The American Bully breed has been at the center of a heated debate over breed bans in recent years. In some cities, the breed is considered a public safety risk and is therefore banned.
The American Bully's reputation as a tough and intimidating breed has led to misconceptions about its temperament. In reality, the breed is known for its friendly and outgoing personality.
In 2004, the city of Miami-Dade County in Florida banned the ownership of the American Bully, along with several other breeds deemed to be "aggressive." The ban was enacted after a series of dog attacks in the area.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has spoken out against breed-specific legislation, citing a lack of evidence that the breed is more aggressive than others.
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Breed-Specific Issues
The UK's decision to ban American Bully XLs raises concerns about breed-specific issues.
The main reason it's difficult to accurately identify a dog's breed based on appearance alone is that it's extremely difficult to accurately identify a dog's breed based on appearance alone.
For another approach, see: How to Breed a American Bully
American Bully XLs are large, muscular, and big-headed dogs, weighing in excess of 100 pounds, and were bred by mixing Pit Bull Terriers with other stocky breeds, including various bulldogs and the American Staffordshire Terrier.
The UK's ban list already includes Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos, and Fila Brasileiros, and American Bully XLs will join them once banned.
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Problems with Banning Dog Breeds
Banning dog breeds is a complex issue, and one of the main problems is that it's extremely difficult to accurately identify a dog's breed based on appearance alone. This makes enforcement of breed-specific bans unscientific at best.
The UK government's decision to ban American Bully XLs is a case in point. The breed was recently introduced, and it's hard to tell it apart from other large, muscular dogs.
The problem with breed-specific bans is that they often target specific breeds based on their physical characteristics, rather than their behavior or temperament. This can lead to innocent dogs being unfairly targeted and punished.
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In the case of American Bully XLs, they will be prohibited from being bred or sold in England, Wales, and Scotland, and owners will be required to neuter, insure, and muzzle them when in public.
Here are some of the breeds that are currently banned in the UK:
- Pit Bull Terriers
- Japanese Tosas
- Dogo Argentinos
- Fila Brasileiros
These breeds will join American Bully XLs on the UK's ban list, but it's worth noting that the American Bully XL is not recognized by The Kennel Club in the UK or the American Kennel Club.
Breeders
XL Bully breeders have been instructed to cease mating XL Bully dogs, as breeding the breed will soon become a criminal offence.
In advance of this change, breeders are being forced to rethink their business models and find new ways to care for their existing dogs.
XL Bully breeders have been given a clear deadline to stop breeding the dogs, leaving them with a difficult decision to make about their future.
Ownership and Laws
Owning an American Bully requires careful consideration of local laws. As of February 1, 2024, owning an XL Bully that's not on the Index of Exempted Dogs will be an illegal offense.
The laws surrounding American Bully ownership vary by location, so it's essential to check local regulations. If you're planning to own an American Bully, make sure to research the specific laws in your area.
In some cases, owning an American Bully may be restricted or prohibited due to breed-specific legislation. This means that even if you're not aware of any laws against owning an American Bully, you may still be breaking the law.
If you're unsure about the laws in your area, it's always best to consult with a local authority or attorney for guidance.
MP Seeks Ban
MPs are pushing for a ban on American Bullies due to their aggressive nature.
The breed's history is marked by its origins in the 1990s as a cross between the American Pitbull Terrier and other breeds.
Some owners have reported that American Bullies can be gentle and loving, but this is not always the case.
The breed's muscular build and intimidating appearance can make them seem more aggressive than they actually are.
In some areas, American Bullies are already banned or heavily restricted due to public safety concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered an American Bully?
The American Bully is a breed developed in the 1980s, recognized by the UKC, with ancestry from various breeds including the American Pit Bull Terrier and American Bulldog. This unique mix of bloodlines sets the American Bully apart as a distinct breed with a rich history.
Sources
- https://bigthink.com/the-present/american-bully-xl-banning-dog-breeds/
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/sep/15/american-xl-bully-dog-will-be-banned-says-sunak
- https://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/23595510.mp-calls-ban-american-bully-xl-dogs/
- https://www.bullybillows.com/blogs/news/xl-bully-ban-new-laws-owners-next-steps
- https://www.bdtonline.com/american-xl-bully-dogs-ban-the-breed-or-tax-the-owner/article_631ddb98-597b-11ee-9b4e-5376bd0e8771.html
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