The Scottish Government has reminded dog owners that from November 1, 2026, the law in Scotland will change for people who own an XL Bully dog. Under the new rules, children under 12 must not be left alone with any prohibited type of dog in a home or private place. An adult aged 16 or over must be present whenever a child under 12 is with an XL Bully dog, and this can be the exemption holder or any other person aged 16 or over.
Which dogs are affected
The change applies to all prohibited dogs under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991. The Blue Cross states that section one of the Dangerous Dogs Act (1991) — known as breed specific legislation — outlaws five types of dog: Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasilerio, and American XL bully.
The Blue Cross explains that the law makes it illegal to own, sell, breed, give away or abandon one of these types of dog. It adds that UK legislation bases the decision on whether a dog is illegal on looks alone — a dog's breed, a dog's parents' breeds, DNA testing and behaviour don't come into it.
Guidance and exemptions
The government reassures that guidance to help XL Bully dog owners understand the new law will be published before November 1, 2026. It advises that, to be as safe as possible, it is best to never leave a child unsupervised with an XL Bully dog.
It remains a criminal offence to keep an XL Bully dog without a Certificate of Exemption. It is also an offence to have an XL Bully in public without a lead and muzzle, breed or breed from an XL Bully, sell, give away or rehome an XL Bully, or abandon an XL Bully or let it stray.
Penalties for breaking the rules
Applications for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully dog have closed. New exemptions can only be granted by the Scottish Government where an application has been authorised by a court. If these rules are broken, an owner may be fined up to £5,000, sent to prison for up to 6 months, or both.
