The Bull Arab, also known as the Australian Pig Dog, originated in Australia with the purpose of hunting and restraining pigs. This breed is highly valued for its exceptional hunting skills as well as its ability to serve as a reliable guard dog. It is important to note that the Bull Arab has gained a reputation for its aggressive behavior, often attacking and causing serious harm to humans, and in some cases, even resulting in fatalities. Consequently, this breed is not recommended for individuals who are inexperienced or lacking confidence in handling dogs.
Although some may argue that the Bull Arab can make a wonderful companion, it is crucial to understand the potential risks associated with owning this breed. The Bull Arab requires an experienced and assertive owner who can effectively manage its strong instincts and potential aggression. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider one’s own capabilities and experience before deciding to adopt a Bull Arab as a pet.
Below, we look at Bull Arab dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Bull Arab, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and much more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Bull Arabs!
| Dog Breed | Bull Arab |
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 66-88 lbs (average) |
| Height | 24-26″ (average) |
| Location | Australia |
| Ancestry | English Bull Terrier, Greyhound, German Shorthaired Pointer, English Pointer |
| Date of Origin | 1970s |
| Group | Wild Pig Hunting |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years |
| Price | $300 – $400 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Bull Arab breed was created by Mike Hodgens in 1972. Hodgens aimed to combine the strength of the English Bull Terrier, the speed and agility of the Greyhound, and the scenting abilities of a Pointer. The breed is believed to be 50% English Bull Terrier and 25% Greyhound, but there is debate about whether the remaining 25% was contributed by the German Shorthaired Pointer or the English Pointer. Some argue that the Bull Arab also has ancestry from the Saluki and the Bloodhound. Regardless of its exact lineage, the Bull Arab quickly became Australia’s top pig hunting dog.
Hodgens stopped breeding Bull Arabs in 1981 and completely stopped breeding dogs by 1989. The breed proved to be highly versatile, excelling not only as a pig hunter but also as a guard dog. While some claim that Bull Arabs can make great family companions, there have been incidents of dog attacks involving this breed. They require a strong leader in the home to properly train and socialize them. Due to their aggressive nature, Bull Arabs have been used in police work, security detail, and search and rescue operations.
🐕 Bull Arab Appearance
A sturdy, symmetrical dog with a large head that is in proportion to their body is the Bull Arab. They can readily pin and hold a wild pig thanks to their strong, lockable jaws. Their coat color will determine the hue of their brilliant, somewhat rounded eyes. Dogs with darker coats will have brown eyes, while those with lighter coats will have amber or their own color. They are of average size and have drooping ears. Their broad, colorful nose matches the color of their coat and has wider nostrils. The Bull Arab has a short, silky coat that leans somewhat toward harshness. During the winter, their undercoat does get softer and thicker. They should never have a long, silky, or fluffy coat. Bull Arabs often have white skin with colourful patterns on their bodies. On their bodies, the white typically has ticking. Black, crimson, brindle, liver, red, silver, or blue are acceptable hues.
| 👀 Eye Color | Blue |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Blue, Black, Brown |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Brindle, Silver, Black, Brown, Red, Blue |
⚡ Fun Fact: Bull Arab dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn’t tolerate being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Bull Arab
Due of its high activity level, the Bull Arab needs a strong leader to control them. Because of their strong hunting instincts, these dogs can become violent and dangerous to people and other animals if they are not properly socialized and taught. They require lifelong training as well as early socializing. BullArabs are a temperamental and even deadly breed. This breed should not be considered for a family by inexperienced or uninvolved dog owners. Even while some think the Bull Arab is fantastic with kids, smaller kids should be constantly watched around them. They could fight them for a higher status within the family since they don’t always appreciate youngsters. There have been several reported instances of Bull Arab assaults on people, some of which have resulted in fatalities. This breed is known to be violent. They thrive in a house without any other animals.
🤝 Are Bull Arabs Friendly or Aggressive?
