 10 Must-Know Facts

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