Speaking at First Minister's Questions on Thursday, Mr Yousaf said the decision to "in essence, replicate" UK legislation will be taken soon after the country saw an influx of dogs being rehomed north of the border.

The move follows new regulations that have come into force in England and Wales after a spate of attacks in which people have died or been injured by the breed.

Mr Yousaf said: "What has become clear, I'm afraid in the last few weeks, is that we have seen a flow of XL bully dogs coming to Scotland, a number of people coming to Scotland to bring XL bully dogs here to the country.

"As such, we will give further details to members of the Scottish parliament through a ministerial statement if the parliamentary bureau agrees next week.

"We will, in essence, replicate the legislation that is in England and Wales here in Scotland because ultimately, although we do have a very good system of dog control notice schemes, and we do take the approach of deed not breed, we have to respond to the situation as it currently stands and therefore we will do what we need to do to ensure public safety."

Community safety minister Siobhian Brown had earlier warned Scots not to buy XL bully dogs "at the present time".

The MSP issued the advice after claiming the UK government's policy had led to an "influx of XL bully dogs coming to Scotland".

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What are the rules in England and Wales?

XL bullies were added to the Dangerous Dogs Act on 31 October 2023, giving owners two months to prepare for the restrictions.

The dogs must be kept on a lead and muzzled when out in public.

Selling, breeding, abandoning or giving them away is also now illegal.

People have until 31 January to apply for an exemption certificate to keep their dog - and must have it neutered, microchipped and insured.

Owners in England and Wales who fail to obtain an exemption by then will have to euthanise their dog or face a possible criminal record and fine.

'You should be standing by your dog'

XL bully owner Lauren Ballantyne, from Fife, said responsible owners shouldn't have an issue complying with the replicated regulations.

The mum-of-two, who has a 21-week-old pup called Soprano, told Sky News: "If you had the money to buy the dog in the first place, you should be sticking by your dog.

"And if it takes for you to have to neuter it, muzzle it and microchip it, if you are a responsible owner that's what you should be doing.

"You should be standing by your dog, not giving it away or rehoming it. It's as simple as that."

Ms Ballantyne, who is attempting to get over a fear of dogs, said Soprano will begin muzzle training this weekend.

She added: "I don't think a ban is the answer. It's down to the dog owners."

'Any breed can be potentially dangerous in the wrong hands'

The Scottish SPCA earlier told Sky News it had not seen an increase in the number of XL bully dogs being brought to its centres since the restrictions down south started.

The animal welfare charity said it would fully support any decision the Scottish government made, but is opposed to a ban on a specific dog breed.

Instead, the Scottish SPCA believes the answer lies in targeting irresponsible ownership and low-welfare breeding practices.

A spokesperson said: "We believe that anyone found guilty of owning a dangerous dog that has been involved in an attack should be automatically banned for life from owning another dog.

"However, we are opposed to this ban on a specific dog type, which we believe is not the most effective way to protect the public.

"Instead, we believe any breed of dog can be potentially out of control and dangerous in the wrong hands."