The XL Bully dog breed is a large and powerful dog that requires special care and attention. The XL Bully breed is a result of selective breeding of the American Bulldog, the American Pitbull Terrier, and the English Bulldog.
They can weigh between 120 to 200 pounds and stand between 17 to 20 inches tall at the shoulder. This size requires a large living space and plenty of exercise to keep them healthy and happy.
The XL Bully breed is known for its gentle and affectionate nature, making them great family pets. They are often described as loyal and loving companions.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their large size means they need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent health issues.
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What is an XL Bully Dog?
An XL Bully dog is a specific size variation of the American Bully breed. They typically have an adult height of over 20 inches (51 cm) – 23 inches (57 cm) at the withers.
The XL American Bully is larger than the Standard American Bully, but not as large as the XXL variation. Their build and body type are the same as the Standard American Bully, with a heavily muscled, massive, bulky body.
To be considered an XL Bully, a dog must meet the breed standards set by reputable kennel clubs, such as the American Bully Kennel Club (AKBC) and the European Bully Kennel Club (EBKC). These clubs recognize the XL size variation within the American Bully breed.
Here's a comparison of the size variations within the American Bully breed:
Note that the XXL variation is not officially recognized by all kennel clubs, but is sometimes used informally by breeders and owners to describe dogs that are larger than the XL variation.
Safety and Liability
Safety and Liability is a top concern for anyone considering an XL Bully Dog. The XL Bully Dog is a hybrid breed, and as such, it can inherit traits from both the Bulldog and the Pitbull, which are often misunderstood breeds.
The XL Bully Dog's muscular build and strong jaw can make it a formidable opponent, but it's also a loving and gentle companion. However, its strength requires careful handling and socialization from an early age.
As with any large breed dog, the XL Bully Dog requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. This can be achieved through daily walks, playtime, and training sessions.
The XL Bully Dog's short coat makes it a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are still essential for its overall health and hygiene.
In terms of liability, it's essential to consider the XL Bully Dog's potential for damage if it's not properly trained or socialized. This includes damage to property, injury to people, and potential legal consequences.
Overall, the XL Bully Dog is a loving and loyal companion, but it requires careful consideration and attention to its specific needs and traits.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your XL Bully dog happy and healthy, regular exercise is essential. They need at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, which can be a combination of walks, runs, and playtime.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but regular nail trimming and ear cleaning are a must.
XL Bully dogs are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia and allergies, so regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to catch any potential problems early on.
Space Requirements
XL and XXL American Bullies can thrive in smaller spaces, but they'll still need room to move around freely.
You should provide access to a yard or an indoor area where your dog can exercise and play.
Larger dogs like XL and XXL American Bullies require more space due to their size, so make sure you have enough room for them to live comfortably.
To keep your dog physically active, consider enrolling them in regular exercise routines or providing plenty of opportunities for playtime.
Interactive toys and training exercises are great ways to mentally stimulate your dog and keep them happy.
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Cost Estimate
The cost of owning an American Bully XL is not for the faint of heart. Prices can range from £650 to £3,000, depending on various factors like the rarity of the breed and whether you're buying a purebred or a crossbreed.
If you're planning to buy a puppy, be prepared for the prices to vary widely. Some puppies are on sale for as low as £100, but these prices are likely to be temporary, given the breed's impending ban.
To give you a better idea, here's a rough breakdown of the costs you can expect:
- Initial purchase price: £650-£3,000
- Neutering: not explicitly stated, but implied as a requirement
- Third-party public liability insurance: a must-have, with costs not specified
Keep in mind that these costs are just the tip of the iceberg. Owning a dog like an American Bully XL comes with a range of responsibilities and expenses, from food and vet bills to training and socialization.
Training and Behavior
XL and XXL American Bullies are highly trainable and eager to please their owners. They thrive on attention and affection, making them great companions.
Proper training and socialization from a young age is crucial to prevent behavioral issues such as aggression, separation anxiety, and destructive chewing. This is due to their large size and strength, which can be overwhelming if not managed correctly.
