Exotic Bully: Your Complete Guide

The American bully has multiple varieties based on size. The American Bully Kennel Club, the official registry of the breed in the United States, recognizes four types of the breed. These are standard, classic, pocket, and XL.

There are also other types of the American bully that haven’t received recognition from the ABKC. One of these varieties is the exotic bully, known for its smaller size than the pocket bully. These dogs are shorter than the minimum height of the pocket bully, standing less than 13 inches at the shoulders.

In this breed guide, we’ll walk you through the exotic bully’s characteristics by going over their history, physical features, trainability, family life, and care needs. Read on to know if the exotic bully is an ideal dog breed for you.

Quick Look at the Exotic Bully

Below, you’ll find a quick overview of the breed in terms of what will be discussed in this article.

What Is the History of Exotic Bullies?

The exotic bully originates from the American bully but doesn’t have the same ancestry as the others. This dog breed has been subject to a lot of downsizing to have a much smaller dog than the standard American bully.

To achieve this, exotic bully breeders started breeding small pocket bullies with various bulldogs, including the French bulldog and shorty bull. While this has led to an extensive range of downsizing in the breed, it also made the exotic bully appear more bulldog-like.

Despite their adorable looks and sweet temperament, the exotic bully breeders have been under scrutiny due to unethical breeding practices. There are many hereditary health problems in these dogs that affect future generations. These health problems shorten the breed’s lifespan and lower the life quality.

The abundant health problems and not carrying the standards of other American bullies made the American Bully Kennel Club deny the association with the breed. Although exotic bullies keep the “bully” name, it isn’t one of the four varieties recognized by the AKBC.

What Do Exotic Bullies Look Like?

Exotic bullies carry some of the physical characteristics of the other American bully dogs. They have a muscular physique with bowed-out elbows that give them a compact appearance. The facial features are what separates the exotic bully from others. Exotic bullies have more pronounced cheek muscles with floppy fowls.

These dogs come in a rainbow of colors. In addition to the black, white, fawn, red, and golden colors in other American bullies, exotic bullies may have brown and gray colored coats. Many exotic bullies have white markings around the chest, legs, and parts of the head. Some exotic bullies also have a tri-color or merle coat, though it’s very rare.

What Size Is an Exotic Bully?

The exotic bully stands between 10 and 13 inches tall without a standard weight. As with other American bullies, exotic bully breeders aim for a proportionate look, but with the exotic bully’s short height, it’s nearly impossible to achieve it. Nonetheless, exotic bullies can weigh anywhere from 25 to 50 pounds.

What Is an Exotic Bully’s Coat Type and Length?

Like the other American bullies and pit bull-type dogs, the exotic bully has a short, glossy coat. Although not hypoallergenic, exotic bullies are light on people’s allergies. The short coat doesn’t shed much and only requires brushing a few times a week.

However, caring for an exotic bully’s coat requires more than brushing. Often, these dogs suffer from skin issues, requiring the use of medicine or natural oils to treat their condition and soothe the pain.

What Is an Exotic Bully’s Temperament?

Exotic bullies are laid-back dogs who behave more like a bulldog than an American bully. They aren’t territorial and tend to be outgoing creatures that embrace everyone with open arms. The exotic bully thrives on human companionship and they blossom with lots of affection from their owner.

As you can expect, exotic bullies are quite lazy dogs that take their nap time very seriously. They enjoy snoozing out the entire day – even better if you keep them company.

You can consider the exotic bully a sweet companion dog, as they don’t have the territorial instincts of other American bullies. Their easygoing and friendly temperament makes them very agreeable dogs, making them suitable for families with other pets, including cats and small animals.

This affectionate personality means they will want to stay by your side as much as possible. However, this is often a double-edged sword. While it’s good to have an affectionate dog ready to give love at any moment, exotic bullies are prone to developing separation anxiety.

This should be a consideration if you’re leaving home for long durations. Exotic bullies are more suitable for homes with someone to keep them company. Nevertheless, they don’t require constant human attention. They can live happily when their owners leave if other dogs or pets are in the home.

