By Laura Anderson
After a British MP called for the dog to be banned, the XL bully has been all over the news. There has been a split in the country over whether or not banning the breed is the solution. The American XL bully was bred in the 1980s. It was made from a mix of several dog breeds, including: the American Pit Bull Terrier, the American Staffordshire Bull Terrier, the American Bulldog, the English Bulldog, the Olde English Bulldogge, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the French Bulldog. All of these breeds were chosen to give the XL bully their signature muscular look. Many news outlets have focused on the dog’s relation to the American Pit Bull Terrier, an infamous dog breed that was banned in the UK in 1991 with the passing of the Dangerous Dogs Act. The pit bull was banned alongside the Japanese Tosa, the Dogo Argentino, and the Fila Brasileiro. The focus on this part of the dog’s genetic makeup immediately paints a picture that the dog is unsafe, as many know about the controversies surrounding the American Pit Bull Terrier and the fact the dog was banned for being “dangerous”. However, despite what the media wants you to believe, the pit bull makes up a very small portion of the XL bully’s DNA. By leaving out the other six breeds that make up this dog’s DNA, the press is purposely swaying the public to lean towards the belief that this dog is vicious. The majority of the breeds that make up the XL bully’s DNA have been bred to be companion dogs since before the 1980s. This means they are not part of the sporting or working dog groups and therefore lack prey drive and energy. These dog breeds are the perfect household companions, which implies that the XL bully would be to. Nevertheless, the decision has been made to ban the XL bully. Statistics show that these dogs have been involved in 351 attacks this year - 43% of 2023’s total. They have been responsible for 11 confirmed deaths since 2021. Other dog breeds such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier have been involved in 77 attacks, whilst the German Shepherd has been involved in 64 attacks. It can’t be denied that there is a stark difference between the XL bully and other dog breeds. But why is this? XL bullies are bred to be companion dogs, they are no more likely to attack a person than a labrador or a spaniel. Unfortunately, their muscular appearance and intimidating look has attracted the wrong crowd. There are many who look for a dog with a “scary” demeanour, and the XL bully fits that description. This has attracted the attention of backyard breeders - a huge problem in the modern day of dogs.
Backyard breeders make profit by selling pedigree dogs that are highly sought after. They produce these dogs in poor living conditions, only concerned about profit. Dogs that are produced by these backyard breeders are notorious for their health and behavioural issues.
This is because, unlike reputable breeders, they do not breed dogs that are in good health or have a good temperament. As a result, the puppies they produce are just the same and are more likely to cause harm to people and other dogs. On top of this, these backyard breeders will sell dogs to whoever will buy them. A reputable breeder will always ensure that the person they are selling to is ready to take on the responsibility of being a dog owner. They carry out the correct background checks to make certain that their puppies won’t be in the hands of owners who are incapable of caring for and training the dog.
Banning the XL bully will decrease the amount of dog attacks and fatalities, but only by that dog. Dog attacks have risen by 34% in the UK in the last 5 years; banning one breed does not mean that statistic will decrease also. The UK, and the world, is facing a prevalent issue in the dog community. Another breed will fill the XL bully’s shoes, just like they did with the American Pit Bull Terrier.
A ban on the XL bully is a short term solution. Our dog breeders need to be licensed in order to put a stop to backyard breeders. We also need to open up the discussion to dog licensing to ensure our pups end up in safe hands. Together we can work towards making the world a safer space for both us and furry friends.
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