Ichthyoses represent a heterogeneous group of hereditary cornification disorders characterized by generalized scaling of the skin. An autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (
ARCI
) has been described in American Bulldogs and is caused by a variant in the
NIPAL
4
gene encoding for the
ICHTHYIN
protein. So far, this variant has not been described in other breeds. A 1.5‐year‐old female pedigreed American Bully was referred for generalized scaling and bad coat quality since adoption at 8 weeks of age. Clinical examination, cytological and histopathological examination, and
DNA
testing were performed. Clinical examination revealed a generalized scaling; cytological evaluation using impression with acetate tapes showed a secondary
Malassezia
dermatitis. Histopathological examination revealed a moderate to marked, diffuse, compact orthokeratotic hyperkeratosis with the formation of large scales. Few
Malassezia
were observed in the
stratum corneum
associated with minimal mixed perivascular inflammation and moderate epidermal hyperplasia.
DNA
testing of the dog revealed that he carries two defective alleles of the
NIPAL
4
gene previously described in the American Bulldog. We performed a commercially available breed detection test which, although not specifically testing for “American Bully” signatures, revealed a high probability of American Bulldog
DNA
signature within the past three generations. Topical treatment using a combination of keratolytic and keratomodulator shampoo, emollient and moisturizers spray and antimicrobial wipes achieved a marked clinical improvement after only 1 month. Continuous topical treatment was necessary to maintain clinical improvement. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first description of the deleterious
NIPAL
4
variant in an American Bully as well as the first description of clinical management and follow‐up of
ARCI
in this breed.