XL Bullies have been in the news recently. On the 15th September, the UK government proposed adding them to the dangerous dogs act. But if you own an XL Bully, what does this mean? Whether you have a lovely puppy or an adult bully dog, Zigzag is here to help and support you.
In this article, we’ll help you understand what a Bully XL dog is, if XL Bully dogs are legal, and whether they are actually dangerous or not. We’ll also look at the best way of training your Bully XL and how to prepare them for the future.
Zigzag understands that every breed of dog needs training – XL Bullies included. But we also know that different breeds have different needs, and therefore have different quirks to them. That’s why we personalised our training programmes to your dog’s breed. With an exclusively positive reinforcement training framework, we’re really setting them up for success. There really is no need to be tough on dogs, no matter what their breed is.
Download the Zigzag Puppy training app today and you can start training your XL Bully puppy from the very start. If you’re already a couple of steps into your journey, you can always work on lead walking…we’re sure you’ve gathered they are very strong dogs. You can also chat with our professional dog trainers for any tips or advice you need along the way. Aren’t you glad to hear they’re available 24/7 via the app?
What is an XL Bully?
An XL Bully is a breed of dog developed in America. It is the largest of the Bully type dogs, and can weigh up to 60kg. The Bully breed was originally a cross-breed made of a mix of an American Pit Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. To make the Bully XL the Cane Corso, American Bulldog, American Staffordshire Terrier, and other Bulldogs were added to the mix to make them a very strong and powerful breed. Sounds a bit like a Frankenstein experiment, doesn’t it?
But in the world of ‘Kennels’, the Bully XL is not currently recognised as a breed. According to the UK Kennel Club, the American Kennel Club, or official Kennel Clubs such as members of the Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI), the Bully XL is not a breed. But we all know it is.
Are XL bullies legal?
Yes, the American Bully XL also known as the XL Bully is currently legal to own in the UK. However, the government intends to add it to the banned breed list by the end of 2023. After this time, if you own an XL Bully you will need to have them added to the UK exemption list which is a database of dogs who are registered as a banned breed.
Are XL bullies dangerous?
While breed generalisations are a source of much discussion, evidence points to
70% of fatal dog attacks being caused by XL bullies since 2021. Dog-on-human aggression is generally quite rare, but there is some evidence that many dogs within this breed are genetically aggressive, having been caused by unscrupulous breeding and inappropriate husbandry and training. Humans are just the cause of everything bad, aren’t they.
As dog lovers, we can all agree that Border Collies love to herd, and gundogs like to retrieve. Therefore, it shouldn’t be beyond us that certain breeds of dog bred for bull baiting and dog fights are likely to have inherited those traits too.
What happens if XL bullies get banned?
Bullies XL will be added to the banned breeds of dog list as per the 1991 Dangerous Dogs Act. Owning them will be illegal unless owners successfully add them to the exemption list. If successful, then they are likely to have the following conditions placed upon their ownership:
- Mandatory neutering and microchipping
- Muzzled and on a short lead in public at all times
- Kept in a secure, escape-proof place
- Owner must have third party liability insurance for them
XL bully puppy training
If you have an XL Bully puppy, then it’s very important you train them in the right way from the start by using positive reinforcement training and a good training programme like the
Your XL Bully puppy will need to learn to walk nicely on a loose lead. You’ll make both of your lives much, much easier by training this when they are young… it will save you the headache and possibly armache later! Bully breeds are strong and powerful, so pulling on the lead can be a real problem. Make sure you get them a well-fitting harness, lead, and use plenty of treats! Treats are the key to everything in your puppy training journey. It won’t take you long to figure that one out.
Now that you’re at it, you’ll want to also get started on how to stop your dog jumping up, and how to teach your dog to ‘leave it’. These will undoubtedly come in handy in many situations for any puppy, but you especially want to have them in your puppy training toolbox for your XL Bully puppy.
FAQs
What are the best XL bully muzzles?
The best muzzle for an XL Bully is a basket type as it allows them to drink, pant, and breathe freely. Yes, we know it might feel a little mean to have to put a muzzle on your puppy. But it truly is best for everyone, especially for them…you might get ugly looks from some people, but it’s better to get those than a nasty fine.
Getting your dog used to wearing a muzzle shouldn’t be a battle, either. Read our guide to how to muzzle train your dog to know all about making it a smooth transition.
What is a good XL Bully lead and collar?
You’ll want to go for a lead and collar that are strong, secure, and safe for your XL Bully. We’ve made an entire selection of training leads to help you out with the vast array of options, as well as instructions for how to choose the right collar for your puppy.
How do I pick a harness for an XL bully?
A Y-shaped padded harness will be the most comfortable for your XL Bully to wear. We like the Bullybillows range – they’ll hug around their body without any pulling, pinching, or choking…who doesn’t love that. !
Are XL Bullies legal?
XL Bullies are currently legal, although they are set to be added to the banned breeds list by the end of 2023.
