Exotic bully vs Pocket bully

Do you desire to own a medium to small sized bully breed dog? But you are confused about whether to bring an exotic American bully or a pocket American bully. So, we are here to clear out all your doubts and serve as full guide for Exotic bully vs Pocket bully.

Many people consider these two breeds as the same and others think there are significant differences between them.

Hence, this article will explore all the differences between the exotic and the pocket bully, which will surely help you to make an informed decision as to which one of the two will be perfect for you !

Exotic bully vs pocket bully : Origin and History

The word “bully” is used to describe certain physical characteristics of dogs, like a muscular physique, short muzzles, thick neck and broad head.

The bully breed dogs include American Staffordshire terriers, American pitbull terriers, American bully, English Bulldogs, French bulldogs, bullmastiffs etc.

These canines were earlier produced for mainly fighting and working purposes. But, with the passage of time, the use of these breeds in sports activities like baiting, fighting etc.

Later they became illegal and got banned. Then, the American bully breed was bred as friendly and balanced tempered dogs for companionship in the late 19th century.

The pocket bully is a type of American bully breed which is a crossbreed of mainly American bully and patterdale terriers that originated in the year 2000.

On the other hand, Exotic bullies are the product of crossbreeding American bullies with different bulldog breeds, like old English bulldogs, English Bulldogs, French bulldogs etc.

Exotic bully vs Pocket bully : Physical characteristics

Some people often get confused between the pocket bully and the exotic bully due to their somewhat similar appearance. But, there are some physical differences that set them apart from one another :

1). Head

Pocket bullies hold smaller heads, but it is in proportion to their body. On the contrary, exotic bullies have larger heads than pocket bullies and have a rounder look.

If we estimate, then the pocket bully has a head measuring around 5 and 7 inches, while exotic bullies’ heads measure between 6 and 8 inches.

2). Body structure

Both are compact and muscular dog breeds. The major difference in their physique is that the pocket bully is a medium-sized bully with less bone weight, while the exotic bully is a shorter breed with thick and heavier bones.

3). Legs

Pocket bullies have muscular and short legs, which makes their front legs distant from one another. On the other hand, the exotic bullies possess shorter legs relatively, which provides them a dwarf appearance.

4). Height

An exotic bully is a medium to large sized dog breed which can rise 13 to 20 inches at its shoulders, while the average height of the pocket bully typically ranges between 12 and 17 inches.

5). Weight

The average weight of the exotic bully generally ranges between 25 and 40 pounds. On the other hand, pocket bullies weigh between 30 and 60 pounds.

Exotic bully vs Pocket Bully : Temperament

There are no significant differences in the temperament of the exotic bullies and the pocket American bullies. They possess an overall similar disposition and behavior.

Both breeds are gentle and friendly dogs who get along well with other animals and people. Hence, they become great family companions.

Being quite energetic, it is necessary to provide them with some exercises and calorie-losing activities. Otherwise, they may become destructive in nature.

They display their excellent behavior towards children too, but be sure to supervise them. Don’t take the risk of leaving your kids alone with them, specifically with exotic bullies, as they may cross their boundaries while playing without being aware of bad consequences.

Proper training and early socialization is significant in moulding their constructive behavior. Besides this, due to the smaller size of the pocket bullies and exotic bullies, they are not as ideal as guard dogs.

Exotic bully vs Pocket bully : Coat colors

Both Exotic and pocket bullies hold short, smooth and shiny furs. They are available in a wide range of colors. Among them, some of the most common colors include red, black, blue and brindle.

Both breeds are available in a single and tricolor patterns too. The Tricolor pattern consists chiefly of a base color, and patches of two distinct colors over it. Black is one of the common base colors among all.

Here is a list of tri-coloured patterns available in the pocket bully breed :

• Chocolate tricolor
• Fawn tri color
• Lilac tricolor
• Ghost tricolor
• Black tricolor
• Sable tri color
• Red tricolor
• Champagne tricolor

The exotic bullies are also found in different tricolor patterns. But the Merle Colour in both canines is not considered as a standard color due to some health controversies associated with it.

