XL Bully Pitbulls are a specific type of Pitbull that stands out for their large size. They typically weigh between 70-120 pounds and have a muscular build.
Their size and strength can make them intimidating, but it's essential to remember that Pitbulls are often misunderstood. Many people believe Pitbulls are inherently aggressive, but this is not true.
In fact, Pitbulls are known for their friendly and affectionate nature, which makes them a popular breed as family pets. They are also highly intelligent and easy to train.
However, their size and strength require special care and attention, including regular exercise and proper training to prevent behavioral problems.
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What Is an
So, you're wondering what an XL Bully is? An XL Bully is a type of dog that fits certain physical characteristics, including a large, muscular body and a blocky head.
The UK Government has put together official guidance to help define what an XL Bully dog is, which involves checking the dog's physical characteristics. This guidance includes a height range for males of 20in (51cm) and females of 19in (48cm).
An XL Bully typically has a heavily muscled body with a broad, deep chest and well-sprung ribs. This muscular build is one of the defining features of an XL Bully.
Here are some key characteristics of an XL Bully:
- A large dog with a muscular body and blocky head.
- Height of males from 20in (51cm) and height of females from 19in (48cm).
- Heavily muscled body with a broad, deep chest with well-sprung ribs.
Breed Information
The American Bully breed has undergone significant selective breeding, resulting in a larger, more powerful descendant of the pitbull.
This breed can grow up to 51cm (20 inches) tall and weigh more than 78kg (173lb) in huge cases.
The American Bully is known to have a lifespan of up to 13 years and a diet consisting of pet food, which is omnivorous.
Here is a list of some key characteristics of the American Bully breed:
- Habitat: Domestic
- Location: Worldwide
- Lifespan: Up to 13 years
- Size: Up to 51cm (20 inches) tall
- Weight: More than 78kg (173lb)
- Colour: Often grey, brown or black with white underside, but with many variants
- Diet: Pet food, omnivorous
- Predators: None
- Top Speed: Slow
- No. of Species: 1
- Conservation Status: Not wild
American Bullies
The American Bully is a modern breed of dog that's been recognized as a breed since 2004 by the American Bully Kennel Club (ABKC). It's a relatively new breed, and it's been gaining popularity in recent years.
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There are four categories of American Bullies, classified by the ABKC: XL, Pocket, Standard/Classic, and XL. The size of an American Bully can vary greatly, with some weighing more than 78kg (173lb).
The average lifespan of an American Bully is up to 13 years, which is a good thing if you're planning on having one as a pet. They're also known to be omnivorous, which means they can thrive on a variety of diets.
Here are some key facts about American Bullies:
American Bullies are often grey, brown, or black with a white underside, but they come in many different variants. They're generally slow-moving, which is a good thing if you have young children or pets that might get hurt.
Breed Genetics
Some breeds have a long history of selective breeding, which has led to distinct genetic characteristics.
The Labrador Retriever, for example, was developed from the St. John's Water Dog, a breed known for its exceptional swimming ability and strong work ethic.
The Poodle's low-shedding coat is a result of its genetic makeup, which makes it an ideal breed for people with allergies.
The Dalmatian's spotted coat pattern is caused by a genetic variation that affects the production of the pigment eumelanin.
Many breeds, such as the Boxer and the Bull Terrier, have a genetic predisposition to certain health issues, such as heart problems and skin allergies.
Ownership and Regulations
In the UK, XL Bully dogs are not recognized by the main dog associations, which makes it difficult to define them and could lead to unintended consequences if a ban is implemented.
The XL Bully breed is recognized by the US United Kennel Club, but it's essential to note that this recognition is not universal.
XL Bully dogs come in four categories: pocket, standard, classic, and XL, with the XL category typically being around 33-50cm in height and weighing 20-60kg.
The breed is not recognized by the Kennel Club, which could make it challenging to enforce a ban.
Explore further: How to Breed an American Bully
The current law in the UK prohibits owning, breeding, or selling dogs on the list drawn up by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), but it also prohibits having a dog that is dangerously out of control.
This law can be punished by prison sentences and unlimited fines.
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Ownership and Regulations
In the UK, owning an XL bully is a complex issue due to the breed's lack of recognition by the main dog associations.
The XL bully is a crossbreed between a pitbull terrier and other breeds, and its size varies across four categories: pocket, standard, classic, and XL, with the latter typically ranging from 33-50cm in height and weighing between 20-60kg.
It is against the law to own, breed, or sell dogs on the list drawn up by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which includes banned breeds like the pit bull terrier.