Bull Arab dogs tend to have difficulty getting along with other pets, and they are not the most cat-friendly breed. However, they are generally friendly towards strangers and other dogs, making them a good choice for families with children. In fact, Bull Arabs are often recommended for elderly individuals as well.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Independent
- Tempered
- Kind
🐩 Bull Arab Care & Maintenance
The Bull Arab does not require a lot of upkeep. They do require weekly brushing with a slicker or natural bristle brush. They do require more frequent brushing as the seasons change to prevent loose hairs from amassing on clothing, furniture, and carpeting. They have the kind of short undercoat that, if not maintained under control, may float through the air and settle in food or beverages. They don’t require frequent bathing, but it could be a good idea to give them a warm water bath when they first start to shed to speed up the process. Their drooping ears are perfect for catching dirt and dampness. To prevent any potential infections from becoming an issue, clean their ears once a week. Every several weeks, the Bull Arab will require having his toenails cut. Use a grinder to maintain their nails short and tidy if you don’t want to trim them. Want to know more about pet health insurance? Visit our pet insurance 101 guide.
Bull Arab dogs have a moderate shedding rate, which is a normal part of their hair growth cycle. Regularly brushing their fur helps to minimize the amount of hair they shed. The shedding amount can vary depending on their overall health and the specific breed they belong to. In terms of bathing, Bull Arab dogs typically need to be bathed every 4-6 weeks.
🍖 Food: We recommend 2.5 cups daily, costing you about $1.50 – $1.90 daily, or roughly $39.00 – $52.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Bull Arab dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 14 miles per week, which equates to about 60 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Bull Arab dogs have an average energy level, so if you live a semi-active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
❤️🩹 Bull Arab Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Bull Arab Dog Breed can be:
- Hip Dysplasia
While minor concerns include:
- Cardiac Disease
🤧 Important: Is Bull Arab hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Bull Arab.
⚡ Bull Arab Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Bull Arab a great choice for families with young children?
The Bull Arab is not necessarily a great choice for families with young children. They may not respect children within the family and could potentially challenge them for a higher position within the family. They should be closely monitored when around younger children.
Is the Bull Arab breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
The Bull Arab is not considered a suitable breed for apartment living. They are high energy dogs that require a lot of exercise and space to roam.
How much exercise does a Bull Arab require compared to other breeds?
The Bull Arab requires a significant amount of exercise compared to other breeds. They have a strong hunting instinct and need regular physical activity to keep them stimulated and prevent aggression.
Is the Bull Arab breed known for being good with other pets?
The Bull Arab is not known for being good with other pets. They are a potentially dangerous and aggressive breed, and it is recommended to have no other pets in the home.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bull Arab?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Bull Arab include the Greyhound, Basenji, and Whippet. These breeds require less exercise and grooming compared to the Bull Arab.
What are the common health issues that Bull Arabs are prone to?
Common health issues that Bull Arabs are prone to include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and allergies. They may also be susceptible to certain types of cancer.
Are Bull Arabs known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Bull Arabs are known to be somewhat difficult to train compared to other breeds. They require a strong leader and consistent training throughout their life.
Are Bull Arabs more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Bull Arabs are more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds. They have a strong bond with their owners and may become anxious or destructive when left alone for long periods of time.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Bull Arab that are suitable for people with allergies?
There are no specific dog breeds similar to the Bull Arab that are suitable for people with allergies. However, some hypoallergenic breeds such as Poodles or Bichon Frises may be better options for individuals with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Bull Arab are best for individuals or families with limited space?
Smaller-sized dogs similar to the Bull Arab that are best for individuals or families with limited space include the Miniature Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or American Staffordshire Terrier.
Is the Bull Arab breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Bull Arab breed is not specifically known for being good with children with special needs. Due to their potentially aggressive nature, they may not be the best choice for families with children with special needs.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Bull Arab?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Bull Arab are moderate. They have a short coat that requires regular brushing to remove loose hair. They are moderate shedders compared to other breeds.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Bull Arab dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
