Exotic Bully: Breed Info, History, Traits & Facts (With Pictures)

Exotic Bully with muscular body and short legs

Up to this day, a lot of people are still not familiar with an Exotic Bully. It is a fairly new breed that joined the dog kingdom in 2008.

They are mostly known for their similarities with the American Bully, one of their closest cousins. Some even get confused because of their similarities.

Since this breed is fairly new, there are a lot of opposing opinions regarding them. Although some came to follow and love the Exotic Bully, there are still other people who are not too fond of them, saying that they are not all that great.

If you are someone interested in learning more about the Exotic Bully, then read on. In this article, we will tell you everything that you need to know about them, including their appearance, personalities, and how to effectively take care of them.

What Is an Exotic Bully?

The Exotic Bully is a dog breed that possesses Bulldog characteristics but is slightly different from the original American Bullies. They are known to have exaggerated and more overdone features of smaller Bulldog breeds such as the French Bulldog, Shorty Bull, and English Bulldog.

Breeders have constantly infused other various breeds under the Bull type. This resulted in a completely different, overdone appearance, which became the Exotic Bully that we know now.

Compared to other Bull types, Exotic Bullies have more pronounced features. For instance, their heads are bigger, their chests are wider, and their muzzles are much shorter. They also look more muscular, even though they are relatively small.

Exotic Bully Appearance

Choco Exotic Bully standing on grass
Image credit: exoticbully_tequila / Instagram

The Exotic Bully is primarily known for its bulky, broad, and muscular features. To start, the head of an Exotic Bully is significantly larger in proportion to its body. It follows the short, square, and broad shape of the skull.

Exotic Bullies have oval-shaped eyes that go in a wide variety of colors. Their eyes are also wide apart from each other. Meanwhile, their ears are rose-shaped, of average size, and are often set high. They can be both natural or cropped.

Further, their noses are usually flat, and they have wide nostrils. They come in a wide range of colors as well, and all are acceptable. Their muzzles are wide, deep, and short. They also have moderate wrinkles. The neck should be wide and thick enough to support their large heads.

Adding to its robust look is its broad chest. Meanwhile, its front legs are usually muscular and straight, with large and round bones. They are also wide apart from each other.

Additionally, Exotic Bullies have short and quite stiff coats. They may also appear to be a little glossy. They come in quite a variety of colors, including chocolate, white, black, and tri-color.

Exotic Bully Size and Weight

Full grown adult female Exotic Bully
Image credit: geb_adam_garcia / Instagram

Although they look like the American Bully, Exotic Bullies are actually a lot smaller and a bit lighter than them. But the good thing is they still possess good muscle tone and girth.

When fully grown, Exotic Bullies usually grow up to 13 inches in height. Weight-wise, they will usually be anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds.

Their actual sizes may still vary a little but would usually be within this given average.

READ NEXT: American Bully XL: An Ultimate Guide to the Most Muscular Dog

What Are the Bully Registries Currently Recognizing the Exotic Bully?

Bully registration is important if you want your Exotic Bully to be able to have documented pedigree and title data. It will also give them access to join sanction events like dog shows and competitions.

Below are the Bully registries that recognize the Exotic Bully:

The American Bully Registry (ABR)

One of the biggest registries that accommodate Exotic Bullies is the American Bully Registry or ABR. As they have stated on their website, they chose to listen to the public and opened their doors to Exotic Bullies to give them a home.

They have recognized the Exotic Bully as an extension of the American Bully, with more exaggerated looks and qualities. Due to their more pronounced features, ABR believes that there will be very little room for mistaking them for any of the other Bully breeds.

The International Bully Coalition (IBC)

IBC, or the International Bully Coalition, is a dog registration certifying entity, as well as an organizer of cynophilia events. They are also one of the largest and first registries to have a breed standard for Exotic Bullies.

On their website, they have claimed that this breed is a new type of the American Bully but is one that has already undergone great changes in the breed’s phenotype due to constant infusions of other dog breeds of the Bull type.

