Bull Arab

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66-88 lbs
24-26"
Australia
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BA, Arab, Aussie Pig Dog, Australian Pig Dog

The Bull Arab actually originated in Australia and is commonly called the Australian Pig Dog since they were originally developed to hunt and hold pigs pinned to the ground by the ear. Aside from being valued as wild pig hunters, the Bull Arab makes an excellent guard dog. This can be an aggressive breed and is known for having a propensity to attack humans and have even caused death to humans by mauling and biting. Therefore, while some people claim the Bull Arab makes a great pet, this is not a breed for the faint of heart or novice dog owner. 
Purpose
Wild Pig Hunting
Date of Origin
1970s
Ancestry
English Bull Terrier, Greyhound, German Shorthaired Pointer, English Pointer

Bull Arab Health

Average Size
Male Bull Arab size stats
Height: 25-27 inches Weight: 70-92 lbs
Female Bull Arab size stats
Height: 24-26 inches Weight: 66-88 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Hip Dysplasia
Minor Concerns
  • Cardiac Disease
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Eye Problems
Occasional Tests
  • OFA
  • Yearly Eye Exam
  • Yearly Physical Examination

Bull Arab Breed History

The Bull Arab’s origins were documented by breeder Mike Hodgens. Hodgens began cultivating the breed in 1972. Hodgens wanted to create a breed that had the power of the English Bull Terrier, the speed and sighting ability of the Greyhound and the scenting and brains of a Pointer. There is some question as to a certain breed that may have been used but it is known for certain that the breed was comprised of 50% English Bull Terrier and 25% Greyhound. The question is whether the other 25% was contributed by the German Shorthaired Pointer or the English Pointer. Some researchers claim the German Shorthaired Pointer was used while others argue that this was not the case and the English Pointer was really used as well as the Saluki and the Bloodhound. Whatever the Bull Arab’s true ancestry one thing is for certain, this breed quickly became Australia’s top pig hunting dog. In 1981, Hodgens stopped breeding Bull Arabs and by 1989 he had completely stopped breeding dogs. The Bull Arab developed into a very versatile breed that became not only an excellent wild pig hunter but also a fantastic guard dog. Some people will argue that the Bull Arab is also a great family companion; however there have been a number of incidents of dog attacks involving Bull Arabs. This breed has been known to attack and kill humans; they must have a strong leader within the home to properly train and socialize them. Because of their aggressive and tenacious natures the Bull Arabs have been used in police work and on security detail; they can also be used in search and rescue.

Bull Arab Breed Appearance

The Bull Arab is a solidly built, symmetrical dog with a broad head that is in proportion with their body. They have powerful jaws that are able to lock so they can easily pin and hold a wild pig. Their eyes are slightly rounded, bright and their color will depend on their coat color. Darker colored dogs will have brown eyes, lighter colored dogs will have self-colored or amber eyes. They have ears that hang and are of moderate size. Their nose is wide with larger nostrils and is colored depending on their coat color. The Bull Arab has a smooth coat that is short and slightly harsh. They do have an undercoat that is softer and thicker during the winter months. Their coat should never be fluffy, soft or long. Most Bull Arabs are predominantly white on their bodies with colored patches on their body. There is generally ticking within the white on their bodies. Acceptable colors include black, red, brindle, liver, red, silver or blue. 
Eye Color Possibilities
blue Bull Arab eyes
Blue
hazel Bull Arab eyes
Hazel
brown Bull Arab eyes
Brown
amber Bull Arab eyes
Amber
Nose Color Possibilities
blue Bull Arab nose
Blue
black Bull Arab nose
Black
brown Bull Arab nose
Brown
Coat Color Possibilities
brindle Bull Arab coat
Brindle
silver Bull Arab coat
Silver
blue Bull Arab coat
Blue
red Bull Arab coat
Red
brown Bull Arab coat
Brown
black Bull Arab coat
Black
Coat Length
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
Bull Arab straight coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Bull Arab Breed Maintenance

