The American XL Bully dog breed is under scrutiny for potential banning.

American Bully dogs come in four varieties: standard, pocket, classic, and XL.

Among these, the American Bully XL is the largest, with the ability to exceed 60 kg in weight, making it capable of overpowering an adult.

Originating in the late 1980s in the United States, American Bullies are the result of breeding American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers.

Over time, they have been selectively bred with other breeds to increase their muscularity.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has voiced concerns about this breed, deeming it 'a threat to our communities' following recent incidents.

This concern arises after the West Midlands Ambulance Service reported a fatal dog attack in Staffordshire on September 15.

Additionally, Home Secretary Suella Braverman is advocating for a ban on XL Bully dogs due to an attack on a shopping street in Birmingham, resulting in an 11-year-old girl and two men being hospitalized.

Sunak has commissioned experts to identify the specific dog breed involved before proceeding with a potential ban under the Dangerous Dogs Act.

In a video message shared on social media, the Prime Minister elaborated on the government's intention to consider prohibiting the XL Bully dog breed.

"The American XL bully dog is a danger to our communities, particularly our children," said Sunak.

"I share the nation's horror at the recent videos we've all seen. Yesterday we saw another suspected XL bully dog attack, which has tragically led to a fatality. It is clear this is not about a handful of badly trained dogs, it's a pattern of behaviour and it cannot go on."

Sunak emphasized the importance of dog owners taking responsibility for controlling their pets. He also mentioned that efforts are underway to prevent such attacks and ensure the safety of the public.

"Today I have tasked ministers to bring together police and experts, to firstly define the breed of dog behind these attacks, with the view to then outlawing it," he added.

"It is not currently a breed defined in law, so this vital first step must happen fast. We will then ban the breed under the Dangerous Dogs Act and new laws will be in place by the end of the year."

"These dogs are dangerous, I want to reassure the public that we will take all necessary steps to keep people safe."

If a dog is added to the list of banned breeds, it becomes against the law for anyone in the UK to possess, breed, or sell them.

In case someone is found with a banned dog, the police or local council dog warden can take away the pet, even if it hasn't shown any dangerous behavior and no complaints have been made.

If this situation arises, a council dog expert will assess whether the dog poses or could pose a threat to the public. Depending on the assessment, the pet may either be returned to its owner or kept in kennels while the police seek court approval.

It then becomes your responsibility to prove in court that your dog doesn't belong to a banned breed.

There are some exceptions to the banned dog regulation. If your dog is classified as a banned breed but the court determines it's not a danger to the public, it can be placed on the Index of Exempt Dogs, allowing you to keep it.

You'll receive a Certificate of Exemption, which remains valid for your dog's lifetime. However, there are strict guidelines you must adhere to, including neutering, microchipping, and ensuring the dog is securely contained.

Currently, there are four dog breeds that are illegal to own in the UK: the Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, and Fila Brasileiro.