XL Bully dogs in Scotland: child protection
From 1 November 2026 a new condition for owners of XL Bully dogs and all other prohibited dogs with an exemption certificate comes into force. Requiring that children under 12 must not be left unattended with the dogs in a private place. This Guidance has been produced to assist dog owners.
Further information
Further information is available from animal welfare and child safety organisations, including:
1. RSPCA: Understanding your dog’s body language. For guidance on recognising signs that a dog may be relaxed, worried, angry or very unhappy.
2. Dogs Trust: Dogs and children living happily together. For advice for parents and carers on safe, positive relationships between dogs and children.
3. Blue Cross: Keeping your dog and visiting children safe. For advice on supervision, separation, dog body language and preparing children and dogs for visits.
4. Battersea: How to crate train your dog. For advice on introducing crates positively and making sure they are suitable for the dog.
5. PDSA: Crate training your dog. For advice on crate size, bedding and reward-based training.
6. Child Accident Prevention Trust: Dog safety resources. For child safety resources, including translated factsheets.
7. Woodgreen: Dog Safety Animation – family resources – animation that promotes safe interactions between children and dogs
8. Dogs Trust: Enrichment activities to keep your dog entertained For advice on the best enrichment for a dog.
Contact
Email: xlbullydogenquiries@gov.scot