XL Bully dogs: applying the conformation standard

Introduction

From 23 February 2024, it is a criminal offence under The Dangerous Dogs (Designated Types) (Scotland) Order 2024 to:

• have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle
• breed or breed from an XL Bully dog
• sell an XL Bully dog
• abandon an XL Bully dog or let it stray
• give away an XL Bully dog

This document sets out the physical conformation standard for the XL Bully breed type in Scotland. The conformation standard is the same as operates in England and Wales (as is contained in the UK Government Defra guide). The DEFRA guide was developed in consultation with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) dangerous dogs working group, English and Welsh local authorities and vets.

It is intended to be used to assist all those involved in the operation of the safeguards relating to XL Bully dogs in Scotland. This includes law enforcement, local authorities, animal welfare organisations and owners of dogs that may be XL Bully dogs.

In particular, this document can be used as a guide for dog owners and keepers to help them to consider whether a dog may be within scope of the new XL Bully dog safeguarding rules in Scotland. It can also be used by agencies and animal organisations to support the identification of the XL Bully breed type.