However, the law also states that having a dog that is dangerously out of control can be punished by prison sentences and unlimited fines.
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Animal charities like the RSPCA have been pushing for an end to breed-specific bans, which they say work against dogs perceived to be "dangerous" and lead to thousands of "innocent" animals being put down.
Dogs Trust wants to see the current dog control laws replaced with one consolidated law that focuses on individual actions and dangerous owners, rather than breed-specific legislation.
There are currently four banned breeds of dog in the UK, including the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, dogo Argentino, and fila Brasileiro, and adding the XL bully to the list could inadvertently outlaw other breeds.
For more insights, see: Types of American Bully Breeds
Reporting Dogs
Reporting a dog to the authorities can be a serious matter, and it's essential to know when and how to do it. If you see an XL Bully dog without a muzzle or lead in public after 31 December 2023, you can report it to the police.
You can also report a dog if you're concerned about its safety or well-being. For example, if you notice a dog with aggressive behavior, regardless of its breed, you should report it to the police or local authority.
If you're worried about the cruelty or neglect of any pet, there are specific organizations you can contact. In England and Wales, you can report concerns to the RSPCA, while in Scotland it's the SSPCA, and in Northern Ireland it's the USPCA.
It's worth noting that the PDSA has an official statement on the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) that you can read for more information on their stance on banning dog breeds.
What Will the Ban Mean?
The XL Bully ban is now in effect in England and Wales, and owners need to take action to comply with the law.
The UK Government announced the ban on 31 October 2023 under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. There are three different stages to help owners comply with the law.
As of the ban, owners of XL Bully dogs will need to take steps to ensure they are in compliance. This may involve rehoming their dogs or taking other necessary actions.
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Limited Quantity
There are only a few variants of the breed, with XL bullies being one of the three general flavours.
Each variant has its own unique characteristics, ranging from the relatively petite micro and pocket bullies to the heavyweights, known as XL bullies.
XL bullies can weigh more than the average human, making them a significant consideration in terms of space and care requirements.
This limited quantity of variants means that owners need to carefully consider which type of bully is best suited to their lifestyle and living situation.
The rarity of some variants can also impact the availability of breeders and rescue organizations, making it essential to do thorough research before making a decision.
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Myths and Facts
XL Bully Pitbulls are often misunderstood, but let's set the record straight. They are not inherently aggressive.
Pitbulls are a breed that has been unfairly maligned by media and popular culture, but in reality, they are friendly and outgoing. They have a strong instinct to please their owners.
Consider reading: American Bully Pocket Pitbulls
XL Bully Pitbulls are a specific type of Pitbull that is bred to be larger and more muscular than other Pitbulls, but this doesn't mean they're more aggressive. In fact, they're often just as friendly and loving as other Pitbulls.
Their large size can be intimidating, but with proper socialization and training, XL Bully Pitbulls can make wonderful family pets.
American Facts
The American Bully is a domestic breed found worldwide. Its lifespan can be up to 13 years.
They come in various sizes, with some individuals reaching up to 51cm (20 inches) in height.
Their weight can range from over 78kg (173lb) in some cases, but typically not more than 80lb.
The American Bully's diet consists of pet food, which is omnivorous in nature.
There are no natural predators for this breed.
In terms of speed, the American Bully is generally considered slow.
Here is a summary of the breed's basic characteristics:
They're Not
American bullies are profoundly muscular breeds, larger and thicker than pitbulls.
The American bully has a shorter muzzle and a more compact facial structure compared to pitbulls.
It's suggested that the American bully is a less aggressive version of a pitbull, bred from pitbull ancestry mixed in with genetics from other, more docile breeds.
Pitbull breeding is illegal in the UK, but buying pitbull sperm from the US and using it to produce XL bullies is a loophole that many are exploiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are XL bullies the same as pitbulls?
No, XL Bullies are not the same as Pitbulls, although they share a common ancestry. XL Bullies are a distinct breed developed through selective breeding and inbreeding of Pitbulls and other breeds
Are XL bullies aggressive?
XL Bullies are not inherently aggressive, but rather known for their loyalty and protective nature. They are a loving breed that deserves a closer look.
Sources
- https://www.dogbreedinfo.com/p/pitbullvsamericanbully.htm
- https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/xl-bully-ban-in-england-and-wales-what-you-need-to-know
- https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/xl-bully-dog-attack-breed-b2424483.html
- https://bullywatch.link/breed-genetics/
- https://factanimal.com/american-bully/
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