How to Choose a Reputable XL Bully Breeder

Buying a puppy is one of the most significant purchases you'll make ”” financially and emotionally. The XL Bully market is full of talented, passionate breeders doing incredible work. It's also full of people selling dogs they have no business producing. Here's how to tell the difference.

Why This Matters More Than Price

A puppy from a backyard breeder or puppy mill might cost $800 less upfront. But a dog with undetected hip dysplasia will cost you $5,000”“$15,000 in surgery. A dog with unstable temperament from untested parents can cause serious harm. And the heartbreak of losing a dog too young to preventable, heritable disease is something no price tag covers.

Reputable breeders invest heavily in genetic testing, quality nutrition, vet care, and environmental enrichment before a single puppy is born. Their prices reflect that investment ”” and protect yours.

Red Flags to Walk Away From

• ✕No health testing ”” or only claims without documentation
• ✕Won't let you visit the kennel or meet the parents
• ✕Puppies available year-round with no waitlist
• ✕Multiple breeds for sale at the same time
• ✕Prices too low to cover health testing and quality care
• ✕No contract, no health guarantee, no support after purchase
• ✕Can't provide registration papers or pedigree
• ✕Pressure tactics ”” 'this puppy is almost taken'

Green Flags to Look For

• ✓OFA/PennHIP testing on both parents ”” documented
• ✓ABKC or UKC registration with verified pedigrees
• ✓Transparent kennel ”” happy to FaceTime or let you visit
• ✓References from previous buyers (and follows up with them)
• ✓Detailed health guarantee in writing
• ✓Pre-screens buyers ”” asks questions about your home and experience
• ✓Active on social media with consistent documentation of their dogs
• ✓Involved in shows, conformation events, or community reputation

Questions to Ask Every Breeder

The Deposit Question

Most reputable breeders require a non-refundable deposit to hold a puppy or a spot on the waitlist. This is normal ”” it screens out people who aren't serious. What isn't normal is being asked to pay in full upfront before the litter is born, with no contract, and no way to verify the breeder's legitimacy.

At Loyal Lions, our deposits are processed securely through Stripe, applied toward your puppy's purchase price, and backed by a written health guarantee. We're transparent about our dogs, our testing, and our process ”” because we have nothing to hide.