Breeders have reportedly developed a frightening ten stone American Bully dog which experts have branded a "nightmare", with fears they could kill humans.
The "XXL" dogs are being sold online for more than £2,000 on a number of social media sites, including TikTok, Facebook, Gumtree and Instagram.
American XL Bully dogs have fatally attacked humans in the past, with Jonathan Hogg the latest victim after the dad was last month mauled to death by his pal's dog after it turned on him while he was looking after it.
Now, experts fear the larger version of the dog - created by breeders using the biggest, most muscular dogs - could be even more likely to attack because their exaggerated features leave them in pain.
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Daily Record)Dog behaviourist Stan Rawlinson, who advised the Government on legislating dangerous dogs, told the Sun: “These breeders are messing about with the DNA of this dog and turning it into a freak. There’s no such thing as an XXL as a breed — it’s people creating the biggest animals they can to make as much money as possible.
“It’s a status dog. Irresponsible owners want these huge dogs so they can walk down the street looking hard. They train them to strike, and this type of dog goes for the throat.
“Genetically, this is a very, very reactive and aggressive dog. They can cause incredible damage to adults. There’s no reason to own a dog with this much power.”
It's been explained that the features of the XXL bullies leave the dogs in pain, with some experts warning this will cause dogs to lash out and potentially attack humans more often.
Earlier this week it was reported more than 1,700 children were treated in hospital after being bitten by dogs last year. Animal charities said just over four kids were admitted every day.
Experts warned parents all dogs can bite, as they predict a spike in attacks in the summer holidays.
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Getty Images/iStockphoto)Dr Samantha Gaines, head of companion animals at the RSPCA, said: “We don’t ever expect our own dogs to bite but all dogs can.”
Sean Main, who organises American bully shows across the UK, blames "bad owners" for dogs becoming dangerous.
He said: “Only a small fraction of American bullies that end up in the wrong hands are nightmare dogs.”
It comes after Labour MP Wayne David this week called for all parties to work together to stop the epidemic of killings by dogs.
Mr David made the plea as MPs were shown a heartbreaking speech by Emma Whitfield, whose 10-year-old son Jack Lis was mauled to death by an American XL Bully in November 2021.
Emma said: “The first thing I think needs to be looked at is the Dangerous Dogs Act. It’s commonly accepted by politicians that it does not work, and this is also the view of the animal charities.
“It doesn’t protect people.”
The Mirror launched the Time for Action on Dangerous Dogs campaign last October and hopes a new Jack Lis Law could finally end the plague of maulings and killings.
Mr David, who represents Caerphilly, where Jack died, said: “This is an issue that will be discussed at our National Policy Forum, and Emma has really helped. I hope all parties will embrace this issue. This isn’t partisan.”
A review into regulations for licensed dog breeders and pet sellers is not expected to be published until sometime later this year.