Are Exotic Bullies Good With Kids?

Exotic bullies make good companions for children of all ages. The small size of the breed and the calm temperament make them more suitable for gentle children. It’s best not to expect an exotic bully to keep children active. They don’t have the best physical capabilities and may not be able to stay in sync with energetic children.

Still, proper socialization and teaching kids how not to behave around dogs are essential to avoid behavioral issues and unwanted outcomes. As with any other dog breed, supervision is also essential to prevent accidental injuries.

Are Exotic Bullies Good With Other Animals?

Exotic bullies can get along well with other animals if provided early socialization. These dogs are very calm and have an outgoing personality. They also don’t have a strong prey drive, making them suitable to live with small animals like rabbits and hamsters.

Exotic bullies tend to get along particularly well with other gentle animals. Like how they are with kids, don’t expect an exotic bully to be able to keep up with an energetic border collie. If you have a Frenchie, pug, Shih Tzu, or another dog with a lazy temperament, an exotic bully will blend in seamlessly.

Are Exotic Bullies Aggressive?

Exotic bullies are far from being aggressive dogs. Despite the widespread misconception, exotic bullies and other American bully dogs aren’t inherently aggressive. These dogs don’t want conflict and love the company of new people and dogs.

However, this isn’t to say that all exotic bullies, regardless of background, are friendly and agreeable dogs. Early socialization is still needed for them to become well-mannered and outgoing.

Do Exotic Bullies Bark?

Exotic bullies are generally quiet dogs that don’t make a lot of noise. They may bark at strange and sudden noises, but that’s pretty much it. Exotic bullies don’t have the tendency to be yappy or use their barks to communicate.

This is often an excellent trait for those living in apartments with noise restrictions. Even if an exotic bully reacts to neighbors or the doorbell by barking, they can be taught not to bark in these situations. However, getting them there can take time, as the exotic bully isn’t the most trainable dog breed – more on their trainability below.

Are Exotic Bullies Affectionate?

Exotic bullies are among the most affectionate dog breeds. These dogs don’t have a single complaint for cuddling with their owners the entire day. They love receiving any form of affection, whether it’s pets, kisses, praise – you name it.

Exotic bullies aren’t athletic and enjoy spending time relaxing and napping throughout the day. They are such lap dogs that won’t want to leave your side easily. This affectionate personality also makes them warm up to strangers quickly, though socialization still plays an important role.

Are Exotic Bullies Intelligent?

While exotic bullies are lovey-dovey dogs with so much love to give, it would be wrong to say they are intelligent. It takes these dogs time to understand new things, but they show effort to please their owners.

However, an exotic bully can still learn a wide range of basic commands with the right training approach – more on this breed’s trainability below.

Are Exotic Bullies Energetic?

Exotic bullies are low-energy dogs that require minimal daily exercise. Short walks of 20 to 30 minutes are enough to keep this breed active. They may get bursts of energy, especially during play sessions, but it’s often short-lived.

If you want a dog to get you moving, an exotic bully won’t be the best match. However, they suit the lives of people with a busy schedule. If you don’t have much time to go for long walks but still want the fellowship of a four-legged friend, the exotic bully will make a great companion.

Are Exotic Bullies Easy to Train?

Most exotic bullies are behind other dogs in terms of trainability. It’s expected to come across challenges when teaching them complex tricks. They are better at showing affection than executing commands to perfection like working dog breeds do. That said, it’s best to keep your expectations in check when training an exotic bully.

Still, exotic bullies can learn many things with the right training techniques and plenty of positive reinforcement. Due to the sensitive nature of these dogs, harsh corrections must be avoided. Training sessions should also be light and short.

Are Exotic Bullies Good Watchdogs?

As mentioned, exotic bullies are quiet dogs that don’t resort to using their bark often. There may be a few instances where they bark at strange people and noises, but it’s typically a momentary action.

