Getting dog assessed as NOT type?

[Leypt1]

We adopted our dog 2 years ago from dog's trust as a "bull lurcher". Mix was unspecified but we've always assumed staffy/greyhound cross as he's blocky in the face like a staffy but taller, gangly and with a deep chest like a sighthound.

It would be fairly obvious when applying common sense that he's not an XL bully as he's not really chunky enough, but looking at the description he does meet some of the characteristics (not sure about "significant number of characteristics" - what does this mean??) and we're very worried.

My question is - has anyone in this position sought a definitive assessment from a vet or the kennel club that their dog is NOT type? A DNA test etc. wouldn't help as the guidance states that only adherence to the (fairly woolly) description counts

He has his annual vet checkup today - should I be asking for their opinion, or even a written confirmation that I could have to hand if we're ever challenged?

Or should we be applying for exemption? The only thing is that this would consign him to a life of massively restricted freedoms, which we don't want to do unless it's absolutely necessary

Thinking about it, I would move out of London to a house with a secure field if I thought that's what it would take to keep him safe...but again this is a big life change if it's not needed!

I agree. He has a lovely staffy smile.

The rules state that to be typed they need to be over 20" for a male. This excludes full bred staffords as the top size male should be a maximum of 16" so even an oversized one should be well under that

I am so fed up with articles in the media about XL Bullies being illustrated with a photo of a bully mix dog. This is so dangerous for all large bully mixes as the confusion is now wide spread. I saw a tweet the other day where a dog who looked like a Staffie mix was at risk of being destroyed because it was being classified, wrongly, as an XL Bully (thankfully the dog in question has now found a home)

Nothing helpful to add except he is GORGEOUS and such a good boy!

He's safe, not at all similar.
This is why the DDA has never been fit for purpose, banning dogs based on measurements.
Always should be deed not breed.

Capable of inflicting a lot of damage which is the whole reason dodgy geezers started creating 'Bull' lurchers.

The classic finely~built ones with zero bull are much harder to find these days.

Hi I have 2 staffys cross pocket bully I’m worried that I need to exempt them just want people’s opinions cos I don’t personally think they do look like Xl bully’s

This 👆

@SJ1988 I would personally apply for exemption if they are over 19" to withers.

It’s not just about the height though

They look of ''Bully'' type to me- the heavy head , 'Mumpy' jaw and small, deep set eyes.

I'd definitely avoid If I saw those on a walk with children or dog.

He doesn't look like an xl bully to me.

Agree with this. Very obviously a staffy x lurcher.

I think your two look more like XL bully crosses than the OP's Staffy x Lurcher.

They are not even Xl so how can they be Xl bully cross they are staffy cross pocket bully so how dose that work??

They are bully type they are Staffordshire bull terrier cross pocket bully and my dogs wouldn’t be intrested in your kids so keep ur opinions to urself

I’m not expert but I do agree with all those saying he doesn’t look like an XL bully.

he looks absolutely wonderful however! He clearly is a very loved dog.