The Bull Arab is a cross between the English Bull Terrier and the Greyhound, as well as the shorthaired Pointer and, later, the Mastiff and Great Dane. The Bull Arab has inherited some of the best traits from its ancestors. The Australian Pig Dog and Aussie Pig are two more common names for Bull Arabs.
In their native Australia, these strong-willed dogs commonly serve as guard and hunting dogs. The forebears of the Bull Arab were developed for their hunting and scent-tracking abilities, and the Bull Arab was created to mimic those traits.
Dogs like Mastiffs and Great Danes were outstanding guard dogs when they were introduced into the lineage. However, despite their loyalty to their owners, Bull Arabs may not be the greatest choice for first-time adopters. To avoid becoming violent, this breed needs a lot of socialisation and training.
Those who are willing to put in the time and effort to train a Bull Arab can expect a dog that is both a loyal companion and a capable guard dog. Find out all there is to know about the Bull Arab dog breed below!
Highlights
- Cream or white with spots of brown, tan, and black make up the Bull Arabs coat. Bull Arabs with brindle coats tend to be a darker shade of brown.
- The Bull Arab may be a great family pet, even if you have small children. It's imperative that you instruct your children on how to interact properly with large dogs. If a Bull Arab gets overly excited when playing, it can easily damage smaller youngsters.
- Because of its high prey drive, the Bull Arab can be hostile against smaller animals. If the Bull Arab begins to pursue cats and smaller dogs, they may not feel as at home.
- Because of their rapid metabolism and lack of activity, Bull Arabs are prone to weight gain. It's important to walk your dog at least twice a day for at least 30 minutes to an hour and play with him or her a few times.
- Bull Arab promoters and lovers characterise the breed as a devoted family dog with a calm, gentle presence, which is certainly true when they're properly taught and socialised.
- They are not the best choice for first-time pet parents because they require an experienced human to care for them.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
60 to 95 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 15 years
Height
24 to 27 inches
History
Bull Arabs were first developed in 1972 by Australian breeder Mike Hodgens. This litter was bred by crossing an English Bull Terrier with a German Short-haired Pointer and a Greyhound cross.
When hunting, the Bull Arab excels at pinning the pigs' ears to the ground, which is exactly what they were created for. As the dog's popularity among hunters grew, some breeders added Mastiff and Great Dane bloodlines to the mix in an effort to make the dog even larger.
Though they were originally created as a hybrid breed, several Bull Arabs have ended up in animal shelters or in the care of rescue organisations. Consider adopting if you've made up your mind about this breed. Look for Bull Arab rescues in your area, or contact a group-specific hunting dog rescue to see if they will take in and rehome a hunting dog.
Personality and Temperament
The goal of breeding the Bull Arab was to create a dog that was both an excellent hunter and a calm and collected individual. It is easy to train them because they are quite intelligent. The Bull Arab is devoted to its family and gets along well with children, although parents should keep a constant eye on him. They may be demanding a higher status since they don't respect the children in the home. Small animals may be chased by dogs because of their great sense of smell and hunting instincts.
If left unsupervised, the dog may be suspicious and aggressive toward strangers. A hazardous and very energetic breed of dog. Obedience training and socialisation must begin at an early age to keep a dog in check. In order to properly control a dog, a person needs to use a hard but gentle touch. They make excellent watchdogs and search and rescue dogs because of their lively nature. This species does best in a home without any other pets.
Care
Preserving the health and well-being of the Bull Arab dog is essential. When they are not working, they should be taken for long walks every day. They are strong and need a lot of physical activity.
If properly exercised, Bull Arab dogs can live comfortably in an apartment. As a result of their low activity levels indoors, these dogs fare best in yards that are at least average in size.
The Bull Arab dog's short, rough coat is easy to maintain. Use a firm bristle brush to comb and brush your hair, and only bathe when required. The breed sheds moderately.
Health
The Bull Arab is considered to be a healthy breed, requiring only regular vaccines and checkups to maintain ideal health. The Bull Arab has a vast genetic pool because it was bred from a combination of three or more dog breeds. This means that the breed has few genetic disorders. Bull Arabs, on the other hand, may experience the following health issues:
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a term used to describe a wide range of neurological conditions that cause seizures. When the brain experiences an aberrant and uncontrolled burst of electrical activity known as a seizure, it is known as a "fit." Repeated seizures over time characterise epilepsy, and these usually occur while resting or sleeping, at night or in the early morning. It's not uncommon for seizures to last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. They may be accompanied or alone by a lapse in awareness.
There are a variety of behaviours that an animal may exhibit in response to pain: stiffening and falling to the ground; salivation; chewing; paddling; bladder or bowel discharge; crying; these are all common occurrences. Recovery after a seizure can take anything from a few minutes to up to 24 hours, depending on the severity of the seizure and the length of time it lasts.
Epilepsy can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including heredity, exposure to toxins, trauma, or epilepsy that is 'ideopathic,' meaning the cause is unclear. Epilepsy is more common in younger canines than in older ones.
Dogs with epilepsy are usually not able to be cured of their condition. Maintaining a seizure-free status while avoiding unpleasant side effects is the goal of treatment.