Dogs with the Merle gene suffer the risk of becoming dumb and blind, specifically if a puppy inherits two Merle genes from both parents.

Thus, Merle exotic bullies and Pocket exotic bullies are rare to be found as many reputable breeders avoid breeding Merle bullies.

Exotic bully vs Pocket bully : Health concerns

The American pocket bully is a healthier dog breed in comparison to the exotic bully. Though pocket bullies are also prone to some health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, skin problems, dental issues etc., these problems can be minimized through careful breeding and well brought up.

But, exotic bullies are more vulnerable to some respiratory problems due to their brachycephalic structure. They possess flat faces and short muzzles, which makes it hard for them to breathe.

Exotic bullies have bowed legs with thick bones, which may appear appealing, but it leads to various health problems like back problems, joint problems and bone dysplasia.

Some of the health issues to which both breeds are prone to are listed below :

1) Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a common genital health condition which occurs when hip bones fail to fix at their right position. It results in pain and arthritis.

2) Elbow dysplasia

It is also one of the joint issues which is a result of improper development of elbow joints. It puts great pressure on the joints and causes intense pain and discomfort.

3) Eye problems

Most bully dogs are highly vulnerable to eye problems like entropion (eyelids inward movement), ectropion (eyelids outward movement), cherry eye etc.

4) Brachycephalic airway syndrome

It is the most common problem in dogs holding bulldogs’ physical features like flat faces and short muzzles. It leads to different breathing issues including Brachycephalic obstructive airways syndrome (BOAS).

5) Allergies

American bully breed canines are prone to different types of allergies like food and skin allergy. This becomes visible in the form of inflammation, itchiness, red patches etc.

6) Back pains and heart issues

Exotic bullies are highly subjected to gaining weight and obesity, which may develop back pains and heart problems.

Exotic bully vs Pocket bully : Food & Diet

Pocket bully and American bully exotics require a high nutritional-rich balanced diet containing at least 30% of protein and 20% of essential fats.

But the difference in their diet is that exotics eat relatively more as they are more energetic dogs.

Remember both are muscular dog breeds, so, they are susceptible to being overweight due to overeating and no physical exercises. Hence, you are required to maintain their weight by providing routine exercises.

There are certain food items which may be allergic to these canines. So do proper research and visit a vet to get appropriate instructions regarding the diet of your pet. Avoid all ingredients which are harmful to them.

Immediately get in contact with your vet in case you observe any symptoms like redness in the skin or any other undesirable behavior.

Exotic bully vs Pocket bully : Grooming requirements

Both Exotic and pocket bullies are dogs with shorts and smooth furs. So, they don’t need much maintenance and grooming. Brushing them at regular intervals will be enough to maintain their furs’ cleanliness and lustre.

They don’t need regular bathing. Instead, bathing once in a couple of weeks will be sufficient. It will remove all the dirt and oil from their body.

Trim their nails on time. Moreover, cleaning their ears and teeth will prevent ear infection and dental problems in them.

Exotic bully vs pocket bully : Training & Socialization

Pocket American bullies are quite intelligent dogs, which may make them stubborn also. But training them using positive reinforcement methods makes them learn all the commands quickly.

American exotic bullies are quite a sociable breed. Hence, they are easy to train and socialize. Introducing them politely to new people and animals will enable them to adjust to the new environment.

Early socialization and proper training greatly contribute to the constructive behavior of those canines. You should never thrash or punish your pet dogs, otherwise it may develop anxiety and aggression in them.

Exotic bully vs Pocket bully : Lifespan

If we compare the life expectancy of the exotic bullies with their cousin American bullies, then exotics have quite a shorter lifespan.

As per most of the sources, the average lifespan of the exotic bully is about 5 to 7 years. Some are of the opinion that it can be extended up to 10 years, but there are very few proofs available of this.

