Wiltshire XL bully 'craving playtime' following ban on breed

Buddy needs other dogs with similar energy to play with, his owner says

The owner of an XL bully with "a lot of energy" is seeking a playmate following the restrictions on the breed coming into force in England and Wales.

Buddy's owner Claire McCarthy is hoping to find a friend who will give him a "run for his money" in terms of energy.

He can no longer run off the lead in the woods near his home in west Wiltshire after the ban.

Ms McCarthy said the four-year-old "loves being around people and other dogs".

It has been against the law to sell, give away, abandon or breed from an XL bully since 31 December 2023 in England and Wales.

Since 1 February, it has been a criminal offence to own an XL bully without an exemption certificate, which Buddy has.

The dogs must also be kept on a muzzle and lead when in public.

'A lot of energy'

Ms McCarthy has owned Buddy, who loves sitting on the sofa with his family, since he was one.

She said: "Buddy runs with me two or three times a week and we will go out for 10k runs, he doesn't even break a sweat.

"He has a lot of energy."

Although he has a lot of energy, Buddy also loves relaxing on the sofa with his family

Following the ban, Buddy has been missing out on socialising with other dogs.

However, Ms McCarthy says he needs a playmate with a similar temperament for "fun spring walks".

"All bully breeds just love to be around humans," she said.

"Buddy just loves being around people and being around other dogs and he needs to be matched, I've never been naïve about that.

"You need to be a bigger dog or have similar energy or need to be able to give Buddy as good as he gives in terms of energy levels."

'Crazy reaction'

So far, Ms McCarthy says she has had a "quite crazy" reaction to her plea to find a playmate for Buddy, who has already met up with another XL bully and a Staffordshire bull terrier.

He has also been approached by a four-year-old husky's owner, who said their dog "could give him a run for his money".

Ms McCarthy muzzled Buddy before the ban came into force due to his "high prey drive" when exploring

Ms McCarthy added: "I'd love for them to meet up. I think I'm going to be a busy girl!

"Buddy's not going to know what's going on, he's going to be so happy."