07/11/2023
Important information regarding the XL Bully breed type ban:
From the 31st of December 2023, breeding, selling, advertising, rehoming, abandoning and allowing an American XL bully dog to stray will be illegal. From this date, it is a requirement to keep them muzzled and on a lead in public.
From the 1st of February 2024, it will be illegal to own an American XL bully dog if not registered.
The law is concerned with the type of dog rather than the breed, and prohibited types are identified according to their appearance rather than their breed name, genetics (DNA), or parentage. The assessment is based on ‘breed type’, as opposed to breed or crossbreed.
A dog doesn’t need to fit the physical description perfectly. If a substantial number of characteristics are met, it may be within scope of the ban and considered XL bully type. This is regardless of whether or not the dog has been sold as an XL bully or another breed.
Check if your dog is an American XL bully type dog using the Government’s Official definition to identify if your dog may that type. This involves checking the dog’s physical characteristics such as its size and height.
Height is an important factor. If your dog is smaller than the height specified in the Government’s definition, then they are not an American Bully XL, and you don’t need to look at any other aspects in the definition. The height should be measured from the ground to the withers (which means the point of the body immediately behind the neck, at the top of the shoulders), not any higher point on the dog.
Height:
Adult male from 20 inches (51 cm) at the withers.
Adult female from 19 inches (48cm) at the withers.
If your dog is larger than this height, then they still may not be an American Bully XL. You need to look at all the other elements of the definition.
To keep an American Bully XL dog, you must ensure they are:
- microchipped.
- neutered (or if your dog is less than one year old on 31 January 2024, they must be neutered by 31 December 2024).
- kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public.
- kept in a secure place so that they can’t escape.
Owners must:
- have third party liability insurance against your dog injuring other people.
- be aged over 16.
- show the ‘Certificate of Exemption’ when asked by a police officer or council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days.
- let the Index of Exempt Dogs know if you change address.
Dogs Trust and the RSPCA offer support and information to owners which you can access through their websites.
