How to Register an XL Bully in the UK (Updated for 15 Feb)

2024 has arrived and with it, owners of the XL bully-type dog will be wondering how to keep their beloved pet without the government authorities getting involved.

What’s Happening with XL Bully Dogs?

XL bullies were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act on 31 October 2023 in the UK, as a response to a number of serious attacks and fatalities that have been happening in and around the UK. Owners had up until 31 January to apply for a certificate of exemption to keep their pet, which hopefully all owners should have done!

From 31 December 2023, it was made illegal to breed, sell, advertise, rehome, abandon, and allow American Bully XL dogs to stray. These dogs need to now be on a lead at all times and be muzzled in public. Following this, as of 1 February 2024, it is illegal to own an American Bully XL dog if it’s not registered on the Index of Exempted Dogs.

What Does it Mean for My Best Friend?

While this may only affect a few hundred dogs across the UK, one can never be entirely sure if an XL bully-type dog will fall within the range of what qualifies as an XL bully-type. Either way, if your dog looks anything like it does in our image above and you’re not quite sure of your dogs pedigree, you should have registered your dog!.

Does it Apply to My Pet?

The government has determined that they are more concerned with the type of dog rather than the breed. Height is one of the most important factors as measured from the ground to the withers (point of the body behind the neck, at the top of the shoulders).

The government defines an American XL Bully as:

• An adult male from 20in (51cm) at the withers

• An adult female from 19in (48cm) at the withers

If your dog is larger than these guidelines, then it may not be an American Bully. There are some other elements too such as the shape and size of the head, the teeth being a level or scissor bite, having a heavy, muscular neck and/or body, and a few others. The full list of guidelines can be found on the government website.

Images of XL Bullies from the UK Government Website

The government has provided guidance as to what appears to be their definition of XL Bullies. While they do state that this does not unequivocally mean these dogs are Bullies or not, these are just guidelines. Also, someone has decided to crop the poor pup’s ears in the second set of images. Please don’t ever do that or attempt to have that done to your doggos.

What Happens If I Haven’t Registered My Dog

Sadly, if you haven’t registered your XL Bully, the time has now lapsed to do so. The official government advice is to contact your local police force and let them know that you haven’t applied for a Certificate of Exemption.

The website DOES state that new exemptions can only be authorised by a court order. If you have a legitimate excuse for missing the 1 February deadline, then you may still be in luck. Your best bet is to make sure that you have done all the existing legwork for your dog to prove that you’re a reliable owner.

Update: Floofers has contacted the Sussex Police to discuss XL Bullies and what the next step in the process is. The PC told us that they’d likely get a case number and then need to have a court order to get the dog registered. This does not mean that you have all the time in the world to register your dog!!! What it does mean though, is that if you’ve missed the deadline to have your XL Bully registered, getting in contact with the police sooner rather than later is the best thing to do.

If You Have Your Certificate of Exemption

Hopefully, you’ve registered your pal as an XL Bully with the government. You’ll need to keep a watch over them now due to the new regulations. The government suggests, that for the life of the dog, owners must do the following:

• Keep the dog at the same address as the certificate holder (you can keep the dog at a different address for a maximum of 30 days in a 12-month period)

• Tell Defra if you permanently change address (you do not need to do this if the dog is temporarily kept at a different address, which is allowed for a maximum of 30 days in a 12-month period)

• Tell Defra if the dog dies or is exported

• Have third-party public liability insurance for your dog and provide Defra with proof that it’s been renewed each year

• Keep the dog muzzled in public places – Defra recommends using a muzzle that does not inhibit the dog from panting, breathing or drinking

• Keep the dog on a lead in public places – the lead must be securely held by someone at least 16 years old

• Keep the dog in secure conditions that will stop it from escaping

When asked by a police constable or authorised local authority officer, you must also provide:

• Access to the dog to read its microchip

• Confirmation of suitable third-party liability insurance within 5 days of their request

• The Certificate of Exemption within 5 days of their request

New exemptions can only be authorised by a court order.

“If you do not follow the government requirements, your dog will no longer be exempt from the ban and could be taken away.”

Changing Insurance for Your XL Bully

Standard pet insurance does not cover your XL Bully, so you’ll likely already have third-party liability insurance specifically for your pet. If you’re looking to change, the DogsTrust can help out with their Companion Club, and their insurance will cost you £25 per annum. It includes up to £1m per claim if your dog causes damage or injury to another person, and also includes access to their 24-hour emergency advice vet.