Reviewed and updated 29 July 2026. General owner education, not individual legal, veterinary or behaviour advice.
The rules that apply now
For the life of an exempt dog, the certificate holder must keep the dog at the registered address, apart from temporary stays totalling no more than 30 days in a 12-month period. A permanent address change, export or death must be reported to Defra. The dog must be microchipped, neutered and kept in secure conditions so it cannot escape.
In public, the dog must be on a lead securely held by somebody aged at least 16 and must wear a suitable muzzle. Choose a basket-style design that permits unrestricted panting, breathing and drinking. A muzzle is a safety layer; it does not replace distance, calm handling or behaviour support.
The 2026 changes owners must know
Third-party public liability insurance stopped being a condition for banned-breed exemptions from 1 July 2026. From 1 November 2026, an exempt XL Bully must not be left in close contact with a child under 12 in a private place, such as a home or garden, without adult supervision. Put that supervision rule into household routines now rather than waiting for November.
Keep a compliance file
- Certificate of Exemption and microchip number.
- Neutering confirmation and current veterinary details.
- Written record of permanent-address notifications.
- A spare correctly fitted muzzle and serviceable lead.
- A care plan for emergencies, hospital stays and temporary keepers.
Police or authorised local-authority officers may require access to read the microchip and may require the exemption certificate within five days. Keep a digital backup, but make sure the original information remains accessible.
Official source
Read and bookmark Defra: Ban on XL Bully dogs. Wales follows the same XL Bully exemption framework as England, although local enforcement contacts and some wider dog-control services differ.
Legal information checked against official government guidance on 29 July 2026. Rules can change and individual cases differ. This is general information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Does Wales have different XL Bully exemption rules?
The central ban and exemption conditions apply to England and Wales. Owners should still use their Welsh local authority for local dog-control contacts.
Is insurance still compulsory?
No. Official guidance says third-party public liability insurance ceased to be an exemption condition from 1 July 2026.
Can someone under 16 hold the lead in public?
No. Official guidance requires the lead to be securely held by a person aged 16 or over.
