In the United States, Breed-Specific Legislation (BSL) has been implemented in various cities and states, often in response to concerns about public safety.
Many cities have enacted bans on the XL Bully breed, which is a specific type of pitbull.
The American Temperament Test Society has reported that the pitbull breed, which includes the XL Bully, has a passing rate of 86.8%, indicating that they are generally a friendly and outgoing breed.
Some cities have found that BSL does not necessarily lead to a decrease in dog bites or attacks, and may even lead to an increase in other types of aggression.
What Is a Dog?
A dog is a domesticated animal that comes in many shapes and sizes. They can be small or large, depending on the breed.
The XL bully dog is a specific type of dog that is known for its large size, weighing between 20-60kg. They have a heavy, large, and broad head and a blocky or slightly squared muzzle.
Dogs like the XL bully have a unique physical appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. Their large, blocky body gives the impression of great power for their size.
For your interest: American Xl Bully Size
What Are Dogs?
Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but did you know that some breeds can weigh over 60kg? The XL Bully is one example of a large breed that can reach such weights.
The XL Bully is a cross-breed that has elements of other breeds such as the American Bulldog, English Bulldog, and Olde English Bulldogge.
It's thought to have first been bred in the 1990s, and different variations of the American Bully include classic, pocket, standard, and extra-large, known as XL.
A fresh viewpoint: American Bully Mixed with English Bulldog
What Is an XL Bully?
An XL bully dog is a specific variant of the American bully dog, with a size category that refers to their height and weight.
They can grow to be around 33-50cm in height and weigh in at 20-60kg.
The XL bully dog has a "heavy, large and broad" head and a "blocky or slightly squared" muzzle.
Their body is "heavily muscled" with a "large, blocky body giving the impression of great power for size".
Their coat is glossy, smooth, and close.
Additional reading: Size Bully Stick
Assessing Your Dog's Health
If you're unsure about your dog's health, it's a good idea to consult with a veterinarian who can assess your dog's overall well-being.
Your dog's breed can play a significant role in determining its health, so if you own an XL bully-type dog, you should check the government's specifications to see if your dog falls under this category.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any potential health issues early on, just like how contacting your local Dog Legislation Officer (DLO) can provide guidance on your dog's classification.
Dogs that are prone to certain health issues may require more frequent veterinary visits, so being aware of your dog's breed and potential health risks is crucial.
Checking your dog's weight and body condition regularly can also help identify any potential health issues, but it's always best to consult with a veterinarian for professional advice.
Reaction to the Ban
The XL bully ban has been a source of controversy since the government began to consider it.
Pro-XL bully marches were seen across the UK over several months, with campaigners pleading with the government to not “bully our bullies” and recognise owners as the source of the issue rather than the dogs themselves.
The Dog Control Coalition, made up of several animal welfare organizations, expressed disappointment in the ban, stating that it doesn't address the root cause of the problem.
They believe the Dangerous Dogs Act is not fit for purpose because it focuses on specific breeds rather than prevention and tougher penalties for irresponsible owners.
Emma Whitfield, whose son was killed by an American XL bully, said the government can't assume that banning the breed will solve everything.
The ban may reduce numbers, but evidence suggests it won't eliminate the breed completely.
In fact, Metropolitan police data from 2015-16 showed that banned pit bull terriers were responsible for 19% of dog attacks across London, 25 years after the Dangerous Dog Act was introduced.
This raises concerns that similar breeds may be developed or introduced as a result of the ban, just like the American bully became more popular after the pit bull terrier was banned.
See what others are reading: Bull Terrier Breeding
Breed-Specific Legislation
The Dangerous Dogs Act, introduced after a series of media reports of attacks, made it illegal to own, sell, or breed four breeds of dog, including the American Pit Bull Terrier.
This legislation is the basis for breed-specific bans, which are laws that restrict or prohibit the ownership of specific breeds of dogs.
The XL Bully breed is not yet included on the banned list, but government plans could change this in the future.
On a similar theme: Why Is the Uk Banning Xl Bully
Are They Dangerous?
The debate about the XL bully's danger level is ongoing. Six of the 10 fatal dog attacks in the UK last year were linked to XL bullies.
Some people believe the XL bully is inherently aggressive due to potential inbreeding, which can exaggerate behaviors like aggression. Its strength and size make any attacks or bites more likely to be serious.
Bully Watch estimates XL bullies are responsible for about 44% of attacks this year, although there's little data on non-fatal dog attacks.
Campaign groups think the XL bully's popularity has turned the dogs into valuable commodities, leading to irresponsible breeding, rearing, and ownership, which can increase aggression in dogs.
For more insights, see: Korea Bans Eating Dogs
The Dangerous Dogs Act
The Dangerous Dogs Act was introduced after a series of media reports of attacks, with coverage focusing mainly on American pit bull terriers. It made it illegal to own, sell or breed four breeds of dog.
The Act specifically targets four breeds: the Pit Bull Terrier, the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro. XL Bullys would be included on this list if government plans go ahead.
The legislation aims to restrict the ownership and breeding of these breeds, which are considered to be high-risk. This is a result of their association with violent attacks in the past.
The government has created its own specifications for the breed, which include the size of their head and muzzle, their build, and the length of their body. Genetics, breed name, and parentage are not considered.
Breeding XL bully types will be illegal after 31 December 2023. If puppies are born after this date, you must keep them or have them put to sleep by a vet.
Rehoming centres will not be able to rehome XL bullies after 31 December 2023, even if they are well-behaved and well-socialised. This will result in many XL bullies being destroyed.
Here's an interesting read: Bully Pit Dog
Are Bans Effective?
Bans on specific breeds are often implemented to reduce the number of dog attacks, but evidence suggests they don't eliminate the problem entirely.
Making a breed illegal may reduce numbers, but it won't get rid of them completely. Metropolitan police data from 2015-16 showed that banned pit bull terriers were responsible for 19% of dog attacks across London.
The RSPCA points out that despite the prohibition of certain types of dogs, the number of hospital admissions for dog bites increased by 154% over a 20-year period. This suggests that banning specific breeds may not be the solution.
There's concern that banning one breed will simply lead to the development or introduction of similar breeds, as happened with the American bully after the pit bull terrier was banned.
For another approach, see: Banned Dog Breeds Uk Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an XL Bully a pitbull?
The American XL Bully is a breed that originated from the American Pit Bull Terrier, but it has undergone significant breeding changes over the years. While it shares a common ancestry, the XL Bully is a distinct breed with its own unique characteristics.
Why are XL bullies suddenly attacking?
XL Bullies are prone to sudden attacks due to their powerful genetic predisposition for predatory and reactive aggression, which was bred into them for fighting and attacking. Understanding this underlying cause is crucial to addressing the issue and ensuring the safety of people and other animals.
Sources
- American XL bully dogs to join banned breeds list from ... (standard.co.uk)
- What dogs are affected by the XL bully ban and what does ... (independent.co.uk)
- XL Bully (dogstrust.org.uk)
- XL bully dog ban explained (linkedin.com)
- Why are American XL bullies being banned and ... (theguardian.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com