The Bull Arab is not a high maintenance breed. They do need to be brushed once a week using a slicker brush or a natural bristle brush. During season changes they do need to be brushed more often to keep the loose hairs from getting out of hand and gathering on clothing, furniture and flooring. They have the type of short undercoat that can float through the air and land in food or drinks when not kept under control. They do not need to be bathed often; it may be wise to bathe them with warm water when they begin shedding to hasten the process. They have ears that hang and can easily trap moisture and dirt. Clean their ears weekly to keep any possible infections from becoming problematic. The Bull Arab will need his toe nails clipped every few weeks. If you do not like clipping their nails, try using a grinder to keep their nails short and neat. 
Brushes for Bull Arab
Slicker Brush
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
Bull Arab requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Bull Arab Temperament

The Bull Arab is a high energy dog that requires a strong leader to handle them. These dogs have a very strong hunting instinct and when left untrained can become aggressive and a threat to humans and other animals. They need early socialization and continual training throughout their life. The Bull Arab is a highly excitable and potentially dangerous breed. First time dog owners or passive dog owners should not consider this breed for their family. While some people will claim the Bull Arab is great with children, they should be closely monitored with younger children. They do not necessarily respect children within the family and may challenge them for a better position within the family. This breed is known to be aggressive and there are several documented incidents of Bull Arab attacks on humans and deaths have occurred from some of these attacks. They do best in a home with no other pets. 

Bull Arab Activity Requirements

The Bull Arab has unending stamina and will run for miles searching out anything they feel is a potential threat. They are part sight hound and part scent hound meaning they will chase anything they see move and used their nose to follow an interesting trail. The Bull Arab needs a tall, secure fence to keep them out of trouble. They can be an aggressive dog and need to be trained by a dominant leader. They do not do well at dog parks, especially when smaller dogs are present. Spend at least an hour each day going for runs or hiking. During exercise time, plan on incorporating training routines to keep them on their toes. 
Activity Level
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
14 miles
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Bull Arab

Similarly Sized Breeds to Bull Arab

Bull Arab Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
2.5 cups
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $1.90
Monthly Cost
$39.00 - $52.00

Bull Arab Height & Weight

6 Months
Male Bull Arab size stats at six months
Height: 19 inches Weight: 42 lbs
Female Bull Arab size stats at six months
Height: 18 inches Weight: 35 lbs
12 Months
Male Bull Arab size stats at 12 months
Height: 23 inches Weight: 65 lbs
Female Bull Arab size stats at 12 months
Height: 22 inches Weight: 57 lbs
18 Months
Male Bull Arab size stats at 18 months
Height: 26 inches Weight: 81 lbs
Female Bull Arab size stats at 18 months
Height: 25 inches Weight: 77 lbs

Bull Arab Owner Experiences

Wuffles
8 Months
3 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
When we went to the lost dog’s home, he was the ONLY puppy! As we intended to come home with a puppy, he was our ONLY choice. He was retrieved by the dog’s home from the council who found him. We paid $500 for him. As it appears that he was lost originally, we now describe him as a rescue dog. When we went on a holiday to New Caledonia, there walking on a lead along the main beach footpath was a dog so similar to him that it looked to be his father. However the man walking him did not speak any language that we understood. Therefore we have wondered how do we live in Melbourne when his nearest relative appears to live on a South Pacific island?
1 month, 1 week ago
Elixir
10 Months
2 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
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He is very very energetic puppy, lot of temper tantrums if he doesn't get attention, loves to sleep in our bed with us, loves saying hi to everyone on road passing by. P. S he always wants to be outside .
1 month, 3 weeks ago
Brax
3 Years
4 People
House
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
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Pastimes
Very friendly towards people and kids, but slightly aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs. Loyal dog, enjoys car rides, and walks. Very big, as big as our 13 year old girl.
2 months, 2 weeks ago
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