Frequently Asked Questions

It can vary, dependant on the gender and needs of individual dogs, but we recommend budgeting a £1,000.

Some cost that need to be covered are:

• Neutering.
• Insurance.
• Muzzle and training.
• Registration.

If, as suspected the Government adds the XL Bully to the banned breed list of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 section 1.1.(c), then it will be criminal offence to keep an unregistered XL Bully.

Up to 6 months imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

A banned breed dog should be registered in the name of the keeper, that is the person who habitually feeds the dog.

However, in the case of family dogs you need to consider who’s name it is going to be registered in as under the current rules it cannot be transferred later with out a Courts permission.

In addition, a banned breed dog can not be out of your keepership for more that 30 days a year. So do not register in the name of someone who may be studying or working away from home.

It is highly likely if you live in Social Housing ran by your Local Authority or a large Housing Association, it is written into your agreement that you can not keep a banned breed of dog.

We are unsure what these landlords will do, but it is hopeful that they will continue to allow you to keep existing pets.

It is possible other landlords also have banned breeds written into their agreements , you need to check.

Unfortunately, at the moment no companies are offering third part insurance for banned breeds, however it is hopes some will do once there is a demand.

Insurance is available as a benefit when joining and becoming a member of the Dogs Trust, details here.

It is a possibility that the Government introduces a new rule that all dog owners hold third part insurance.

No, owners of banned breed dogs will be given ample opportunity to keep their dogs but will have to comply with certain regulation, not least walking your dog in a public place on a lead and with a muzzle.

Chief Veterinary officer confirmed on BBC news that there will not be a cull of XL Bullies.

Hard to say as there is no register and most XL Bully breeders are not registered, operating on the black market.

A good estimate is between 18,000 to 20,000.

The prime minister has said he is setting up a specialist panel to define what an XL Bully is.

He is going to struggle to get organisations to joining the panel as most disagree with breed specific bans.

It is unlikely the Kennel Club, Dogs Trust, RSPCA and other leading organisations will give any input into the addition of another breed to the register.

It is legislation that targets a specific breed because of what the dog looks like.

The ban will describe an XL Bully and if your dog fits the description then it is deemed to be an XL Bully.

If you are a supporter of Breed specific legislation, you can show your support by signing the Government petition here.

Because dogs are discriminated against for their looks rather than their deeds.

The result is many thousands of pleasant, content and safe dogs being caught up in the ban.

Almost every dog organisation in the UK opposes, this law, including the Veterinary association. 

No, it was not possible with Pit Bulls nor is it anticipated to be possible with XL Bullies.

XL Bullies are one of five types of American Bulldogs all carrying the same DNA, as the only difference is physical size.

The current rules for dogs registered on the banned breed register are:

Don’t panic or jump into and decisions, there is a possibility it wont happen.

As a precaution, it would be wise to start muzzle training your dog as this may take a while, sometimes the slower and longer it takes the better in the long run.

Battersea, offer advice on muzzle training, click here.

There is no definitive description of an XL Bully, so you cant know yet.

However in all probability, it is an American Bull dog where females are taller than 19″ and Males 20″

Other signs are likely to be:

• If it has a muscular body and a blocky head.
• Heavy bone structure
• A powerful appearance.
• When viewed from the side, its height is the same as its body length.
• Tail is no longer than its hock
• Head well chiselled.
• Eyes oval to almond shape.
• Chest is low so that it is level with front leg elbow.

Yes, you can write to your MP and sign the petition here.

No, most are well rounded family pets.

It is just the few that have been badly breed, inbred or treated poorly. Owners turn them into protection dogs, giving them encouragement and training to be aggressive.

To breed puppies you need to be licensed with your Local Authority.

Licensing ensures welfare standards and good practice but sadly most breeders are not licensed.

If you know anyone breeding any type of dog, you should report them to your Local Authority who will check if they are licensed, if not they will investigate the matter.

You can look for yourself by going to the website of your local council or the council where the breeder is based. Look for a section on licensing or animal welfare. The website may have a search function to help you find this information

Yes, until legislation is changes, legally XL Bullies are currently the same as any other dogs.

However, you have a duty of care and may want to consider implementing a new policy for XL Bullies.

A policy may include:

• Additional safety checks on the dogs character.
• Advising adopters the dog may be included as a banned breed in the future.
• Ensure adopters have the facilities and resources to look after the dog if it is included on the banned breed register.
• Asking owners to begin muzzle training of the dog.