They have described the Exotic Bully as a large and compact dog, with a large and powerful head, with a robust and muscular body.

The International Bully Register (IBR)

IBR was established in 2015, using Facebook as its primary platform, but eventually, they started advertising their pups on Instagram. They described their exotic classes as American Bully Exotic and Micro Exotic Bully.

According to IBR, the American Bully Exotic is an extension of the standard American Bully that has eye-catching features as well as a unique, exaggerated body.

On the other hand, they described the Micro Exotic Bully as a breed that shares the same characteristics as the American Bully but is significantly smaller.

Although small, IBR insists that they still maintain their good girth, muscle tone, and exaggerated features. They also said that the general size of micro Exotic Bullies is usually up to 13 inches.

The US Bully Registry (USBR)

The US Bully Registry (USBR) is one of the registries that recognize a wide range of bulldog breeds, including the Exotic Bully.

They describe their community as a place where all the bully breeds are equally loved and supported, as well as a place to organize the best dog shows in the country.

They started to recognize the Exotic Bully as a breed in 2013 and described them as a compact to medium-sized dog with a muscular body and bulky head. They also stated that Exotic Bullies should not look like American Bullies.

What Is a Clean Exotic Bully?

A clean Exotic Bully is an Exotic Bully without any issues. In other words, it still has the look of an Exotic Bully, like its short and compact frame, its exaggerated features, and all the other basic traits that you know of.

The only difference is that it is supposed to be a cleaner version, without the known issues such as a sloped skull, snippy muzzle, a weak lower jaw, overshot or undershot bite, unproportioned body, and a coat with curly hair, among others.

Here are some of the desired traits of a clean Exotic Bully:

  • Its height is 13 inches or under.
  • The muzzle measures 2 inches or less.
  • Its build is small and compact but muscular.
  • Its height and length are almost the same.
  • Having both an underbite and a clean bite is acceptable.
  • Cheek muscles are very pronounced.

For a more detailed list of the desired traits of a clean Exotic Bully, you may check out the US Bully Registry’s website.

Exotic Bully Origin and History

Exotic Bully outdoors
Image credit: k_b.supreme / Instagram

Exotic Bullies are relatively new to the Bully community, separating themselves from their cousin, the American Bully, and getting recognized as a breed of its own in 2008.

According to the International Bully Coalition, they are a new type of American Bully that has been developed through great changes in the breed’s phenotype.

Through the constant insertion of other breeds of dogs under the Bull type, they have achieved those changes in their genetic makeup.

This resulted in the dogs being smaller, more compact, and looking more bulldog-like, which separated them from the American Bully. Thus, it is now being recognized as an entirely new breed.

Exotic Bully Temperament and Personality

Some people may find the Exotic Bully a little frightening at first glance, but they are actually considered friendly canines. They love getting attention and cuddling with their owners, as they are extremely loyal pets.

They’re great with humans as well, and children are not an exemption. But always observe them when they interact with the kids.

Do not leave them with the young ones, as they tend to push dogs’ boundaries without even knowing the consequences.

They do very well interacting with other dogs, too, especially if you start socializing them early. So if you already own other fur babies, you probably won’t have difficulty introducing your Exotic Bully to them.

My experience as a dog handler allowed me to interact closely with Exotic Bullies, and I have to say that despite their intimidating appearance, these dogs are one of the gentlest canines I’ve ever worked with. They are sweet and affectionate but have a tendency to be jealous of other dogs that I handle.

Exotic Bully Lifespan and Health Issues

Since the Exotic Bully is still a new, developing breed, you always have to keep in mind that their overall health fully depends on whether or not they were bred right.

There won’t be much of a problem if they are produced properly. However, if they were bred in a questionable manner, you could be dealing with a lot of health-related problems.

Due to these and being a relatively new breed, the lifespan of an Exotic Bully is difficult to predict. There are some claims, though, that they can only live up to 5 years. Some point out that they live between 5 and 7 years, while others claim that they may live from 10 to 13 years.

