Bulldogs are among the most famous breeds from the canine kingdom thanks to their loyalty towards their master, but also for the mass media controversies. On the other hand, being among the most famous dogs has led to the creation of the Exotic Bully, or as you may also know it, the Pocket Bully.
If you are looking for an active, friendly breed like the American Pitbull Terrier, but prefer it a little bit smaller, such as a Patterdale Terrier, Pocket Pitbull can be the perfect breed for you.
As a mixture of the two breeds, these dogs combine the best features of their parents into a single hybrid dog. Due to their unique progeny and features, these mixed miniature Pitbulls are a good choice for apartment residents or active owners looking for a unique pet with which they would share adventures.
Where does the Exotic Bully come from?
Like with most other mixed-breed dogs, it is hard to say when the Exotic Bully appeared for the first time. Seeing that it is not a pure breed, this type of Pitbull isn’t recognized by most of the Pitbull Registry Organizations.
Since Pocket Pitbull is technically a hybrid and not a pure-breed dog, it is not recognized by the American Kennel Club either. It is recognized by the Dog Registry of America, Inc.
Pocket Bullies result from the interbreeding of the American Pitbull Terrier and the Patterdale Terrier. The most used nickname for these dogs is “Pocket Pitbull”, but there are some other nicknames, such as “Pitterdale” or “Pocketpit”.
There may be an increasing interest in mixed miniature Pitbulls, but that does not mean this breed has a long and established history. In fact, we do not know much about the origin of the Pocket Pitbull.
The main reason for this fact is the genealogy of these hybrids. Even if they have a “fancy” name and there is renewed interest in them, Pocket Pitbulls are still mixed-race dogs for many people.
Pocket Pitbull might seem like an exotic race that is just at its beginnings, but there have probably been many mixes of the Patterdale Terrier and Pitbull throughout history. The only difference is that those crosses were not intended, but rather a product of accidental mating between the two pure breeds.
No breeder claims that it was them who first raised a Pocket Pitbull, so there is no clear data on the origin of the race. The best assumption anyone can have is that these crosses have had a similar start to many other dogs. They have been bred in the last 20 years somewhere in the United States.
Pocket Pitbull is a hybrid of the American Pitbull Terrier and Patterdale Terrier. Pocket Pitbull is not a race dog. Due to the difference in size, the mother is always a Pitbull, and the father is the Patterdale terrace because it is smaller.
The Exotic Pitbull is a cross of 50/50 of these two breeds, although there may be a higher percentage of a race if a first-generation specimen is mixed with an American Pitbull Terrier or a Terrier Patterdale.
However, most breeders do not perform multi-generational reproduction of Pocket Pitbulls, as they endanger them due to some breed-specific health problems. If you purchase a multi-generational Pocket Pitbull puppy, make sure you ask for a health guarantee – good reproduction will have a significant impact on the pet’s health for life.
The size matters – Exotic Bully’s popularity
This mixed-breed bully became very popular and widely known thanks to its tiny dimensions. You will find many characteristics of the standard Pittbuls, such as sturdy shape, fur, and muscle mass, but compressed to its dimensions. They are truly adorable, especially when you find them in the mood to be playful.
An Exotic Pitbull will typically weigh between 11-22 lb and will measure between 12-16 inches. Even though they are small, it would be difficult for them to adapt to living in an apartment. These are frenetic dogs that need the space and conditions to consume their energy, and limited space will make their lives a nightmare.
The Exotic Bully’s ancestors
If you truly want to understand the behavior of a pocket Pitbull, first you should take a look at the breeds of its ancestors. Honestly, the Patterdale Pitbulls are not a very known breed, while the American Pitbull Terries are still caught in the stereotype line.
Patterdale Terrier is a tiny working dog, initially trained to hunt the rodents that were damaging the fields and households. Its shiny black fur, warm puppy eyes, and short tail make them look a lot like Labradors.
Exotic Bullies are better sold in Europe and less known in the United States.
Since the beginning, Patterdale Pitbulls made themselves noticed through their determined character and impressive muscle mass. Their intelligence feeds their independence, and this can make them hard to train. Take into consideration that accurate training will make this an excellent guard dog.
Even though this breed has a lot of energy to consume, they do not become as hyperactive as most of the Terriers. Their calmness makes them less annoying.
