Deadline for Scottish XL Bully exemption certificate passes

Part of the debate surrounding the ban on the breed has concerned the definition of what an XL bully is.

The breed is not officially recognised by the UK Kennel Club, but the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), external, external had published guidance on helping to identify the animals.

Its standards describe them as being 19-20 inches (up to 51cm) tall, with a “muscular body and blocky head”.

The guidance also states they have a “glossy coat” and a “medium length and low set” tail.

They typically live between eight and 13 years and are the largest kind of American bully dog.

The Scottish government confirmed 2,507 applications for exemption certificates had been approved, as of Monday.

Justice Secretary Angela Constance said: “Dog attacks, although rare, can have a devastating impact on victims and consequences for owners which is why we are taking this action.

“The laws are in place to promote and support responsible ownership and public safety as effectively as possible.”