XL bully type dogs

What is the ban?

Since 31 December 2023, it has been against the law to:

• Sell an XL bully type dog
• Abandon an XL bully type dog
• Give away an XL bully type dog
• Breed from an XL bully type dog
• Have an XL bully type dog in public without a lead and muzzle

Since 1 February 2024, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully type dog in England and Wales without a certificate of exemption for the dog, which should have been obtained by 31 January 2024.

What do owners need to do?

To keep an XL bully type dog, owners have to ensure their dog is:

• Microchipped
• Kept on a lead and muzzled at all times when in public
• Kept in a secure place so it cannot escape
• Neutered

Owners must:

• Be over 16 years old
• Take out insurance against the dog injuring other people - this is provided through Dogs Trust Membership at a cost of £25 per year
• Be able to show the certificate of exemption when asked by a police officer or a council dog warden, either at the time or within five days

Guidance

If you are not sure whether a dog may be considered an XL bully type dog, use the official definition to check.

The information and application forms provided by the government are in the Guidance on how to prepare for the ban on XL bully dogs (GOV.UK)

If you own an XL bully type dog, make sure your dog is trained to wear a muzzle. Free muzzle training can be found through the Dogs Trust (dogstrust.org.uk)

Can I still breed XL bully type dogs?

XL bully type dog breeders should have stopped all breeding activity as it has been a criminal offence to sell, transfer, exchange, gift or advertise these dogs since 31 December 2023.

How does this affect my tenancy?

If you rent a property from a private landlord:

• You should contact them for advice on whether you are permitted to keep an XL bully type dog at your property. You should also look at the details of your tenancy agreement.

If you are a Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council tenant and you have an XL bully type dog:

• Please contact your tenancy management officer to advise them that you have a dog. If you wish to keep your dog, you will need to follow the requirements outlined above regarding what owners need to do. The council will also require you to sign a voluntary dog control order, so we can monitor your dog going forward, and ensure your compliance with legal requirements

Applying to join the housing register?

If you are looking to apply for social housing and already have an XL bully type dog, you may not be able to take your dog to a property offered to you. This is because since 31 December 2023, XL bully type dogs are a banned breed, and many social tenancy agreements prohibit tenants from having a banned breed. If you are applying for social housing and you have an XL bully type dog, please bear in mind that this may mean a property may not be offered to you.

Last updated: 20/05/2026 16:49