Primary lens luxation (PLL)
When the lens's stabilising ligaments weaken or rupture, it causes the lens to slip out of its normal position, resulting in this condition. If the lens moves too far, the dog may become blind as a result of this condition.
This condition typically affects dogs between the ages of three and six. Veterinarians are required to provide six-monthly eye examinations for those who are impacted.
It has been established that the terrier breeds have a tendency to have weak lens ligaments (the Bull Arab is 50 percent Bull Terrier in origin).
Cataracts
This is a cloudiness or opacity of the eye's lenses, which might be full or partial. Dogs with lens opacities greater than 60 percent may go blind or lose their vision completely. Cataracts are more common in dogs than any other species, and the problem is more prevalent in both eyes.
Infections or poisons can cause cataracts to occur in puppies even while they are still in the womb, but this is less common. As a degenerative condition, cataracts have the potential to cause blindness if left untreated. Surgery should be performed as soon as possible.
Cryptorchidism
One or both of the dog's testicles may not descend to the scrotum and remain in the abdomen or inguinal region. When your puppy is two months old, your veterinarian should check to see if the testicles have descended into the scrotum.
It can lead to testicular torsion, which is a painful and difficult condition, as well as testicular cancer if left untreated. As soon as feasible, the retained testicle(s) should be neutralised and removed.
Bloat
When a dog's stomach is overflowing with gas, food, or liquids, this condition is known as bloat. Other organs are strained by the weight of the stomach. Respiratory issues, as well as a reduction in blood flow to the heart and stomach lining, are all possible side effects. A rupture might also occur as a result of excessive pressure.
An inflated stomach, drooling, wandering about, panting, and painful sounds are all signs of bloat. If your dog has just eaten or drunk a lot, it will only exacerbate the problem.
It is a medical and surgical emergency to have bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus complex (GDV). A dog's life is at risk even in the mildest cases, which are extremely rare.
Recommended Health Test
- OFA
- Yearly Eye Exam
- Yearly Physical Examination
Nutrition
It is rare to find a more active and robust breed than the Bull Arab. This indicates that it has a large tummy. Three cups of nutritious and pleasant food a day is required. However, overfeeding is not a good idea because the more delicious the food is, the better.
Grooming
When it comes to grooming, the Bull Arab is a low-maintenance breed. This breed requires regular brushing with a firm bristles brush, as well as periodic baths. To avoid stripping their coats of their natural oils, avoid over-bathing these dogs.
There is an average amount of shedding with this dog breed. Brushing a Bull Arab more regularly during shedding season will speed up the process of removing loose hair.
As a result, the Bull Arab's ears are able to droop completely, allowing dirt and moisture to accumulate. This breed's ears are an excellent breeding ground for bacteria and infection because of the accumulation of dirt and dampness. Discuss the use of topical treatments on a weekly basis with your veterinarian.
Exercise
The Bull Arab needs at least 60 minutes of daily exercise as a very active breed. As long as the dog has access to a safe, enclosed area or country property, he will be able to run and burn off some energy. Set aside plenty of time each day to allow him to burn off some of his excess energy by engaging in some form of physical activity. In order to maintain your Bull Arab physically active and fatigued at the end of the day, you should engage him in activities such as hunting or herding.
Repetitive exercises bore the Bull Arab, therefore a thoughtful owner will come up with fun routines that keep the dog interested and engaged. Behavioral issues including excessive barking, chewing, and nipping can result from a lack of activity in this breed.
Be aware that this breed may not get along well with smaller dogs at dog parks. Because of its hunting instincts, the Bull Arab may chase and kill smaller canines. The Bull Arabs energy levels are better suited to long runs and excursions.
Despite the fact that he might be an independent dog, the Bull Arab enjoys spending time with his family and being around them. There are some dogs that cannot be left alone for long periods of time because they develop a connection to their families.
Training
An aggressive dog needs a strong and authoritative leader to socialise and train it. They must be socialised from an early age and receive ongoing instruction for the rest of their lives. Because of its aggressive nature, it is not advised for first-time dog owners.
The minds of Bull Arabs must be engaged in training them because they are working dogs. Puppy school is no match for the one to two years of obedience instruction required. Begin by teaching them some simple commands and playing some games that will help them get used to their new surroundings.
Children and Other Pets
Bull Arabs are great pets for families with children since they are well-behaved and well-trained. The Aussie Pig Dog is a large dog, and it's important to teach your children how to safely engage with it. If a Bull Arab gets overly excited when playing, it can easily damage smaller youngsters.
Due to their high prey drive, the Bull Arab can be hostile toward other household pets, especially small animals. If the Bull Arab begins to chase cats and smaller dogs, they may not feel as at home (and potentially harm them).
It basically comes down to training, socialisation, and a dog's genetics whether or not he will get along with other dogs and cats.
Puppies
A Bull Arab puppy can be purchased for as little as $300, making it a reasonably priced breed. The cost of this breed rises and falls with the health of the puppy and the geographic location of the breeder. Look for trustworthy breeders or animal shelters.
Dog Breeds Similar to Bull Arab
- Italian Greagle
- Toy Fox terrier
- Boxer Shepherd
- Beauceron
- Bavarian Mountain ScentHound
