The American XL bully breed has been banned in England and Wales due to their involvement in vicious attacks that have resulted in fatalities. These dogs, a larger and stronger version of the American pit bull terrier, have raised concerns in the community. There is debate around whether the XL bully is intrinsically wired to be dangerous or if these fears are misplaced. Some experts believe that the breed is genetically inclined to be aggressive, while others argue against breed-specific legislation and suggest that individual behavior should be considered.
The XL bully has a distinct appearance, with a large and broad head, weighing between 20 to 60kg and standing 33 to 50cm in height. Despite not being recognized by major dog associations in the UK, the UK Bully Kennel Club describes the breed as gentle and loving. Concerns about the XL bully’s temperament have led to the ban on ownership without an exemption. Recent incidents, such as the killing of a professional dog walker and a father looking after a friend’s dog, have fueled the fear surrounding this breed.
Some critics argue that breeders have manipulated the XL bully by crossbreeding American pit bulls with Mastiffs and English bulldogs to create a dangerous animal. A well-known dog trainer has stated that XL bullies are “wrongly wired” in the head and pose a significant risk due to their potential for extreme aggression. Fatal attacks involving XL bullies have prompted calls for stricter sentencing for dog owners whose pets cause harm. However, defenders of bulldogs and pitbulls argue that these breeds are often misunderstood and unfairly targeted.
Major animal charities, including the RSPCA and Battersea, have criticized the breed-specific legislation and called for a focus on individual behavior rather than breed stereotypes. They believe that the current laws are ineffective and need to be updated to reflect scientific evidence that shows breed is not a reliable predictor of risk. Owners of XL bullies have shared their positive experiences with the breed, highlighting their loving and loyal nature when properly trained and socialized. The debate around the XL bully and breed-specific legislation continues to be a contentious issue among dog owners, experts, and lawmakers.
With the ban on American XL bullies now in place, dog owners who fail to register their pets could face criminal charges, including imprisonment and having their animals seized and destroyed. Recent incidents involving XL bullies being abandoned and put down have raised awareness of the potential dangers of this breed. Both supporters and critics of the ban have expressed their concerns and opinions on the matter, highlighting the complex nature of regulating specific dog breeds. The issue remains a topic of debate within the dog ownership community and among animal welfare advocates.