The American Pitbull Terrier, if impeccably trained will sit on the opposite side of the beast image it has, ready to break any behavior that many wrongly imagine. They are sturdy, with a big muscle mass, but very sociable and having great behavior around kids.
Also, they will still act as puppies in some ways when they reach adulthood.
They adore training and, along with their native athletic qualities, they are great for sporting competitions. Loyal to the family, they live at maximum intensity every moment, wishing to always please you.
How do the parents’ breeds affect an Exotic Bully’s personality?
In the most common cases, pocket Pitbulls choose the most beautiful character features from both parents’ races. It has acquired the physical skills of an American Pitbull Terrier, an attractive quality for its future master, and on the other side, they are loving and playful right on the opposite of the controversy created around the Pitbull breeds.
Unlike the American Pitbull Terrier, the Exotic Pitbull can be a great guard dog – a feature from the Patterdale Terrier. At the same time, this dog will not become a barking machine. Great athletes, pocket-sized Pitbulls will be much easier to train than other breeds.
They are best suited for families with children, single active persons, houses with a backyard, or as a guard dog.
Their temperament is very energetic, friendly, protective, and intelligent.
Another important aspect of this mixed breed is that it is compatible and comparable with the American Pitbull Terrier and Patterdale Terrier.
Because you have to deal with two different races when you buy a Pocket Pitbull, you need to be vigilant and make sure his parents had good genes. Not only will you anticipate the dog’s behavior following the training sessions, but you will also know how healthy your pup will be throughout its life.
The truth is that any dog can be aggressive depending on how it is trained and raised. It does not matter the size or breed. When a Pocket Pitbull is properly trained, it will be loving, obedient, and affectionate.
Pocket Pitbull Food / Diet
All dogs need a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. Providing the right food for your dog could significantly improve the quality of his life and promote general health. For a Pocket Pitbull, the best option is premium dry dog food rich in high protein and fat. The Exotic Bullies under the age of one need it the most. Nowadays, you can find all sorts of high-quality food on the market; but be sure you choose the ones with at least 30% protein and 20% fat.
After its first year, the Exotic Bully tends to become overweight if you aren’t careful in maintaining its diet. You have been careful about how much you feed him because you can cause him a lot of health-related problems.
In the case of these mixed-breed dogs, you will need to choose the type of food that is appropriate for their age (puppy, adult, or senior), size and activity level. These dogs may be small, but they are also very energetic, and their choice of food should match these features.
Which are the necessary standard exercises fit for an Exotic Bully?
Let’s be clear: An Exotic Pitbull is not the kind of dog that will be sitting all day in your lap. Expect long walks in his company or even jogging with your best friend. You will need to have a daily schedule involving playground activities and spend there some precious hours.
It is also appropriate that play sessions should stimulate not only the body but also the mind. Puzzles and other toys will make his mind work, which will help him concentrate his intelligence on positive purposes at the expense of destructive behavior.
Seeing that Pocket Pitbulls are born athletes, easy to train, they will catch on the go different canine-specific sports like Flyball or agility racing. Thanks to his work dog instincts, he will see these activities as tasks to be carried out.
Pocket Pitbull tends to be confident and independent, which is why socialization and early training are recommended. This breed is intelligent, so positive bonding methods are usually very effective as long as you keep a firm and consistent train during your workout.
Training will also help keep this dog’s energy and activity level under control and prevent it from developing problematic boredom or inappropriate training behaviors.
What health problems can an Exotic Bully develop?
Because Exotic Pitbulls are mixed-breed dogs and have a rather complicated genetic code, the conditions are rather rare. Their average life span is between 11 and 13 years. It is shorter than that of the Patterdale Terrier, but it is close to that of an American Pitbull Terrier.
Although they are not considered to be pasty dogs, they can borrow certain health problems specific to the breeds from which they come. A notable condition noticed throughout a Pocket Pitbull’s life would be hip dysplasia, the problem caused by the hip bone and its connection to the basin. It is a painful condition that will cause about the same problems that arthritis causes to man.
Conjunctivitis, allergies, hypothyroidism, or heart dysfunction may also occur. If so, contact your veterinarian, who will guide you to treatment so that the animal will suffer as little as possible.
Exotic Pitbull’s skin problems
Skin problems don’t happen only to Pocket Pitbulls. They also affect other dog breeds. However, there are skin diseases that mainly affect both adult Pitbulls and their smaller breeds.
