XL Bully dogs
In 2024, the UK Government added XL Bully dogs to a list of dogs which are now banned in England and Wales - we understand this was hugely concerning and upsetting for owners, as well as ÅÝܽÊÓƵ organisations like ourselves.
The RSPCA has always been opposed to this ban, which we don’t believe is effective in protecting the public. We do not agree with the announced by the UK Government but we must comply with the law and we remain committed to supporting dog owners.
Important changes to the requirements for keeping a banned dog
Owners must continue to have valid third-party public liability insurance in place until at least 30 June 2026 for their Certificate of Exemption to remain valid. From 1 July 2026, the legal requirement to hold third-party insurance will be removed.
Is it illegal for me to own an XL Bully dog?
As of 1 February 2024, it has been illegal to own an XL Bully unless the dog is exempted. The deadline for owners to self-exempt XL Bullies ended in January 2024. This means that if you think you own an XL Bully and you do not have a valid certificate of exemption then your dog is illegal to own. A court will need to decide if your dog can be exempted from the law and this requires an application from the police. You will need to speak to your local police force to find out more. We would also recommend contacting a group like or who can advise you of your rights and the options available to you.
We understand how upsetting this is for owners. The law also means that it is illegal for animal charities to rehome an XL Bully.
What should I do if I own an XL Bully who has been exempted?
If you own an exempted XL Bully, you must by law follow a number of requirements.
Owners must continue to comply with all conditions of your Certificate of Exemption at all times. This includes important safeguards such as keeping their dog muzzled and on a lead in public, and ensuring their dog is kept securely and responsibly at home.
Your dog must be neutered.
You must adhere to the conditions otherwise you could be committing a criminal offence and your dog could be seized. You must be able to show the Certificate of Exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within 5 days.
As always, if you are concerned about your dog's behaviour, we would urge you to speak to your vet and they can refer you to an if necessary.
Owners of XL Bully dogs need to visit the .
What should I do if I haven’t exempted my XL Bully or am unsure if my dog is an XL Bully?
If you think you have an XL Bully dog and your dog is not exempted, you should . We would also recommend contacting a group like DDA Watch or Deed not Breed who can advise you of your and the options available to you.
What are the list of conditions of ownership?
Under the current legislation, illegal types of dog are assessed and can be exempted if a court decides their behaviour does not pose risk to public safety and if the owner is considered approved. The dog will then have restrictions placed on them such as being muzzled in public and not being allowed off lead.
How do I know if I have an XL Bully dog?
The UK Government published an official definition of an XL Bully dog in 2023. The height of your dog is a necessary requirement to be identified as an XL Bully. This is the distance from the ground to the withers (top of the shoulders) and no higher. The minimum height for an adult male is from 20in (51 cm) at the withers i.e. top of the shoulders and for an adult female from 19in (48cm) at the withers. If the minimum height is not met then your dog is not considered an XL Bully and no further assessment will be needed.
If you think you have an XL Bully dog and your dog is not exempted, you should . They will assess and determine whether or not your dog is illegal.
We would also recommend contacting a group like or who can advise you of your rights and the options available to you.
Can I report an XL Bully dog to you?
We only take reports about cruelty and neglect, regardless of breed. We do not deal with complaints about dogs acting dangerously - please take any concerns about aggressive dogs to the police. As the current law stands, it is an offence to allow a dog of any breed or type to be dangerously out of control in a public or private place. There is no need to report American Bully XLs to the police unless you are concerned about their behaviour.
Do you have any information about how to stay safe around dogs?
Please read our advice on meeting unfamiliar dogs and how to keep children safe around dogs.
What is an offence now the ban has been introduced?
The XL Bully dog is a prohibited type of dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. This means it is illegal to sell, breed or give away an XL Bully dog in England and Wales. It is also against the law to own an XL Bully dog in England and Wales without an exemption certificate. Owners of exempted dogs must adhere to the conditions at all times otherwise they may be committing a criminal offence and could have their dog seized.
Will dogs be required to wear a muzzle and lead if I rent a private enclosed field?
Guidance from the Crown Prosecution Service states that exempt dogs do not need to be leashed or muzzled on private grounds, provided the area is completely enclosed and not accessible to the general public.
What support and information is available for XL Bully owners?
For owners whose dogs may be or are affected by dangerous dog legislation e.g. a potential prohibited type of dog or are seeking help with an exempted dog, we recommend contacting an organisation like or . They provide a free confidential service for owners and can provide support and information.
What’s going to happen to all of the dogs in our care?
It is now illegal for us to rehome to members of the public. This is a difficult time for our staff who have been caring for dogs who are likely to be affected.It is now illegal for us to rehome to members of the public. This is a difficult time for our staff who have been caring for dogs who are likely to be affected.
Will the RSPCA continue to fight this ban?
We've been campaigning for many years against the Dangerous Dogs Act and Breed Specific legislation, which bans dogs simply because of how they look, and we are deeply concerned about the addition of another dog to the list of banned breeds. We are part of the Dog Control Coalition and all of us in the sector believe that this ban will not effectively protect the public. Despite this change in law, we will continue to campaign for more effective dog control in the UK, which focuses on prevention and early intervention, regardless of breed.
