You might have decided that a Bully Dog is the right breed for you, but now you are considering all your options in the Bully breeds. One dog you may have come across is the Exotic Bully Dog. Before making your decision, you must have all the information you can to guide you.
Exotic Bully Dogs are a mixed breed from several different dog breeds. They have bulldog features and are short, squat dogs with powerful physiques and large heads. They have many health problems and shortened life expectancy. Breeders do not always adhere to standards.
I am an experienced veterinarian with a special interest in Bully breeds, culminating in my adopting a rescued Bully Dog.
What Is An Exotic Bully?
An Exotic Bully is a dog bred from several different breeds. These include:
The resulting dog has more bulldog features than the American Bully Dog. They have large heads with a circumference equal to or greater than the dog’s height. Their extremely broad, heavy chests and short front legs give the appearance of dwarfism.
Is An Exotic Bully A Purebred?
An Exotic Bully is a mixed or hybrid dog. It is not accepted in traditional kennel clubs because it is not a purebred dog.
What Are the Origins Of The Exotic Bully?
Around 2008, some breeders began separating from the American Bully Kennel Club and breeding a new type of dog known as an Exotic Bully Dog.
There were no well-documented records showing the development of this breed. This omission caused a lot of criticism of the breed, and many Bully lovers were concerned that there were no set standards for Exotic Bully Dogs.
The International Breed Certificate (IBC) is an organization focused on maintaining breed standards in Bully Dogs. They have proposed a standard for Exotic Bullies, but not all breeders adhere to it.
The IBC aims to encourage Exotic Bully breeders to produce physically healthy dogs with sound temperaments.
In 2013 Exotic Bully Dogs were recognized as a breed by the US Bully Registry.
What Are The Breed Characteristics Of Exotic Bullies?
Due to breeders choosing their own standards, there is quite a range of characteristics that may be seen in Exotic Bullies. The IBC provides standards on what the dogs should look like.
An undershot jaw (prognathism) or underbite is acceptable, but the canines should not show when the mouth is closed. Upright ears or very floppy hound-type ears are considered a fault. The ears must be small and situated on the side of the head.
An Exotic Bullies eyes must be healthy and medium-sized. The nostrils should be wide and open.
Generally, Exotic Bullies have flat faces, wrinkles, and big muscles and are small to medium size dogs.
Temperaments Of Exotic Bullies
Exotic Bullies must be loyal dogs with stable, friendly temperaments. They should be sociable with both people and other animals and extremely tolerant of children.
Exotic Bully Dogs are bred as companions, and they should have all the characteristics to allow them to fulfill this role. They should be playful and want to be with their owners as much as possible.
What Is The Weight And Size Of Exotic Bully Dogs?
Exotic Bullies vary in height, but their usual height is 14 to 16 inches (35 to 42 cm), and their
weight is 55 – 82 pounds (24 to 37 kg). The males are generally taller and heavier than the females. These are known as Standard or Extreme Exotics.
These dogs must give the appearance of being strong and muscular without being obese. It is critical that the dog’s size does not impede its ability to move.
Some breeders focus on producing small dogs known as Exotic Micro Bullies. These dogs are less than 14 inches as adults. The US Bully Registry states that Exotic Micro Bully males should be less than 13.5 inches and females should be less than 13 inches.
Exotic Bully Dogs Lifespan
Exotic Bully dogs have many health problems that lead to a shortened life expectancy. On average, these dogs live five to seven years.
Some breeders that focus on producing healthy dogs may have dogs that live longer, but these breeders and dogs are extremely rare.
How Much Exercise Do Exotic Bullies Need?
Exotic Bullies, like all dogs, benefit from exercise. There are some problems exercising these dogs. They have health issues that make them unable to tolerate heat, and they often experience breathing difficulties when excited.
Your Exotic Bully is best suited to a slow amble during cool periods of the day or even at night if that is safe in your area. The length of time you exercise your dog will depend on your dog’s health.
You can aim for thirty minutes, but you should monitor your dog closely to detect signs of exhaustion, overheating, or breathing difficulties.
