The Ban On XL Bullies: Makes Sense or Achieves Nothing?
The XL Bully Ban in the UK
The United Kingdom's law banning XL Bullies has been passed, which sparked a debate within the dog-loving community all around the world. This was a controversial decision as obviously not everyone is on board with it, but why not? If the XL Bully breed is dangerous, then surely nobody should want it on our streets and in our homes, right? But is the breed really the problem here? And how effective is breed-specific legislation in actually addressing the root causes of dog-related incidents? In this blog post, I'll explore the ban on XL Bullies, the government's definition of the breed, and the underlying factors contributing to dog attacks. I'll also discuss the implications of breed bans and their impact on dog ownership.
Why Was the XL Bully Banned?
The ban on XL Bullies in the UK, which had been in development for months, is said to be primarily rooted in concerns about safety. Several incidents involving XL Bullies over the past year raised alarm among the public, particularly cases of human deaths caused by these dog attacks. While addressing health and safety concerns is always of utmost priority, breed-specific bans completely miss the underlying issues that contribute to aggressive behavior in dogs in the first place. The ban was driven by a public outcry mainly due to fear, prejudice, and misinformation about these large and strongly built dogs. Power and looks don’t determine the temperament or character though, and it's crucial to recognize that a dog's behavior is influenced by various factors, including breeding and genetics, socialization, upbringing, and ownership. Looks is never a determining factor of temperament, but the whole ban is sadly based on looks, as the XL Bully is a cross breed and since there were no officially recognized XL Bully genetics, authorities had to define this breed solely based on its appearance.
How Did the UK Government Define the XL Bully Breed?
Some of the characteristics mentioned to define the XL Bully include:
A large dog with a muscular body and blocky head.
Height of males from 20in (51cm) and height of females from 19in (48cm).
Heavily muscled body with a broad, deep chest with well-sprung ribs.
For the full list of breed definition characteristics, visit the following link on the official UK Government website:
The government's definition of the XL Bully breed played a pivotal role in the ban. XL Bullies are often identified based on their muscular appearance and size. Unfortunately, this focus on physical attributes rather than behavior has contributed to breed stereotypes. It's important to understand that XL Bullies, like any other breed, have individual temperaments and characteristics. Generalizing based on appearance can mislead, unfairly stigmatize the breed, and promote prejudice. And not only that, but other breeds will also suffer as a result of this ban, as most people are not knowledgeable about dogs and will tend to report other similar looking dogs to the authorities, which will cause even more distress to all big dog owners in the UK.
Why Were There Attacks by XL Bullies in the UK?
Understanding the reasons behind attacks by XL Bullies requires a multifaceted perspective. These incidents can be attributed to factors such as poor and irresponsible breeding practices, lack of proper socialization, and very irresponsible ownership. Irresponsible breeders and owners who fail to train and socialize their dogs correctly, contribute negatively to a dog’s temperament and behavior, often leading to aggressive behavior.
You’d be surprised to know how many irresponsible owners promote aggressive behavior (and take pride in making their dogs aggressive towards people, encouraging them to attack) rather than curb it, and I’ve witnessed that firsthand. Those are the dogs that unfortunately end up with blood on their teeth, taint the breed name, and lead to breed bans!
How Backyard Breeding contributes to Dog Aggression and Attacks
Backyard breeders, driven by profit rather than the welfare of the dogs they breed, have played a significant role in the proliferation of aggressive behavior in dogs. Irresponsible breeding practices that prioritize quantity over quality often result in puppies with poor genetics and inadequate socialization. These dogs may lack the temperament and stable behavior that responsible breeding and early socialization can provide. As a result, aggressive tendencies can become more prevalent in dogs bred by individuals who do not prioritize the well-being and behavior of the animals they produce. Moreover, many breeders experiment with breeding dogs with aggressive tendencies on purpose, in an attempt to create aggressive offspring to satisfy the demand for them.
What Kind of Owner Does the XL Bully Breed Attract?
The XL Bully breed attracts a diverse range of owners. Most dog owners will be responsible enough to make an effort to care, train, and socialize the best they can. They appreciate their dogs’ loyalty, affection, and loving nature.
Regrettably, some seek XL Bullies for their imposing and domineering appearance, and ability to cause damage due to their sheer size and strength. As mentioned above, these owners may encourage and train aggressive behavior towards humans and/or other dogs, possibly use them in dog fights, and will even abandon their dogs if not aggressive or powerful enough for their liking.
Surely XL Bullies Are Not the Only Breed Capable of Causing Damage, So What About the Others?
It's essential to recognize that XL Bullies are not the only breed capable of causing harm when not properly trained and socialized. Many other large and powerful breeds, when in the wrong hands, will be dangerous dogs. So what does that tell us? It tells us two things: first, that breed-specific bans do not address the root causes of aggression in dogs or the epidemic of badly trained dogs; and second, that malicious people will always find another breed to make their own destructive companion. We should be focusing on promoting responsible ownership and addressing aggressive behavior in all dogs using a more comprehensive approach.
How to Effectively Eradicate Deadly Dog Attacks
Implementing a licensing system for certain breeds of dogs is a proactive step toward responsible ownership. Such a system would require potential owners to demonstrate their readiness and commitment to care for and train these breeds, especially those with a reputation for potential aggression or difficult temperament. By assessing an individual's knowledge, experience, and ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for these breeds, we can help ensure that dogs are placed in responsible homes and reduce the risk of incidents. Licensing could include mandatory training and assessments to encourage safe and informed ownership, ultimately benefiting both dogs and the community.
Do not treat dog attacks as random occurrences, because that gives dogs a sense of unpredictability which is exactly what instills fear in people and leads to such ineffective bans. Instead, know that dogs exhibit numerous warning signs before any lethal attack happens, and it is up to owners to identify these signs and take the necessary action, and for law enforcement to crack down on backyard breeders, dog fighting gangs, and bad owners with prior dog-related offenses.
After the Ban, What's Next?
The ban on XL Bullies has led to the heartbreak of responsible owners everywhere, and very limited freedom for their dogs. It also raises a very important question: What happens after a breed ban? Banning one breed may lead some irresponsible, power hungry individuals to seek other large, powerful breeds, continuing the cycle of attacks and subsequent bans. So we haven’t really accomplished anything except plaster over a deep-rooted problem, limiting the freedom of thousands of great dogs, and drawing the attention of criminals to other dog breeds. Instead of breed bans, an approach that emphasizes responsible ownership, education, and addressing aggression in dogs, regardless of breed, is a way more effective solution to the actual problem.
Conclusion
The ban on XL Bullies in the UK is a contentious issue to say the least, and it is something that has been carried out without thoughtful consideration or input from professionals who work with XL Bullies as well as aggressive dogs on a daily basis. While safety is paramount, breed-specific bans should be reevaluated, and we must address the root causes of aggression in dogs correctly. This discussion should focus on promoting responsible ownership, addressing behavior issues comprehensively, and ensuring the welfare of both dogs and the public. It's essential to continue the conversation surrounding XL Bullies and breed-specific bans with an emphasis on effective solutions, licensing, and testing for both dog and owner.
