The XL Bully ban is no longer a new policy, but the duties attached to an exemption are still changing. As of August 2026, owner-led applications have closed, third-party liability insurance is no longer compulsory, and a new child-supervision rule is due to start on 1 November 2026. Owners therefore need to know what keeps a Certificate of Exemption valid throughout the dog’s life.
Is it legal to own an XL Bully in the UK?
It is a criminal offence to keep an XL Bully type dog without a valid exemption. The rules began at different times in England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, but the practical position is now broadly similar across the UK. An exempt dog may remain with its registered keeper only while every continuing condition is followed.
The restriction is based on physical type rather than pedigree papers or the breed name used by a seller. A crossbreed can be treated as an XL Bully if it substantially matches the official conformation standard. Anyone unsure should seek legal advice and contact the relevant police or council authority.
Can owners still apply for a Certificate of Exemption?
The application windows have closed. Someone who already owns an XL Bully without an exemption cannot simply submit a late application. In England, Wales and Scotland, a new exemption can generally arise only after court involvement. Northern Ireland uses its own council-led system, so local instructions apply.
A Certificate of Exemption is tied to a particular dog and keeper. It is not a general licence to own banned dog breeds in the UK, and it does not make selling, gifting or rehoming the dog lawful.
Core Certificate of Exemption duties
Keep the dog securely confined
The dog must be kept in secure conditions so it cannot escape. Owners should review gates, fences, doors and visitor access. A garden fence that contained a smaller dog may not be sufficient for a powerful adult animal.
Use a lead and muzzle in public
An exempt XL Bully must be muzzled and kept on a lead in public. The lead must be securely held by someone aged at least 16. A suitable muzzle should allow the dog to pant, breathe and drink while remaining correctly fitted. Removing it for a quiet field or a short walk from the car can still breach the rules.
Maintain microchip records
The dog must be microchipped and correctly registered. Police or an authorised local authority officer may require access to scan the chip. Contact information on the database should remain current, although updating it does not replace the separate duty to notify the exemption authority.
Report important changes
The keeper must report a permanent address change and notify the relevant authority if the dog dies or is exported. An exempt dog can generally stay at another address for no more than 30 days in a 12-month period without a permanent change being reported. Keeping a written record of temporary stays can prevent accidental non-compliance.
Produce the certificate when requested
If police or an authorised council officer asks for the certificate, it normally must be produced immediately or within five days. Keep a secure digital copy and an accessible paper copy, while retaining the official document.
Neutering remains a legal requirement
Exempt XL Bullies were required to be neutered by deadlines based on age, and the confirmation deadlines have passed. Neutering remains part of the exemption framework. An owner who missed a deadline should obtain legal advice because failure to satisfy a condition can place the dog’s legal status at risk.
Third-party insurance changed on 1 July 2026
Third-party public liability insurance was previously compulsory for exempt XL Bullies. From 1 July 2026, it is no longer a Certificate of Exemption condition in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland. Owners were required to maintain qualifying cover up to and including 30 June 2026.
The change does not make insurance worthless. Owners may still choose suitable cover where available, but it is no longer a legal exemption requirement.
The new child-supervision rule from 1 November 2026
From 1 November 2026, a child under 12 must not be left in close contact with an XL Bully or another prohibited type dog in a private place without adult supervision. A home, private garden or similar setting can fall within the rule. The supervising person must be aged 16 or over.
This is an additional exemption condition. “The dog is usually gentle” or “the child knows the dog” will not remove the duty. The rule addresses private settings where public lead-and-muzzle requirements do not normally apply.
For example, if a parent steps outside while an eight-year-old remains in the living room with an exempt XL Bully, the arrangement could breach the new condition. A safer plan is to separate the dog securely before the adult leaves or ensure another person aged 16 or over remains present.
Activities that remain prohibited
An exemption does not allow an owner to breed from an XL Bully, sell it, exchange it, give it away, abandon it or allow it to stray. Informally transferring the dog to a friend or relative is not a lawful shortcut. A household facing illness, housing problems or bereavement should contact the relevant authority before making any change.
What happens if an owner breaks the rules?
Failure to follow the XL bully owner rules can invalidate the exemption, lead to seizure and result in prosecution. Procedures and penalties differ across the UK, but imprisonment, a substantial fine and destruction of the dog are possible. Separate offences may also arise if any dog is dangerously out of control, regardless of breed.
A monthly check can cover the muzzle, lead, microchip details, certificate, fencing, temporary-address days and child-supervision arrangements.
Frequently asked questions
Does a Certificate of Exemption expire?
It is intended to remain valid for the life of the dog, provided the keeper continues to satisfy every condition and reports required changes.
Can someone under 16 walk an exempt XL Bully?
No. In public, the lead must be securely held by a person aged at least 16, and the dog must also be muzzled.
Does the child rule require a muzzle inside the home?
The new rule concerns adult supervision of children under 12 in close contact with a prohibited dog in a private place. It does not create a general indoor muzzle requirement, although safe separation may still be appropriate.
Can an exempt XL Bully move permanently to a relative’s home?
Do not assume a permanent move or keeper change is allowed. The dog must normally live at the registered keeper’s address, subject to limited temporary stays. Contact the relevant authority before changing arrangements.
Keep the exemption valid through daily compliance
The Dangerous Dogs Act framework allows an exempt XL Bully to remain with its keeper only under strict controls. In 2026, the major updates are the removal of compulsory third-party insurance from 1 July and the under-12 supervision condition from 1 November. Secure confinement, public lead-and-muzzle use, microchipping, neutering, accurate records and prompt notifications remain essential. Owners should check the official guidance for their UK nation whenever circumstances change, because one missed condition can have consequences for both the dog and household.