Strenuous exercise should be avoided, and the dogs may be happy to lounge indoors during hot weather.
What Coat Colors Do Exotic Bullies Have?
Exotic Bullies come in a wide range of coat colors. Various associations accept different colors. Some say they accept all colors, and others exclude albinism.
Exotic Bully Dog colors include:
Brown
Black
Grey
White
Chocolate
Red
Cream
Tricolor is an unusual color
Merle is accepted by some Bully groups but not others due to associated health issues.
Albinism sometimes occurs and is generally discouraged by clubs.
Unusual colors are highly sought after, and these dogs are usually more expensive.
Coat And Shedding In Exotic Bully Dogs
Exotic Bully Dogs may have a double or single coat, but it must always be short. Long coats are discouraged and will disqualify a dog from registration with an association or club.
Exotic Bullies are light shedders, but this may increase when spring arrives, and the weather warms. They cannot be regarded as hypoallergenic dogs because of their shedding. Hairs are shed with attached dander which will trigger allergies.
Their coat is not difficult to maintain, and a thorough brush twice a week will dislodge loose hairs and reduce stray hairs in the home.
A more important element of grooming is to ensure that you regularly check and clean skin folds to prevent infection and inflammation, known as skin fold dermatitis.
This procedure should be done at least every second or third day. Skin problems occur suddenly and can deteriorate rapidly.
Exotic Bullies may get ear infections, so regular ear cleaning may be necessary if your veterinarian advises it. Nail clipping is important as many Exotic Bullies do not exercise enough to wear their nails down naturally.
Are Exotic Bully Dogs Easy To Train?
Exotic Bullies are typically easy to train as they like to please their owners. It is critical to start training as soon as your puppy comes home.
Many people feel their Exotic Bully puppy is so cute that they do not implement training and boundaries. This may cause a spoiled dog that rules the home, requiring the humans to meet his demands.
It is best to train using positive reinforcement. These methods have been shown to be the kindest to the dog and get better results than punitive or negative reinforcement training.
You do not need to be a dog whisperer to train an Exotic Bully. They are one of the easiest dogs to train.
Who Is The Exotic Bully Good For?
The Exotic Bully is good for someone who wants a low-energy dog of the Bully Dog type. They are easy dogs for first-time dog owners or people living in apartments or small homes.
The biggest need for Exotic Bully owners is that they should have freely available funds to spend on veterinary bills. These are very common and can be extremely expensive due to the Exotic’s many health issues.
Common Health Issues In Exotic Bully Dogs
As you may have guessed by now, Exotic Bullies are generally not healthy dogs. They have a vast array of health problems that can lead to early death.
Hip And Elbow Dysplasia In Exotic Bullies
Exotic Bullies are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia inherited from their French and English Bulldog parents. These conditions occur when the bones do not grow correctly, and there is malalignment of the hips or elbows.
The condition is painful and can sometimes be corrected with surgery. Early arthritis is almost guaranteed in Exotic Bullies with hip or elbow dysplasia.
Do Exotic Bullies Have Breathing Problems?
Exotic Bullies are brachycephalic dogs which means they have squashed faces. Although this characteristic increases the cuteness factor for some people, it makes them extremely unhealthy.
Narrow nostrils and airways, an elongated soft palate, and a large tongue cause obstructions while the dog is breathing. These abnormal structures affect not only their intake of air but their ability to keep cool by panting.
The obstructions result in increased breathing effort, which causes inflammation and swelling in the respiratory tract. This dangerous condition is known as Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS).
Are There Eye Problems In Exotic Bully Dogs?
The shortened, squashed face of Exotic Bullies distorts the eye sockets and available space for the eyes, causing many different ocular problems.
The eyelids may fold inwards (entropion)
Skin folds may touch the eyes
The eyelids may not close fully over the eyes
Dry eyes are a common problem
The eyes may easily pop out of their sockets from a mild bump on the head or sudden movement.
Skin Fold Dermatitis In Exotic Bullies
Exotic Bullies have many wrinkles all over their bodies. The wrinkles cause skin folds which can become inflamed and infected with bacteria or fungi.
