Jessica Murray, a Guardian Midlands correspondent, discusses the rise in popularity of American bully XL dogs and a recent attack on a girl. Bioethicist Jessica Pierce weighs in on the debate about breed banning and reevaluating expectations of dog ownership. They explore concerns about aggression, genetics, and ethical responsibilities of dog ownership.
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Quick takeaways
The American Bully XL breed has become popular despite concerns that it attracts the wrong type of owners, potentially leading to unfavorable characteristics being passed down through breeding.
While certain breeds may have been selectively bred for aggression in the past, aggression is not a breed issue but an individual dog issue, emphasizing the importance of responsible dog ownership and understanding a dog's needs and behavior.
Deep dives
The American Bully XL breed and the debate over a potential ban
The American Bully XL breed has been involved in several fatal attacks, leading to a renewed debate on whether or not to ban the breed. The breed is known for its strong and muscular appearance, weighing over nine stone. Some owners believe their XL bullies are well-behaved and tame, but there are concerns that these dogs attract the wrong type of owners, potentially leading to unfavorable or violent characteristics being passed down through breeding. It is a fairly new breed, not recognized by the UK Kennel Club, and there is a lack of data on the number of these dogs in the UK. The increase in dog attacks in recent years, with the Bully XL breed being implicated in many cases, has fueled the discussion on a potential ban.
The role of breed in dog behavior and ownership responsibility
While studies have shown that there are genetic associations with certain behaviors in dogs, such as trainability, chasing, and aggression, genetics only contribute 9% to behavior traits. Individual dog behavior is influenced by both nature and nurture, with the environment and training playing significant roles. Bioethicist Jessica Pierce argues that while certain breeds may have been selectively bred for aggression in the past, aggression is not a breed issue but an individual dog issue. This highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership and understanding a dog's needs and behavior, as well as reframing our expectations of pet ownership.
Alternative solutions and the importance of education
Instead of a breed ban, other proposed solutions include restrictions on the importation of dogs from countries without proper animal welfare laws, as well as licensing and oversight of breeders. Education is also crucial, with a call for public education on dog welfare and understanding the signs of a distressed or anxious dog. Proper education and public awareness could prevent some dog attacks and improve dog-human interactions. However, it is also recognized that pet ownership is a significant responsibility, and not everyone may be equipped to handle it.
The UK home secretary, Suella Braverman, is pushing for a ban on American bully XL dogs after an attack on an 11-year-old girl in Birmingham. Madeleine Finlay hears from Guardian Midlands correspondent Jessica Murray about how this relatively new breed became so popular, and from bioethicist Jessica Pierce about whether we need to reevaluate our expectations of dog ownership. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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