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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Science & Nature • Dog Breed

XL Bully

The XL Bully is a large type of dog within the American Bully grouping, known for its muscular build and tall height at the shoulder.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The XL Bully is a large type of dog within the American Bully grouping, known for its muscular build and tall height at the shoulder. In the United Kingdom, “XL Bully” is also a legal classification used in breed-specific restrictions, rather than a kennel-club-recognized breed. Sources differ on whether it should be described as a breed or type, but major references describe it as the largest variety of the American Bully.

Classification

The XL Bully is usually treated as a size category within the American Bully rather than a distinct breed. The United Kennel Club recognizes the American Bully with an XL variety, while the UK government uses its own conformation-based definition for legal purposes.

Physical characteristics

XL Bullies are described as large, muscular dogs with broad heads and powerful builds. Adult males are generally around 20–23 inches at the withers and females around 19–22 inches, depending on the standard used.

Origin and development

The American Bully originated in the United States in the 1980s and 1990s as a companion breed type. XL Bullies are presented as a larger variant developed through selective breeding within that broader lineage.

In the United Kingdom, the XL Bully became a restricted type of dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act. From 31 December 2023, it became illegal to breed, sell, exchange, or abandon one, and from 1 February 2024 ownership without an exemption certificate became a criminal offence.

Key facts

  • The XL Bully is the largest size variety of the American Bully.
  • The United Kennel Club recognizes the American Bully with an XL size category based on height at the withers.
  • The XL Bully was developed in the United States in the late 20th century as a companion dog.
  • The UK government classifies XL Bully by physical characteristics and height, not by breed name alone.
  • Since 31 December 2023, UK rules have banned breeding, selling, exchanging, and abandoning XL Bullies.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter XL Bullies through international dog-breed coverage, pet-import discussions, and debates about breed-specific legislation. Canada does not have a nationwide XL Bully rule equivalent to the UK restriction, but local animal-control policies can vary by province or municipality.

Frequently asked questions

Is the XL Bully a separate breed?
Major sources describe it as a size type or variety within the American Bully, not a universally recognized separate breed.
How big is an XL Bully?
Adult males are generally described as about 20–23 inches at the withers, and females about 19–22 inches, depending on the standard used.
Where did the XL Bully come from?
It developed in the United States as part of the American Bully line, which was bred in the late 20th century.
Is the XL Bully recognized by kennel clubs?
The American Bully is recognized by the United Kennel Club, including an XL category, but it is not recognized as a separate breed by the American Kennel Club.
Why is the XL Bully in the news in the UK?
Because the UK added it to its Dangerous Dogs Act restrictions, creating legal controls on ownership and breeding.
Is the definition of XL Bully the same everywhere?
No. Some sources use breed-lineage language, while UK legal and government guidance defines it using physical characteristics and measurements.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/American-Bully
    Supports: American Bully origin, XL size category, companion-dog background, UK legal restriction context
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-66775985
    Supports: UK government guidance, legal status, physical description, ownership and breeding restrictions
  3. United Kennel Club — https://www.ukcdogs.com/american-bully
    Supports: American Bully recognition and XL height standard
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Bully
    Supports: XL height range by sex and general classification context
  5. Blue Cross — https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/wellbeing-and-care/xl-bully-ban-explained
    Supports: UK classification approach and height/measurement guidance