Exotic Shorthair Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair

Calm Affectionate Gentle Playful

About the Exotic Shorthair

The Exotic Shorthair was developed in the 1950s–1960s by crossing Persians with American Shorthairs to create a Persian with a more manageable coat — essentially a "lazy man's Persian." This medium-to-large breed weighs 7–14 pounds and shares the Persian's flat face, round eyes, small ears, and stocky build. Their dense, plush coat stands away from the body like a teddy bear's and comes in all Persian colors and patterns — though it is far shorter and easier to maintain than the Persian's flowing mane.

Temperament & Personality

Exotic Shorthairs are sweet, gentle, and calm — they have the Persian's placid temperament with a slightly more playful edge inherited from their American Shorthair ancestry. They are quietly affectionate, preferring to sit near or on their favorite person without being demanding. They do well with gentle children and calm pets, making them ideal for relaxed households.

Pros

  • All the beauty of a Persian with far less grooming — weekly brushing suffices
  • Calm, gentle temperament — perfect for apartments and quiet homes
  • Affectionate and loyal without being demanding or vocal
  • Plush teddy-bear appearance is universally appealing

Cons

  • Brachycephalic (flat-faced) — prone to breathing difficulties, tear staining, and dental crowding
  • Susceptible to polycystic kidney disease (PKD) inherited from Persian lines
  • Eyes and facial folds require daily cleaning to prevent infections
  • Can be heat-sensitive due to shortened nasal passages

Love the Persian look without the grooming commitment? Find Exotic Shorthairs on Puplister.

Exotic Shorthair Quick Facts

Size
7–12 lbs
Lifespan
8–15 years
Exercise
Low
Grooming
Moderate
Good with Kids
Yes
Good with Pets
Yes

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key traits of a Exotic Shorthair?
The Exotic Shorthair is known for being calm, affectionate, gentle and playful.
How many Exotic Shorthairs are available for adoption?
There are currently 0 Exotic Shorthairs available for adoption on Puplister. Browse the listings above to find your perfect match.
How do I adopt a Exotic Shorthair from Puplister?
To adopt a Exotic Shorthair, browse the available listings on this page, click on a pet you're interested in, and contact the shelter directly through their profile page.