A new ‘status’ animal has reportedly emerged in the wake of the XL bully ban – the Cane Corso, which has been described as “an XL bully on steroids”.
Dog experts say interest has surged in the past year in the Cane Corso, a “killing machine” that can weigh up to 50kg.
At the beginning of 2025, the ban on XL bully-type dogs came into force in Northern Ireland, meaning they are now outlawed in every part of the UK.
The XL bully was banned in England, Wales and Scotland in February last year, and it is a criminal offence to own one without a valid certificate of exemption.
But the ban has led to a gap in the dog market, with many Britons choosing the Cane Corso as an alternative, experts say.
What is the Cane Corso?
The Cane Corso is an Italian breed of the large and powerful mastiff and is often kept as a guard or companion dog.
It was traditionally used to look after livestock and hunt large game and is said to be a descendant of Roman war dogs.
Males can be up to 70cm in height and weigh as much as 50kg (7.5 stone), while females are typically as tall as 66cm and 45kg in weight.