On the other hand, the average life of the American pocket bully typically ranges between 10 and 13 years. Male pocket bullies may have a slightly longer lifespan than their female counterparts.

However, the factors affecting the existence of these breeds include their genes, health, food & diet, exercise requirements etc. So, being owners, it is their responsibility to take care of their pets and ensure their prolonged life.

Exotic bully vs Pocket bully : Price

The American exotic bully is quite a new breed which has recently become popular due to its unique appearance. Thus, exotic bullies are more expensive than pocket bullies.

The average price for exotic bullies ranges between $5000 and $10,000 while the pocket bully is available at an average cost of about $2000.

It may also exceed depending upon their breeding standards, bloodline and health concerns.

Be sure to bring a pet of the above breeds from a well-reputed breeder who follows all proper breeding standards. Specifically, if we talk about exotic bullies, then they require some special care due to their short muzzles.

How to search for a reputable breeder

Before owning a pet, we have to go through the crucial process of searching for a reputable breeder. Do proper inquiry about different breeders and get help from any experienced person or already an owner of a healthy bully breed.

You may also seek the advice of a professional vet in order to choose a perfect dog with sound health and behavior.

The following are some tips which will enable you to get a trustworthy breeder and canine with desired traits :

• Make sure that the breeder is a member of any recognized association like American Bully Kennel club, United Kennel club, International Bully Registry etc.

• Ask all necessary questions to the breeder regarding the puppy or dog breed you have selected.

• Ensure that all breeding standards followed by breeders and hygienic environmental conditions have been provided.

• Assurance of proper training and socialization since a puppy’s young age.

• A breeder is able to provide you with a written contract including all the terms and conditions mentioned in it.

Sources to buy pocket and exotic bullies

There are several online as well as offline sources to purchase exotic or pocket bullies, including different bully breeds too. But, be sure to visit the seller and puppy physically.

A few sources include :

1. Mike Gollner’s American Bully Kennel
2. Razor’s Edge in Canada
3. Royalty Bully kennels.

Which breed is right for you ?

When you think about which one of the two breeds will be best for you, then do consider several factors such as breeding standards, bloodline, location, genetic influences, health etc.

Moreover, you also need to observe your lifestyle and weigh your budget. Knowing which kind of breed you prefer will help in choosing the ideal canine for you! If you have a lot of time and high energy to devote to your extra active and unique dog, then you can go for exotics. On the other hand, pocket bullies are relatively less enthusiastic.

Other than this, both of the breeds have a fine disposition and behaviour, which makes them excellent family pets.

Final thoughts

Most of the bully breeds hold some similarities between them, specifically if we learn about exotic and pocket bullies. They become great companions of their owners and other family members. But they have some physical differences too.

Pocket American bully is a smaller and compact version of standard American bully yet is larger than the exotic bullies. The Exotic bully is a relatively small and stocky breed exhibiting the exaggerated features of bulldogs.

FAQs

Q1. What’s the difference between an Exotic Bully and a pocket bully?

Ans. The pocket bully is a type of American bully breed which is a crossbreed of mainly American bully and patterdale terriers that originated in the year 2000. On the other hand, Exotic bullies are the product of crossbreeding American bullies with different bulldog breeds, like old English bulldogs, English Bulldogs, French bulldogs etc. They have exaggerated features of bulldogs.

Q2. What is the price of an exotic bully ?

Ans. The average price for exotic bullies ranges between $5000 and $10,000.

Q3. Is Exotic Bully friendly?

Ans. Yes, Exotic bullies are gentle, good-tempered and friendly canines.

Q4. What is the difference between a pocket exotic bully and a micro-exotic bully ?

Ans There is no significant difference between pocket exotics and micro-exotic bullies. This breed is not recognized by any reputable kennel clubs, hence their names have not been standardized. They can’t rise more than 13.5 inches in height and weigh not more than 40 pounds.