Looking after your XL bully

The government has added XL bully types to the list of banned dangerous. It's now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, exchange, gift, rehome, abandon or allow XL bully type dogs to stray in England and Wales. You should also have a certificate of exemption from the government and comply with additional restrictions including keeping them on a lead and muzzled in public, having them neutered and having third party liability insurance.

In Scotland, as of 23 February 2024, XL bully type dogs are now also banned. It has become an offence to breed from, sell, abandon or give away dogs of this type. You must also have your XL bully type on a lead and wearing a muzzle when in public.

Scottish XL bully type owners will have until 31 July 2024 to apply for a certificate of exemption for their dog. The Scottish government have confirmed that the cost of exemption will be £92.40 per dog.

Northern Ireland has announced that similar restrictions around the keeping of XL bully types will be introduced. No timeframe has been set yet for the introduction of this new scheme.

What is an XL bully?

An American bully XL, known as an XL bully, is the largest of the American bully types. They are not 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.

How is an XL bully ‘type’ defined?

XL bullies are crossbreeds and Kennel Club breed standards do not exist. The government has therefore created its own specifications for the breed, which 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 considered.

The government has confirmed that the minimum height specified is a necessary requirement to meet the XL bully type specifications. The height should be measured from the ground to your dog’s withers (the top of the shoulders). For adult males this is from 20 inches, and females from 19 inches. Dogs that do not meet this height requirement will not be typed as an XL bully. If they do, they should be assessed  against the rest of the specifications.

Read more on the ban

I own an XL bully

We know that many XL bully type dogs are much-loved family pets. To keep them from being seized, you'll need to make sure:

• you have your certificate of exemption
• 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 or walk an XL bully type.

You'll also need to tell Defra if you move address (except for the permitted 30 days when your dog can be kept at another address within a 12 month period), is exported or if your dog passes away.

I’m worried my puppy might look like an XL bully type?

It’s now illegal to sell or rehome an XL bully type puppy. However, the specifications for an XL bully type are broad. If you're concerned your dog might fall into these specifications, the government recommends taking a precautionary approach.

You should contact Defra directly for more advice on whether your dog is of type and further information on how to have your dog exempted.

Now that the government’s XL bully exemption scheme has closed, you must go through the existing process for exempting a dog listed as a banned breed. This will involve going to court to prove your dog is not a danger to the public.

More on exempting your dog

If you have applied for a certificate but not received it

If you’re asked to show your certificate of exemption but you have not yet received it, you can show evidence that you’ve applied.

Defra may be able to help you complete your application if you:

• paid the fee but did not send the application before midday on 31 January 2024
• did not pay the fee but sent the application before midday on 31 January 2024

They may also be able to help you if you made a mistake in your application (such as providing an incorrect payment reference number). For help with your application, contact [email protected] with your name, postcode and the name of your dog.

Can my dog leave the exemption scheme?

The government has confirmed that there will be a way of leaving the exemption scheme if you applied for exemption as a precautionary approach.  

We are waiting for more details from Defra on this process, but it’s unlikely your fee will be refunded.

Restrictions for XL bully types

Mandatory microchipping

Microchipping is required for all dogs by law. Check that your dog is microchipped and that your name, address and contact details are up to date.

Proof of neutering for XL bully types

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 a certain date depending on the age of your dog.

Neutering and form deadlines

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

• If your dog was under seven months old on 31 January 2024, they must be neutered and you must return a completed form to Defra by 20 June 2025
• If your dog was aged seven to 12 months on 31 January 2024, they must be neutered and you must return a completed form to Defra by 31 December 2024
• If your dog was older than one on 31 January 2024, they must be neutered and you must return a completed form to Defra by 30 June 2024