However, to optimize your Exotic Bully’s lifespan, it is best to ensure that they were bred in a healthy way and always partner with your veterinarian to prevent any health issues from occurring.

Their most common health problems are listed below for your reference:

  • Back Problems: A strong back is very important for dogs, as it is what gives them the ability to move around. This is especially true for four-legged animals. If your Exotic Bully has back problems, they might not be able to walk properly, get up, lie down, or play.
  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common issue in bigger dogs; some get it as they grow up. However, hip dysplasia has also been common with Exotic Bullies, paired with bowed front and back legs.
  • Joint Problems: A very common problem in dogs is their joints. This happens as your dog gets older or maybe as they increase in weight. Vets are commonly faced with this problem a lot.
  • Brachycephalic Syndrome: Brachycephalic syndrome is a pathological condition commonly affecting flat-faced dogs, including Exotic Bullies. Being short-nosed makes their airway obstructed and can sometimes cause respiratory problems. It is also a condition that may get worse over time, making it very challenging to take care of dogs with this health condition.
  • Overheating: This is also connected to the Exotic Bully’s short-nosed face. They usually have a tendency to overheat and do not work well in warm or overheated areas. This is something you may want to keep in mind if you are interested in owning one.

Do not be overwhelmed by these potential health issues. So long as you are able to detect symptoms early with the help of your trusted vet, you can prevent these easily.

How to Take Care of Your Exotic Bully

Cute Exotic Bully puppy
Image credit: geb_adam_garcia / Instagram

To many of us, bringing a new pet home instantly makes them a new member of the family. That is why it is very important to know how to properly take care of them and keep them happy.

Here are some tips that might be helpful in that matter:

Food and Diet

Exotic Bullies need high-quality food that contains high protein and fat. This is especially needed for Exotics under the age of one.

You will find a lot of high-quality food in the market; look for the ones with enough protein (at least 30%) and enough fat (at least 20%) content.

After the first year, you should feed your dog just enough food so that they maintain its full look but is not overweight. Being overweight could cause many health-related problems, so monitoring their weight also becomes essential.

Training and Exercise

Having an Exotic Bully trained is very crucial and should be started right away, from the moment that your puppy arrives home.

They should be exposed to socialization, whether with other dogs or people. It is best to do this while they are puppies so that they will already build the behavior before they grow into adults.

Exotic Bullies are naturally sociable, though, so this should not be a difficult task.

However, ensure you do not go overboard with the length of the training session, as Exotic Bullies are known to be mildly active dogs. Their brachycephalic features do not allow them to be active for a long time.

Cleaning and Grooming

Thankfully, when it comes to grooming, it wouldn’t be as difficult. Exotic Bullies have very short and smooth coats, so they really do not require much grooming. Brushing them once or twice a week should be enough since they never get any tangles.

Bathing them every couple of months should be enough as well. Although, in instances when they get extra dirty and stinky, you’d have to bathe them to keep them clean.

You will also need to trim their nails when necessary, just like other dogs. You can do it yourself or have professionals do it for you.

How Much Does an Exotic Bully Cost? Puppy Prices and Expenses

The price of Exotic Bullies can be quite high due to the fact that they are a rising breed. It is also difficult to find one that is bred properly.

They are commonly priced between $5,000 and $10,000 but can also go over depending on the breeder, pedigree, and the quality of its bloodline. If you bought them from a reputable breeder, this price would include their paperwork, vaccinations, and health guarantees.

However, as you bring an Exotic Bully home, you also have to prepare for the initial expenses of taking care of your puppy.

