XL Bully ban leaves surge in interest of powerful breed of Italian mastiff

Following the ban of XL Bullies in parts of the UK, another large and powerful pooch could take its place.

As of January 1, new rules have come into force for English and Welsh based owners of the American bulldog following a spate of attacks throughout the year. However, new research from puppies.co.uk show that dog fans are moving onto other breeds.

The UK's largest dog marketplace reports an increase in Google searches for Cane Corsos for sale increased by 36 per cent after the XL Bully ban, while Rottweilers increased by 35 per cent, Wales Online reports.

Google searches also show a surge in interest in other strong breeds which include:

• Cane Corso - 174,000 searches
• Rottweiler - 84,000 searches
• German Shepherd - 77,000 searches
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers - 50,000 searches
• Jack Russell Terrier - 20,000 searches

Under new guidelines, XL Bullies must be muzzled, neutered, chipped and registered and it is illegal to buy, sell of rehome them in England and Wales. Owners must also be aged 16 or over and the dog must be covered by third party insurance.

Those who fail to meet the criteria, or are denied an exemption will see their Bullies destroyed at the end of this month. Some statistics show 46 per cent of all dog attacks in the UK last year were down to XL Bullies.

The Cane Corso is a large and muscular Italian breed of mastiff that falls into the Molosser category. Historically, it was used as a working dog, mainly for tasks like guarding property, hunting large game, and serving as a companion. The breed is known for its imposing appearance, strength, intelligence, and loyalty to its family.

Physically, the Cane Corso is strong, with a well-muscled body, a large head, a short coat, and a docked tail. Their coat can be of various colours, including black, grey, fawn, and red.

In terms of temperament, the Cane Corso is typically known to be affectionate, however early socialization, proper training, and consistent handling are crucial for them to be well-adjusted and well-behaved pets.

Due to their size, strength, and protective nature, they require experienced handling and proper training from an early age. Adequate exercise and mental stimulation are also essential to keep them healthy and well-behaved.

An American legal expert specialising in dog bite cases reports: "While Cane Corso dogs account for only a fraction of the overall dog population, their size, strength, and prey drive can lead to more severe injuries when they attack."

They add: "Due to their size, strength, and strong prey drive, Cane Corsi can be considered potentially dangerous. While it is important to note that not all Cane Corsi are aggressive or dangerous, their powerful build and protective nature can lead to severe consequences in the event of an attack.

"It’s important to remember that the breed does not solely determine the severity of dog attacks but is also influenced by factors such as socialization, training, and responsible ownership."

The site concludes: "Due to their breeding history, Cane Corsi have developed a strong sense of guarding and protection, making them more prone to aggression in certain situations. Their instinct to protect their family and territory and their imposing physical presence can result in aggressive behaviours toward perceived threats—even more so than with Pit Bulls.

While aggression is not inherent in all Cane Corso dogs, their breeding purpose has shaped their instincts and responses to specific stimuli." Daniel Twigg, described as a "caring little boy" who "loved animals" was attacked and killed by a Cane Corso in Rochdale on May 15, 2022.

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