American bully: dog breed under spotlight in UK after fatal attacks

The American bully has quickly become one of the more visible dog breeds in the UK in recent years.

The breed is not recognised by any of the main dog associations in the UK, meaning there are no figures on ownership rates in the country. However, the dogs’ frequent appearance in the news, often under tragic circumstances, suggests they are more prevalent than ever.

The American bully, a newer version of the American bulldog, commonly comes in four variations, standard, pocket, classic and XL. They vary in size, with those taller than 50cm (20 inches) being classified as an XL.

It is the larger American bully that has been responsible for half of all dog-related deaths in the UK since 2021, killing nine people including three children.

While it is not recommended to own an American bully as a first-time dog owner or if there are children in the household, the two people killed this year by the breed were experienced dog handlers.

Natasha Johnston, a 28 year-old dog walker, was mauled to death while walking eight dogs in Surrey in January. One of the dogs, an American bully XL that Johnston owned, was found to be responsible for her death after a forensic veterinary report and was subsequently euthanised.

Last month, Jonathan Hogg, a 37 year-old dog carer from Greater Manchester, was playing with an American bully XL when it attacked him, going for his throat. Hogg later died in hospital. Armed officers were brought in to control the dog, which Greater Manchester police said “posed a significant risk” to the public, before it was euthanised.

The United Kennel Club, a US dog organisation that is one of the few to recognise the breed, said the American bully was “first and foremost, a companion, exhibiting confidence with a zest and exuberance for life” and calls its demeanour “gentle and friendly”.

While there are calls for the breed to be banned, guidance from dog organisations suggests this may not address the issue. The UK-based Kennel Club said: “Breed-specific legislation ignores the most important factors that contribute to biting incidents – primarily antisocial behaviour by irresponsible dog owners who train their dogs to be aggressive or do not train their dogs adequately.”

American bullyies can be purchased from classified advertisement and social media websites , often bypassing ethical dog breeders. A BBC One Panorama investigation in January found a “county lines” drug dealer was selling American bully puppies from prison online.

If the American bully is eventually banned, it would join only four banned dog breeds in the UK: the pit bull terrier, Japanese tosa, Dogo Argentino and Fila Brasileiro.