09/06/2026
Defra has updated the XL Bully guidance with two important changes.
First, from 1 July 2026, owners of exempt banned breed dogs, including XL Bullies, will no longer need third-party public liability insurance as a condition of exemption. Until 30 June 2026, insurance is still required. Defra says Dogs Trust will stop issuing new insurance policies for banned breed dogs after 30 June 2026, but existing subscriptions continue until renewal.
Second, from 1 November 2026, an exempt XL Bully must not be left in close contact with a child under 12 in a private place, such as a home or garden, unless there is adult supervision. Defra says this will become a condition of the dog’s Certificate of Exemption.
Current banned dog types in the UK
The banned types listed on GOV.UK are:
1. Pit Bull Terrier
2. Japanese Tosa
3. Dogo Argentino
4. Fila Brasileiro
5. XL Bully
GOV.UK is clear that whether a dog is a banned type depends on what the dog looks like, not its breed name, paperwork, DNA result, or how the owner describes it.
Current XL Bully rules in England and Wales
It is a criminal offence to own or possess an XL Bully in England and Wales unless the dog has a valid Certificate of Exemption. Applications for exemption have closed. New exemptions can now only be authorised by a court order.
It remains illegal to:
1. sell an XL Bully
2. abandon an XL Bully or allow it to stray
3. give away an XL Bully
4. breed from an XL Bully
5. have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
The lead must be securely held by someone aged at least 16. The dog must also be kept in secure conditions to prevent escape.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ban-on-xl-bully-dogs
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