What is an American Bully XL? Why the dog breed that killed Bella-Rae Birch isn’t classed as dangerous in UK

Police have confirmed the breed of dog that mauled and killed a toddler in her own home on Monday.

Bella-Rae Birch, who was 17 months old, died after the attack by her family dog at their home in St Helens.

The dog was an American Bully XL, which is legal in the UK.

Merseyside Police said the toddler was attacked only a week after the family bought the dog.

In a statement the family said they would “like to thank the community for their support”.

“We would ask that we are now allowed some space and time to try and come to terms with the tragic loss of our much-loved Bella-Rae,” they added.

A neighbour told BBC News: “We pulled up from school and heard screaming. I just ran over to try to help and started CPR until the paramedics took over.

“I didn’t see the dog, I was just focusing on helping the baby.”

Bella-Rae Birch who died after being attacked by a dog (Photo: PA)

What is an American Bully XL?

The American Bully was recognised as a breed by the US United Kennel Club in 2013.

The organisation calls it a “natural extension” of the American Pit Bull Terrier that has been crossbred with breeds including the American Bulldog, English Bulldog and Olde English Bulldogge.

American Bullies are typically gentle and friendly, and have a “zest and exuberance for life”. Attacking humans is out of their character. They are highly adaptable and trainable, often acting as lap dogs in the home.

The dogs come in four standard sizes; pocket, standard, classic and XL. They tend to be between 33-50cm in height and weigh between 20-60kg.

The breed is not subject to any prohibitions under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.

Which dog breeds are banned in the UK?

There are four breeds of dog currently banned in the UK:

• Pitbull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

The United Kennel Club says of Pitbull Terriers: “The essential characteristics of the Pitbull Terrier are strength, confidence, and zest for life. This breed is eager to please and brimming over with enthusiasm. They make excellent family companions and have always been noted for their love of children.”

However, the breed can be trained to fight and be aggressive. Pitbull Terriers were banned in the UK in 1991 following a series of incidents involving the breed. There were 15 fatal attacks in England and Wales from 1981 to 1991.

The Japanese Tosa was originally bred as a fighting dog, and they are now considered rare.

The Dogo Argentino is a large, white, muscular breed of dog that was developed in Argentina primarily for the purpose of big-game hunting, including wild boar.

Fila Brasileiro, also known as the Brazilian Mastiff, are noted for their excellent tracking ability and are often aggressive. They are primarily used for hunting.