What does “exotic” actually mean anymore?

In this episode of Outside the Kennel Podcast, Ben Hood and Ta’Rodrick Brooks sit down with Blake Ashmore of the Stack-Off League to talk about competition, standards, and the ongoing debate around what qualifies as “exotic” in today’s dog game.

From the importance of dog shows and stacking competitions, to the role they play in building credibility and pushing the culture forward, this conversation gets into what separates real structure from hype.

We also touch on the negativity in the community — the trolls, the critics, and the tension between breeders — and how that impacts the growth of the space.

If you’ve got an opinion on shows, structure, or what makes a dog “exotic,” this is one you’ll want to hear.

No gatekeeping. Just the real game. Outsi ...