Frustrated pet parents relocated to give their XL bully dog freedom after the judgment associated with the breed intensified following a ban in the United Kingdom.
In an April 13 TikTok video posted to the account @xlbullyenzo, the owners explained they knew welcoming home an XL Bully would come with judgment, as many stereotype this large dog breed as aggressive. But Enzo’s owners have only known him to be a “good boy” since bringing in home in 2022.
Like any other dog, he loves going to the beach and can’t get enough of the water. He’s playful and enjoys being with other dogs. But they knew he needed extra training as a puppy to show others he was not scary.
It became uncomfortable for the owners when the talks of a breed ban started in the U.K., because with it, more judgment followed.
The ban went into place on December 31, 2023, following a “concerning rise in attacks, Newsweek previously reported. It is now illegal to breed, sell, advertise, gift, exchange, abandon, or let XL bully dogs stray. Those who own these breeds must keep them on a lead and muzzled when in public. These dogs must also be registered.
They stayed in the U.K. for five months after the ban was enacted. Enzo wore his muzzle, as he was supposed to, but the owners noted that his quality of life decreased. He had “limited freedom” and quiet walks. He could no longer run on the beach without stares.
The decision came rather quickly, and they packed up their belongings, traveled 9,000 miles, and moved to Australia.
@xlbullyenzo/tiktok
Newsweek reached out to @xlbullyenzo via TikTok for comment.
The owners noted the move has been a blessing. The video stated that it brought a sense of peace and joy to all of them. Plus, Enzo is happier than he’s ever been.
Feeling grateful and lucky, they said in the caption that they understand how fortunate they are to be able to move, especially since not everyone can escape it.
Their final advice for those seeing an XL bully breed wearing a muzzle: “Understand this: to their owners, they mean everything. Just like any other dog, they love to play, love the beach. Sadly, those simple pleasures have been taken away. That most take for granted. An XL Bully is just like any other dog, only bigger. Still gentle. Still loving. Still family.”
Viewer Reactions
As of Wednesday, the TikTok video reached over 302,700 views and 12,600 likes. Most viewers celebrated Enzo’s newfound sense of freedom.
“So glad to see at least one XL BULLY being able to live the life all dogs deserve no matter their breed!!!” wrote one person.
“Aww that made me cry, wish I could move to Australia just to give my boy a better life, you sure are a very lucky boy Enzo. I hope you and your hoomans have the most wonderful life over there,” another person commented.
A third commenter wrote: “Welcome to Australia!!! Thank you for doing this for your baby.”