INTRODUCTION

The Bull Arab is a hybrid breed dog with ancestry linked to the English Bull Terrier, the Greyhound, the short-haired Pointers and, later, to larger breeds such as the Mastiff and Great Dane. Strong, loyal and active, the Bull Arab has inherited some of the best qualities of its lineage. Bull Arabs go by several names, including the Australian Pig Dog and the Aussie Pig. You can find these dogs in breed-specific shelters and rescues, so remember to adopt. These independent and energetic dogs often work as guard and hunting dogs in their native Australia. The Bull Arab was bred specifically to have the hunting and scent tracking abilities of its ancestors. When larger breeds, such as the Mastiff and Great Dane, were introduced into their bloodline, they became excellent guard dogs as well. Although Bull Arabs are loyal to their humans, this large and sometimes intimidating dog may not be the best choice for first-time adopters. This breed requires strong socialization and training, or it can become aggressive. If you are looking for a dog that is good for both cuddling and guarding, and you feel capable of training it consistently, the Bull Arab may be the right dog for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

The coat of the Arabian Bull is usually predominantly cream or white with brown, tan, or black markings. Some Bull Arabs have brindle coats and can be darker. When properly trained, the Arabian Bull makes an excellent family pet, even with children at home. Be sure to teach your children how to interact safely with a large dog. Younger children can easily injure themselves if an Arabian Bull gets too excited during play. The Arabian Bull can be a bit aggressive with smaller animals, given its strong prey drive. Cats and smaller dogs may not feel as comfortable if the Bull Arab decides to chase them. Bull Arabs can be prone to weight gain, especially if they don’t get enough exercise, and have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least two good half-hour to hour-long walks a day, with some good active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Breed advocates and Bull Arab enthusiasts describe the breed as an intensely loyal family dog with a calm and gentle presence, which is absolutely true when they are properly trained and socialized. The Bull Arab requires an experienced human and is not the best choice for novice pet parents.

HISTORY

Australian breeder Mike Hodgens is credited with starting the Bull Arab breed in 1972. He crossed an English Bull Terrier (said to have 50% of the litter’s DNA) with a cross between a German Shorthaired Pointer and a greyhound. The breed was developed to hunt wild pigs, and the Bull Arab does an excellent job of pinning pigs’ ears to the ground. As the breed became more popular with hunters, some introduced the Mastiff and Great Dane into the bloodline to increase the size of the dog. Although the Bull Arab breed began as a hybrid breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check local shelters, look for Bull Arab rescues or check with specific hunting dog rescue groups, as they sometimes take in hunting dogs and find homes for them.