Here is a summary of the preliminary costs of owning an Exotic Bully for the first time:

Type of ExpenseCost 
Food and Treats$80 – $150
Bowls$15 – $40
Toys$30 – $100
Beds$50 – $300
Collars and Leashes$15 – $50
Crates and Carriers$60 – $500
Grooming Essentials$50 – $250
Initial Vet Visits$100 – $500
Initial Vaccine Shots$50 – $300
Deworming, Flea, and Tick Medications$40 – $300
Neutering or Spaying$50 – $500
Microchipping$40 – $60
Dog License$10 – $20
Other Essentials$30 – $80
Total Initial Cost$495 – $2,470

Places to Find Exotic Bully Puppies for Sale or Adoption

Cute Exotic Bully puppy with its owner
Image credit: geb_adam_garcia / Instagram

If you are currently looking for a place where you can purchase your dog companion, I have listed a few places to check out:

  • NWG Bullies – This breeder has been breeding top-quality dogs for ten years. They offer a health guarantee, as well as a purchase agreement with each puppy, which is very important if you want to purchase a healthy Exotic Bully. Their dogs are also registered with the UKC, USBR, BBCR, and ABKC and are all eligible for registry with other Bully clubs.
  • Toadline Exotic Bully – Their Exotic Bullies come with complete papers, a health certificate, as well as a 7-day health guarantee. They also have a satisfaction guarantee, which allows you to return your puppy if you are not satisfied with your purchase. This is applicable if you notify them within 12 hours and if you return the puppy within four days.
  • Venom Line – You may also want to check them out. They are known for producing Bullies that are in good health condition. They will provide you with a contract, registration papers, and, most importantly, a health certificate that came from a licensed vet.

On the other hand, if you want to try adopting a Bully instead of buying one, you may want to check these places I’ve listed below:

  • Fresno Bully Rescue –They have all kinds of Bullies, including Exotic Bullies, up for adoption. They have both puppies and adult dogs as well, so you can choose which you prefer to take care of. Their adoption fees range from $125 to $220, and this depends on the dog’s age.
  • Don’t Bully Us Rescue – Another place worth looking at is the Don’t Bully Us Rescue. They are located in the Philadelphia and South Jersey area. Their puppies and dogs are all vaccinated, vetted, and microchipped. Those that are 6 to 8 months old are already spayed or neutered, too. Their adoption fees cost between $250 to $400, depending on the dog’s age.
  • Peaches Bully Rescue – Based in Ohio, PBR is a foster-based rescue for bully breeds, including Exotic Bullies. Since 2017, they have saved over 300 dogs. Their adoption fees range from $250 to $500, which is inclusive of rabies and distemper vaccine, heartworm and fecal testing, microchip with registration, and spay or neuter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Breeds Make Exotic Bully?

The Exotic Bully we see now comes from the American Bully, English Bulldog, Old English Bulldog, and Short Bull. However, there may be other types of bulldogs that could have been included as well.

Is Exotic Bully Good for First-Time Owners?

Having a pet means having a new member of the family. They should always be taken care of properly.

Exotic Bullies are easy to take care of, low maintenance, and don’t require a lot of grooming as well, due to their short coats. This makes them a good choice for first-time owners.

Are Exotic Bullies Aggressive?

Because of their appearance, a lot of people misjudge the Exotic Bully, thinking that they are scary and aggressive. However, in reality, the Exotic Bully is naturally sociable, both to humans and other dogs.

How Many Types of Bully Are There?

As recognized by the American Bully Kennel Club, there are five various types of Bullies. They are classified by their sizes. They are the Standard, Pocket, XL, Classic, and Extreme Bullies.

Final Thoughts: Is Exotic Bully the Right Dog for You?

The Exotic Bully is a breed that is low maintenance, highly sociable, and easy to take care of. However, the breed may need more attention compared to other breeds.

You have to take note of the various health problems they are prone to due to their brachycephalic features. Their life expectancy is also observed to be shorter compared to other breeds.

Further, they are also quite expensive due to the special care they require to be at their best appearance. However, if you can commit the time and the resources to take care of their needs, then Exotic Bullies are dedicated, sweet, and adorable companions.

Do you think the Exotic Bully is the breed for you, and are you ready to take care of one? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

1 comment

Vlad Paner September 2, 2022 - 12:21 pm

Thank so much for that information 😍

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