Banned dog breeds in the UK: Latest Updates

Under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, certain dog types are banned in the UK. In 2023, it was announced that the XL Bully ban was coming into effect on 31st December 2023, prohibiting the ownership of an XL Bully type dog without a Certificate of Exemption.  

Defra, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, has recently announced further updates affecting owners of XL Bully dogs and other banned breeds.  

Read on to learn more about the upcoming updates to public liability insurance and child safety around banned breeds.  

Updates to public liability insurance requirement 

Until now, it has been mandatory for owners of banned dogs breeds in the UK with a Certificate of Exemption to have third-party public liability insurance. This insurance was intended to cover any potential injury caused to people by the dog.  

Defra has announced that from 1st July 2026, third-party public liability insurance will no longer be required for banned dog breeds, including XL Bully dogs. Owners of banned breeds must keep valid insurance up to and including 30th June 2026.  

All other legal requirements for owning an XL Bully and other banned breeds remain in place, including exempted dogs needing to be muzzled and kept on a lead in public places. Owners still remain fully responsible for any harm caused by their dogs, and responsible dog ownership continues to be encouraged across all breeds of dog.  

New rule to protect child safety around dogs

From 1st November 2026, children under 12 years old must not be left unsupervised while in close proximity to a banned breed dog in a domestic setting, or other private settings. This update will become a condition of the dog’s Certificate of Exemption.  

Defra has also stated that while the new rule applies to banned dogs in the UK, young children should be supervised around all dog breeds. 

What is a Certificate of Exemption for banned dog breeds?  

A Certificate of Exemption allows an owner to legally keep a banned dog, on the condition that the dog does not behave dangerously and certain rules are followed.  

The conditions for keeping a banned dog include:  

• The dog must be neutered and fitted with a microchip 

• You must keep your dog muzzled and on a lead at all times when in public  

• The dog must be kept in a secure place where it cannot escape 

Which dog breeds are banned in the UK?  

It is against the law in the UK to own certain types of dogs which fall into the banned breed list, there are:  

• Pit Bull Terrier 

• Japanese Tosa  

• Dogo Argentino  

• Fila Brasileiro 

• XL Bully  

The law is based on type and appearance of the dog, rather than its breed name.  

When does the public liability insurance rule for banned dog breeds change?  

Exempted banned breed dogs must have valid third-party public liability insurance up until and including 30th June 2026. From 1st July 2026, this insurance will no longer be a requirement for banned breed dogs, including XL Bully type dogs.  

What is an XL Bully? 

An XL Bully is a banned dog type in England and Wales. For legal purposes, an XL Bully is identified by its physical characteristics, including its height, build, head shape, and body shape, rather than by breed name alone.  

Defra describes an XL Bully as a larger, more muscular variant of the American Bulldog breed type.  

Can I apply for a Certificate of Exemption for an XL Bully?  

Applications for a Certificate of Exemption to keep an XL Bully have closed. New exemptions can only be authorised by a court order.  

It is against the law to keep an XL Bully dog if you do not have a Certificate of Exemption.  

Are children safe around dogs?  

The update released by Defra states that while the new supervision rule that will apply to banned breed types as of the 1st November, young children should be supervised around all dog breeds.