American XLs Bully are now subject to new rules in England and Wales – with Scotland’s own ban to follow later this year.
A series of dog attacks, many of which by this breed, have caused public outcry and eventually action from the Government.
But there remains some confusion as to what exactly an American XL Bully is.
Here Express.co.uk take a look at how American XL Bull wiesere created and how the ban will effect ownership of the dog.
XL bullies are crossbreeds, and are not recognised by the UK Kennel Club as a specific breed. To enforce its ban, the Government has had to create its own specifications for the breed.
This includes the size of their head and muzzle, their build, and the height and length of their body. Breed name, genetics and parentage are not taken into account.
The Government defines them as large dogs “with a muscular body and blocky head, suggesting great strength and power for [their] size”.
Male XL dogs stand from 20in (51cm) high at the shoulder, with female XLs only slightly smaller at 19 inches (48cm).
Dogs will be considered XLs if they meet the minimum height and a substantial number of other characteristics, the Government says.
An XL bully is the largest kind of American bully dog. Other types include standard, pocket and classic. They typically live between eight and 13 years, and there are currently no official statistics for how many are in the UK.
The XL Bully breed is a relatively new creation, and is a version of the American Bully lineage.
The American Bully was originally developed as a companion dog. It was originally standardized and recognized as a breed in 2004 by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC). According to their published breed standard, the dog is described as giving the “impression of great strength for its size”.
The foundation breed for the XL Bully was the American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT). A particular straight of this dog was crossbred in order to focus on a stockier physique. Breeders eventually concluded that the new dogs were different enough from APBTs to be considered a different breed entirely.
These mixed breeds were also mixed with the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge to get certain physical characteristics and personality traits.
It was first recognised by the American Bully Kennel Club in 2004.
According to the group, the main aime for this breed was to produce a dog with a lower prey drive and more of the “bully” traits and characteristics than the American Staffordshire Terrier. Mass and heavy bone was also prioritized to ensure such a look.
XL Bullies were responsible for over 50 percent – 10 of 19 – of the deaths caused by dogs in the UK between 2021 and 2023.
MP John Hayes raised the issue in the House of Commons in June 2023 and called on the Government to ban the breed.
Ownership of American XL Bullies is restricted under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
It has been against the law to sell, give away, abandon or breed the dogs since December 31, 2023.
But now, from February 1, it is a criminal offence to own an XL Bully without owning an exemption certificate. Those dogs that are registered must be kept on a lead and muzzled while in public.
Anyone choosing not to keep their XL bully had to take it to a registered vet to be euthanised by January 31, 2024. They could claim up to £200 compensation.
The Government says over 150 compensation claims were received, alongside over 35,000 applications for exemptions. Unregistered XL Bullies can be seized by police, while the owners can face a criminal record and unlimited fine.