If you’re looking for a dog to alert you of intruders or strange animals in your backyard, the exotic bully may not be a suitable breed for you. Yet, there’s a positive side to their quiet nature. A dog that barks less means no worrying about noise complaints, which makes them excellent pets for apartments.

Are Exotic Bullies Good Service Dogs?

Due to their trainability and physical capabilities, exotic bullies don’t make reliable partners to assist people with a disability. Still, they make good emotional support animals with their adorable looks and loving nature. With the right training and socialization, they can also become good therapy dogs.

How to Care for an Exotic Bully?

The biggest (and most important) care need of an exotic bully is monitoring their health. There are many canine diseases that affect exotic bullies. Most of them are hereditary illnesses caused by extreme downsizing of the breed.

For this reason, they need frequent checkups at the vet to identify health issues early to improve their quality of life. This is detrimental to ensuring exotic bullies live healthy lives without experiencing severe, constant pain.

Besides this, exotic bullies are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They aren’t demanding with their low grooming and exercise needs. Below, you’ll find more on caring for an exotic bully.

Do You Need to Groom an Exotic Bully?

The exotic bully doesn’t have high grooming needs. Since they shave short coats, brushing with a bristle brush a few times a week is adequate. Exotic bully owners can also use a rubber grooming mitt to remove loose hair.

Additionally, exotic bullies need routine dental care, ear and eye cleaning, nail trimming, and bathing as needed – as with any other dog breed.

Do Exotic Bullies Shed?

The exotic bully sheds, but not intensely. Although this means they aren’t hypoallergenic dogs, exotic bullies tend to be lighter on people’s pet allergies. If your allergy is only mild, you can brush the coat two to three times every week to keep shedding in check and live happily with an exotic bully.

However, they still produce dander and compounds that trigger allergic reactions. Those suffering from severe pet allergies may want to look for a hypoallergenic dog breed instead.

What Health Problems Do Exotic Bullies Have?

Unfortunately, the extreme downsizing caused this dog breed to develop major health issues. The most common health problems seen in exotic bullies are orthopedic conditions such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

Exotic bullies, due to their relatively heavy weight, place excessive pressure on their elbows and hips. This often leads to loss of mobility as early as their teenage months.

The weight proportionate to the body also causes exotic bullies a lot of back pain, which further lowers their life quality.

Another common health problem in exotic bullies is skin issues, including diseases and allergies. Depending on the severity, exotic bullies may require daily treatment to alleviate their discomfort and manage these problems.

In addition to these health concerns, exotic bullies are prone to vision problems, cardiovascular issues, heat strokes, allergies, obesity, and digestive disorders.

How Long Do Exotic Bullies Live?

Due to the various health problems exotic bullies suffer, they don’t have a long lifespan. Most exotic bullies live between five and eight years. Some dogs may not even get to live a few years, depending on genetics, environment, diet, and other factors.

What Should an Exotic Bully Eat?

Exotic bullies should eat an appropriate diet for their age, weight, and activity levels. Many exotic bullies thrive on commercially available high-quality dog food, but you can also feed an exotic bully a homemade diet approved by a veterinarian.

As for how much to feed, it depends on the dog’s weight. Since there’s a wide weight range, exotic bullies can eat anywhere from 1 3⁄4 to 3 1⁄4 cups of dog food daily.

Is an Exotic Bully the Right Dog for Me?

The exotic bully is a small dog breed with a sweet temperament. Despite their petite size, they have big hearts that accept all animals and people provided with early socialization. Exotic bullies fit the lives of many individuals and families with their minimal care needs.

However, this breed is prone to developing various health issues that only lower their life quality and reduce lifespan. Breeding these dogs is also quite controversial due to these health problems and the unethical breeding practices to make them smaller.

If you intend to welcome home an exotic bully, we recommend getting one from a shelter or rescue organization rather than a breeder. Even if you have to wait some time to adopt an exotic bully, it’s worthwhile as you will provide a forever home to a dog in need and avoid contributing to unethical breeding practices.