In addition, there are parasites that can destroy the pet’s skin, and bacteria can also dwell in the folds of the skin. This condition is easy to pass by, especially because these parasites and bacteria can hide very well.
You may realize that your dog has a problem only after you have noticed that his hair drops, leaving traces of reddish, scaly injuries. You can also notice that your pet feels uncomfortable due to the itchy sensation of these skin conditions.
- Eczema – A skin disease that produces an itchy sensation and dry skin. This problem occurs when a dog has allergies or hormonal problems. It may also exist when the pet is exposed to a warm climate and its skin cannot withstand the weather conditions.
- Canine Seborrhea – an illness characterized by excessively dry or fat skin. Dog dermatitis produces too many keratinous elements that cause skin flakes. Usually, it appears on the dog’s back or legs and, under severe conditions, it can also develop in the folds of the skin.
What kind of daily care does an Exotic Bully need?
One of the most attractive particularities of the Exotic Pitbull is that they do not require any special care.
The short fur is very easy to maintain, and during the period of molting, it will not fill your house or furniture with hair.
To get the best version of your dog every day, it will only need some slight touches such as regular brushing, fingernails cutting, and cleaning of teeth, eyes, and ears.
How much does an Exotic Bully cost?
If the Exotic Pitbull is what you really want to get, you should know they are priced at around $5,000 but can easily go over $10,000. The age and puppies’ parents are variables that can generate high price oscillations but it also depends on the breeder and pedigree.
As a matter of fact, since Exotic Pitbulls are not a recognized breed, you won’t need to spend the same money you would get for a show-level Pitbull, but the popularity of Pocket Pitbulls is still on the rise.
There are other costs you have to consider before deciding on a Pocket Pitbull. These include visits to the veterinarian, registration of the dog, food, toys, or other expenses that will make the dog feel at home under your roof. If you do not have a trusty breeder nearby, also consider the transport charges for the puppy.
Where can you find Exotic Bullies to buy or adopt?
Here are some places from which you can purchase an Exotic Buddy:
NWG Bullies: With 10 years of experience, this breeder has only bred top-quality Bullies. If you want to buy a healthy Pocket Pitbull you should buy one only with a health guarantee and purchase agreement. Another fact is that all their dogs are registered to the ABKC, USBR, UKC, BBCR, but also can be registered in other Bully clubs.
Toadline Exotic Bully: They assure you will get full papers for each puppy you buy, meaning a health certificate but also a 7-day health guarantee. Usually, the puppies come with papers, unless the required documents are still in the processing stage. They also give you a satisfaction guarantee, so if you are not satisfied with the new puppy you can return it. The only condition is to tell them within 12 hours and the shipping costs will come from your account.
Venom Line: They are quite different from other breeders, and that is because they see their dogs as part of the family. Their dogs are not locked up in cages all day and they all have beds. Another important feature is that they ship worldwide and you can pick up your new bully from the nearest airport. Being serious breeders, they ship their puppies with a health certificate from an authorized vet and also a contract and registration papers.
If you are a breeder looking to improve your kennel you should know they can also ship genetic material Worldwide from their studs. They are familiar with the import processes in many countries.
Another option is to try to adopt an Exotic Bully and here are some places from which you may:
Fresno Bully Rescue – They rescue and shelter only Bully breed dogs, including Exotic Bullies. They provide them with a temporary healthy and loving home while looking for a long-term home. Their dogs are of each age, size, personality, or activity level. Depending on what type of dog you want, senior, adult, puppy, and bulldog type, their adoption fees start from $185 and go up to $250.
Don’t Bully Us Rescue – It is a rescue center also based on bullies and Pitbulls. All their dogs are vaccinated and micro-chipped. Their adoption fees start from $250 and go as high as $400, depending on the dog’s age, size, or bulldog type.
Are Exotic Bullies often compared with standard Pitbulls?
Unfortunately, because the Pocket Pitbulls look like miniature versions of the American Pitbull Terrier, you will have to face the same wrong expectations that are repeated by uninformed people.
So, you and your quadruped buddy will be judged as a whole. If you think you will not cope with these injustices, then take look into another breed of dog.
But, if you are ready to take on all the malicious and unfounded opinions, and your Exotic Pitbull will benefit from the space it needs, you will win a unique company, a loyal dog, ready to please at any time, offering his unconditional love to you and your family. It’s going to be a unique experience!
