02/10/2026
❤️ Some big news about Belle… ❤️
When the XL Bully legislation was introduced, like thousands of other owners, we were absolutely terrified.
Belle loosely fitted some of the measurements and characteristics used to define an XL Bully type, particularly her height. We simply could not take the risk of getting it wrong and potentially having our girl taken away from us.
So we did what we felt was the safest thing for Belle — we registered her and obtained a Certificate of Exemption.
That meant accepting restrictions on her life, including having to wear a muzzle and remain on a lead whenever she was out in public.
Yesterday, DEFRA introduced a new process allowing owners who no longer believe their dog is an XL Bully type to apply to withdraw their Certificate of Exemption. 🐾
Since Belle was registered, we’ve spent a lot of time looking carefully at the official XL Bully standard and seeking independent opinions about her.
And after doing that, we are confident that Belle is not an XL Bully type.
We registered her because at the time there was so much uncertainty and the consequences of getting it wrong were simply too frightening to contemplate. Her safety had to come first.
We will now carefully follow the new DEFRA process and make sure we are completely satisfied before taking that final step.
But potentially, after years of restrictions…
❤️ Belle could finally get some of her freedom back. ❤️
For us, this isn’t about labels or breeds.
It’s about Belle — the dog we love, the face behind Belle & Bark, and a huge part of our family. 🐶❤️
We know there will be many other families looking at their dogs again following this announcement, and we completely understand just how emotional that decision will be.
Dogs helping dogs. 🐾❤️