The owners usually notice a terrible smell coming from their Exotic Bully. Skin fold dermatitis is persistent and can be difficult to clear up. The dog will need constant care and attention to prevent the condition from reoccurring.
Do Exotic Bullies Have Dental Problems?
Exotic Bullies have abnormally shaped faces but the same number of teeth as other dogs. The situation causes problems as all those teeth do not fit easily into their mouths. Severe dental issues, which are painful and can cause eating problems, result.
Do Exotic Bullies Have Allergies?
Allergies occur commonly in Exotic Bullies. It may not sound like a worrying condition, but allergies can make a dog’s life unbearable.
The allergies may be to foods or environmental factors such as grass, pollen, and even dust mites.
Allergies may require daily allergy medications or monthly injections for the rest of the dog’s life.
Other Health Problems In Exotic Bullies
There are some other health problems in Exotic Bullies:
Hypothyroidism slows down the dog’s metabolism, causing weight gain, hair loss and affecting almost all body organs.
Heart abnormalities are seldom easy to fix and significantly shorten the life expectancy of the Exotic Bully.
Reproductive difficulties include mating, pregnancy, and birthing. Breeding these dogs can be life-threatening.
Difficulties walking and moving due to abnormal conformation
Deafness
Anesthetic complications are a big problem as Exotic Bullies have many health issues that need anesthesia.
Are Exotic Bully Dogs Aggressive?
Exotic Bullies are not supposed to be aggressive dogs. They are companion dogs and should be friendly and social dogs.
Poor breeding practices can result in aggressive dogs, but these are disqualified from all clubs and associations. Aggressive dogs can make owning them a trial instead of a joy.
Exotic Bullies may be protective of their families in their homes but generally are friendly even with strangers.
How Much Is An Exotic Bully?
Exotic Bullies range in price from $2000 to $20 000 or even $30 000 for unusual colors. They are expensive dogs because of their rarity and difficulty in reproduction. Litters are usually small, and a cesarean section is needed for birthing.
How Smart Is The Exotic Bully?
Exotic Bullies have average to above-average intelligence when compared to other dogs. They are eager to please their owners, which makes training easy.
FAQ
What Is The Difference Between The American Bully And An Exotic Bully?
American Bully Dogs are bigger than Exotic Bullies. They have fewer health issues, and their size is proportional to their height. Exotic Bullies show more features of bulldogs and are riddled with health issues.
Can An Exotic Bully Swim?
Exotic Bullies are not usually good swimmers. Their dense bodies are not buoyant, and the dogs struggle to keep their heads above water due to their size and weight. Their short legs cannot efficiently displace water to propel themselves through the water.
Do Exotic Bullies Shed?
Exotic Bullies shed but are classed as low shedders. The hair fall can be minimized by regular grooming.
Should I Crop My Exotic Bullies Ears?
You should never crop your Exotic Bully dog’s ears. There are no health benefits gained by ear cropping. There are health risks from cropping your dog’s ears, and it affects their social interactions.
Outro
Exotic Bullies appeal to many people, but their health concerns and quality of life must raise ethical questions regarding breeding these dogs. They are expensive to own due to their need for veterinary attention to help them survive. They often have a short, painful life. It is better to adopt a Bully from a shelter than buy an Exotic Bully.
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Note: flagged for plagiarization: What Is the Difference Between The American Bully
Hi everyone, I’m Emily Andrews and I can’t wait to explain why Bullypaw.org means so much to me.
For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved every dog, horse, bird, and squirrel. But from an early age, I noticed that bully dogs like Pitbulls and Staffordshire Terriers were given a different treatment than their friends.
Everyone said they were prone to aggression, but I didn’t believe it. They seemed just as friendly as my family Labrador. Turns out I was right. These dogs are loyal and were once considered the perfect nanny dogs.
My love for animals wasn’t just a childhood fantasy. In 2002 I graduated from my veterinary school in New Zealand with a BVSc. I wanted to travel the world and help rejected animals as I went, but to do that I needed to pass the American Exams. It didn’t take long for me to earn a DVM, and soon I was heading to Florida.
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