Fury over legal loophole that makes ‘killing machine’ dog breed MORE dangerous as owners ‘plug gap’ in XL Bully market
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EXPERTS have raised concerns over a loophole that allows dog breeders to swerve UK animal welfare laws when importing potentially dangerous Italian mastiffs. Also known as Cane Corsos, the breed is rapidly emerging as the breed of choice for criminals as a replacement for the XL Bully breed it was banned last year.
![[Gray Cane Corso puppy lying on the floor.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/killing-machines-hundreds-dogs-dubbed-962359615_77df51.jpg?strip=all&w=400)
But they are not alone as celebrity owners including soccer star Marcus Rashford and Love Island’s Jack Ficham also have Cane Corsos - with many celebs now buying them to guard properties. Cane Corso puppies can sell for thousands of pounds but are sometimes imported from breeders overseas with their ears clipped and tails docked.
![[Two Cane Corso puppies.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/killing-machines-hundreds-dogs-dubbed-962359772_759903.jpg?strip=all&w=400)
The procedures are illegal in the UK and canine behaviour experts believe that importing the dogs can be used to circumvent the ban on such surgical procedures in the UK. The concerns were expressed just days after a Sun Online investigation found hundreds of Cane Corso dogs on sale in the UK.
![[Marcus Rashford crouching with a large black dog by a lake.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/marcus-rashford-security-trained-dogs-458083734_659350.jpg?strip=all&w=773)
Breeders across the country are offering adult dogs for as little as £75, though young pups are being advertised for up to £3,500 each. Many of those being sold can be linked to Romania where animal welfare standards are well below the norm. Cane Corsos are not subject to the same restrictions as XL bullies and are fully legal in the UK.
![[Man relaxing on a couch with his large black dog.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jack-fincham-dog-instagram-951829708_668508.jpg?strip=all&w=955)
