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XL Bully Ban: A picture of an XL Bully dog laying on grass.

The UK's XL Bully Ban Explained

The government has added the American XL Bully to its list of banned dangerous dogs in England and Wales. 

From December 31, 2023, it will be illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL bully-type dogs to stray.

The band does not currently apply in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

If you currently have an XL bully type, from December 31, 2023, you’ll have to follow specific rules including keeping your dog on a lead an muzzled when being walked in public.

You’ll also need to apply for the government’s exemption scheme by January 31, 2024, to get your dog exempted and comply with additional restrictions including having them neutered as well as having third-party liability insurance.

From February 1, 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL bully type without a certificate of exemption.

As a pet business owner, pet parents may look to you for guidance when it comes to the rules and regulations surrounding their pets.

That's why you need to understand the rules and how they might apply to the animals that come into your care.

What is an XL Bully?

American Bully XLs aren't currently a registered breed with the Kennel Club in the UK and are a type of dog that has been bred from several different dog breeds.

There are no exact specifications for this type of dog, so the government has created its own specifications for the breed, which include the size of their head and muzzle, their build, and the height and length of their body.

Breed name, genetics and parentage are not considered.

The government has confirmed that the minimum height specified is a requirement to meet the XL bully-type specifications.

The height should be measured from the ground to the top of your dog's shoulders.

For adult males, this is from 20 inches and for females from 19 inches.

Take a look at this video, created by the Blue Cross on how to measure your dog to check these height requirements.

If your dog doesn't meet this height requirement, they will not be typed as an XL bully. If they do you'll need to assess them against the rest of the specifications to determine whether they fall under the government's classification for the breed.

You can find the full list of specifications here.

What if you own an XL Bully?

If you've checked the requirements and your dog meets the specifications, you'll need to apply for a certificate of exemption under the government's exemption scheme. The certificate will cost £92.40 and can be applied for here.

As part of the application, you’ll be asked to provide:

  • details for your dog (eg name and age)
  • their microchip number - ask your vet if you're unsure about this
  • third party public liability insurance start date
  • proof of neutering (by the dates below)
  • your details and date of birth (you need to be at least 16 years old to own an XL bully type)

As well as obtaining a certificate of exemption, you'll also need to abide by the following rules. You'll need to make sure that your dog:

  • is microchipped and neutered (by the deadlines provided)
  • they are kept on a lead and muzzled in a public place, including in cars
  • they are kept in a secure place so they cannot escape
  • you have third-party public liability insurance cover for your dog

You also need to be at least 16 years old to own an XL bully type.

Microchipping

Check that your dog is microchipped and that your name, address and contact details are up to date. If you need to check your dog's microchip to ensure these details are up to date, click here to start your search.

Neutering

Ask your vet for proof of neutering using this form. Your vet may charge for this service.

You’ll need to submit the form to Defra by June 30, 2024 if your dog is older than one on January 31, 2024. You’ll need to submit the form to Defra by December 31, 2024 if your dog is younger than one on January 31, 2024.

If your dog is not neutered, speak to your vet about scheduling in this procedure as soon as possible.

Third-party public liability insurance cover

You’ll need to take out third-party liability insurance for your dog which protects you if your dog injures another person.

Muzzle training

Dogs will also need to wear a muzzle when out in public, including in cars, and be walked on a lead at all times.

If you have not already started, you can get your dog used to wearing a muzzle gradually by using positive reward-based training so that it’s a good experience for you and your dog.

You can search for dog trainers in your local area using Book Your Pet. Just click here.

If you're a dog trainer, you can advertise your services to help pet parents with training their pets using the Book Your Pet business software.

For full details on how to check if a dog is classed as an XL Bully under the government's regulations, and further information on what you need to do before the rules come into place on December 31, 2023, visit the government's website. Click here.