Ban Likelihood
The likelihood of a ban on XL bullies is a topic of much debate. Two of four fatal dog attacks in the UK in 2021 involved an XL bully, and this number increased to at least six out of ten in 2022.
A ban on XL bullies could be difficult to enforce due to the breed not being recognized by the Kennel Club, which could inadvertently outlaw other breeds. The breed's size categories include pocket, standard, classic, and XL, with XL bullies typically being around 33-50cm in height and weighing 20-60kg.
Emma Whitfield, a mother who lost her 10-year-old son to a dog attack, has been calling for a change in the law to ban the breed. Sir John Hayes, a close ally of Ms Braverman, has also been pushing for a ban on the XL bully breed.
Animal charities, including 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.
A fresh viewpoint: Is Xl Bully Banned in America
Exercise Requirements
XL and XXL American Bullies need at least an hour of daily exercise to stay fit and prevent boredom. This can be achieved through a brisk walk.
These breeds enjoy playing and interacting with their owners, so engaging in physical play like fetch, tug-of-war, and obstacle courses can help satisfy their exercise needs.
Swimming is an excellent way to provide low-impact exercise for XL and XXL American Bullies, strengthening their muscles and improving their cardiovascular health.
Training sessions are a great way to provide physical and mental stimulation for these breeds, which are highly intelligent and enjoy learning new things.
Weight pulling can be a suitable sport for XL and XXL American Bully dogs, but it's essential to consult with a veterinarian and professional dog trainer before starting the activity and to prioritize the dog's welfare.
Here are some recommended exercise activities for XL and XXL American Bullies:
Training and Behavior
Training and behavior are crucial aspects of owning an American Bully. They are highly trainable and eager to please their owners.
To prevent behavioral issues, it's essential to establish yourself as the pack leader from a young age. This will help them understand their place in the household and reduce the risk of aggression, separation anxiety, and destructive chewing.
Positive reinforcement training methods are a must when training American Bullies. They thrive on praise and rewards, making this approach a great way to build a strong bond with your dog.
Large size and strength require extra attention to training and socialization. Without it, they may develop behavioral issues that can be challenging to address.
Establishing a routine and being consistent in your training will help your American Bully feel secure and confident. This will also make training sessions more efficient and effective.
Positive reinforcement training methods can help avoid behavioral issues in the future. By using rewards and praise, you can encourage good behavior and discourage bad behavior.
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Similarities and Differences
The American Bully, despite its varying sizes, shares a common build and body type. Both the XL and XXL American Bully have a heavily muscled, massive, bulky body type.
Additional reading: Bulldog Type
Their size may differ, but their breed type remains the same. In fact, the main difference between the XL and XXL American Bully is their height and weight.
An adult male XL American Bully typically measures 20 to 23 inches at the withers, while a female's height ranges from 19 to 22 inches. Their weight range is 70-120 pounds.
The XXL American Bully, on the other hand, is even larger, with a weight range of 120-200 pounds and a height range of 23 inches or taller at the wither. They are known for their massive size and heavily muscled physique.
To produce a genuine XXL Bully, breeders need a high level of care and precision, as the goal is to maintain all the characteristics of the Standard American Bully dog. This requires a deep understanding of the breed's traits and genetics.
Suggestion: American Bully Puppy Weight Chart
Frequently Asked Questions
What breeds make up an XL bully?
The XL Bully is a mix of various breeds, including Pitbulls, American Bulldog, English Bulldog, Presa Canario, and Cane Corso. However, in the UK, it's not a defined breed, making identification challenging.
Is XL bully stronger than Pitbull?
The American XL Bully has a higher bite force than the Pitbull, with approximately 305 PSI compared to the Pitbull's 235 PSI. This suggests the XL Bully may have a slight edge in terms of physical strength.
Sources
- Q&A: What exactly are XL bully dogs and how dangerous ... (irishexaminer.com)
- What are American bully XL dogs – and why could ... (independent.co.uk)
- What is an XL bully and is the dog breed illegal in the UK? (thesun.co.uk)
- American Bully (ukcdogs.com)
- AKBC (theabkcdogs.org)
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