History of American XL bully - US roots and 'banned' breeding background

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Rishi Sunak has declared that a ban on XL Bullies will become law by the end of the year (Image: Getty Images)
Rishi Sunak has declared that a ban on XL Bullies will become law by the end of the year (Image: Getty Images)

The UK is grappling with a concerning rise in fatal dog attacks, with at least 23 people falling victim to these tragic incidents in the last three years alone. American XL Bullies or similar breeds have been suspected to be involved in 12 of these attacks. In response to this growing crisis, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has declared that a ban on XL Bullies will become law by the end of the year.

But what exactly is an American XL Bully, and how did it come to be at the centre of this controversy? To comprehend the issue, we delve into the history of this breed and understand its origins, evolution, and the factors that have led to its association with tragic incidents in the UK.

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History of American XL bully - US roots and 'banned' breeding background dqxikeidqkikdinvHulk's puppies are in the UK, his owner claims (Instagram/iam_thehulk)

The emergence of the American XL Bully

The American Bully XL, also known as an XL Bully, represents the largest variant of the American Bully type, a relatively modern breed that traces its roots to the late 1980s in the United States. The breed's inception can be attributed to the deliberate crossbreeding of various dog types, particularly American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Bull Terriers. These breeds were intermingled to create what is now known as the American Bully family, which includes a range of sizes and variations.

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Although the American Bully received recognition from the United States United Kennel Club in 2013, it remains unacknowledged by both the UK Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club, underlining its somewhat unconventional status within the world of dog breeding and recognition.

History of American XL bully - US roots and 'banned' breeding backgroundHulk is massive (Instagram/iam_thehulk)
History of American XL bully - US roots and 'banned' breeding backgroundFully grown adult males can weigh more than 57 kilograms (9 stone) (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)

Pups bred in controversy

The American XL bully is not without its share of controversy. This breed, which emerged in the 1990s, is the largest and most imposing variation of the American bully family. It is believed to have been developed by selectively breeding from a variety of dog breeds, including the American Pit Bull Terrier, a breed that was banned in the United Kingdom in 1991 due to concerns over its aggression and potential danger to the public.

Characterized by a robust bone structure and a stocky, muscular physique, the American XL Bully is a formidable breed. Fully grown adult males can weigh more than 57 kilograms (9 stone) and reach heights of up to 53 centimetres.

History of American XL bully - US roots and 'banned' breeding backgroundBreed-specific legislation is a controversial topic (Loredana Sangiuliano/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock)

A troubling trend in the UK

Recent events in the United Kingdom have cast a shadow over the American XL Bully and breeds like it. The spate of fatal dog attacks involving these breeds has prompted calls for decisive action to protect communities and prevent further tragedies. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has asserted that the Dangerous Dogs Act will be amended to include a ban on the American XL Bully and similar breeds. This legislative action, he claims, will be in place by the end of the year.

Mr Sunak said: "These American XL bully dogs are a danger to our communities and we are urgently working on ways to stop these attacks and to protect the public. Once we have defined the breed of the dog we will be able to ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act. Those new laws will be in place by the end of the year."

The aim of this proposed ban is to curb the perceived threat posed by these dogs and mitigate the risks they may present to the public. While breed-specific legislation is a controversial topic, proponents argue that it is a necessary step to ensure the safety of communities in light of the recent incidents.

Vassia Barba

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