Bull Arab Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Bull Arab?

The Bull Arab breed history is quite short. This breed originated in Australia in the 1970s. They were first bred to be hunting dogs and would hunt feral pigs and pin them to the ground; they were then known as the Australian pig dog or Aussie pig dog.

Mike Hodgens started the breed in 1972. He wanted to create a powerful breed with great speed and sight and great scent abilities. The breed quickly became the top pig hunting dog of Australia and made excellent guard dogs.

Who are Bull Arab dogs best for?

Bull Arabs are best for experienced dog owners; these dogs can be difficult and require continuous training throughout their lives. They are also not great with children and may try to challenge them. So they may not be best for families with younger children.

They are an excellent choice for those living on farms due to their hunting abilities and protective instincts. They are also great for search and rescue missions, police work, and security detail.

They love people and are incredibly loyal, they can be a good family dog, but they need to be trained a lot and take caution around young ones. They are also better for homes that do not have any other dogs.

How much grooming does a Bull Arab need?

The coat of a Bull Arab dog is generally soft and short and does not require much maintenance. However, you should brush their coat every week and use a natural bristle brush or a slicker brush to ensure that their coat stays in good condition.

You do not need to send them to a professional groomer. However, you will need to groom them more regularly during their shedding season to remove any loose hairs they may have.

You should bathe them in warm water when they begin shedding; this generally speeds up the process. You should clean their ears every week, their ears hang and can trap dirt and moisture, so regular cleaning will ensure that they do not get infected.

You will need to clip their toenails every few weeks. Note that they are seasonal shedders, but it is easy to maintain.

Do Bull Arab bark much?

Bull Arabs do bark occasionally. In most cases, they bark because they are being protective or territorial. They will also bark if they are scared, lonely, or bored. A Bull Arab requires a good amount of attention and love being around others, so they will certainly bark if left alone.

They may feel some separation anxiety, and this will cause them to bark, so will playing, or when they meet new people - it is their way of welcoming you and saying hello.

Do Bull Arab bite?

It is fairly common for Bull Arabs to bite or nip at someone. The best way to avoid this is to socialise them from an early age. This way, they won't get nervous around new people and in new situations, making them less likely to bite.

Neutering them is another way to stop them from biting; this is said to make them far less aggressive. Obedience training is crucial, this way, your Bull Arab will be easier to manage, and you will have greater control over their habits.

Understand their body language. A decreased head, bared teeth, and raised heckles are apparent signs that your dog is feeling uneasy. Knowing to read these signs will help avoid a bite as you know it is time to comfort them.

What is the temperament & personality of a Bull Arab?

A Bull Arab is generally a very energetic dog with hunting instincts. They can be highly aggressive if not appropriately trained; luckily, they are relatively easy to train. They are loyal and tend to be wary and aggressive towards those they don't know.

Bull Arabs are also very independent and will be even-tempered if trained properly. They are also confident and head-strong dogs, and they love to play.

These dogs tend to have a fairly bad reputation, but it all comes down to how you raise and train them. They can be the most incredibly loving family dogs. Affection and protection are a part of their nature.

As much as they have an aggressive streak, it is your responsibility to control it - they truly can be the best pets!

What is the weight & size of a Bull Arab?

At about six months of age, a male Bull Arab will weigh about 19kg and be about 48cm in height whereas a female will weigh about 15kg and be around 45cm in height.

By 12 months, a male will weigh 29kg and be about 58cm tall. A female will weigh 28kg and be around 55cm in height.

By 18 months, the male will weigh around 36 kg and be about 66cm tall. A female will weigh approximately 34kg and be about 63cm tall.

How much training does a Bull Arab need?

These dogs need to be trained by someone experienced and dominant. They also require socialisation early on in life and continuous training. Due to their aggressive personality, they need to be trained by someone that can control them and has a firm hand.

When training them, you need to engage their minds as they are working dogs. They should go through obedience training for at least two years and will likely need training throughout their lifetime.

You can start by playing some games with them and teaching them some basic commands.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Bull Arab?

There are various health issues that Bull Arabs can suffer from. They are prone to cataracts, bloating, and epilepsy. They can also suffer from hip dysplasia, Primary Lens Luxation, and eye problems, and some may suffer from cardiac disease.

Since these dogs were bred in a wider gene pool, they have fewer genetic problems. Genetic diseases can also be avoided through good breeding techniques.

What is the lifespan of a Bull Arab?

Bull Arabs can live anywhere between 12 and 15 years. This is longer than other dog breeds of their size.

Their life expectancy also depends on their environment, how they were raised, their breeding practices, their diet, and their general lifestyle.

How much should you feed a Bull Arab?

Bull Arabs are incredibly active and high-energy. They are also reasonably large dogs. Therefore, their diet should consist of eggs, meats, and some dry kibble. Their food should be of top quality and should have a good amount of nutrients. Bull Arabs will need a lot of calcium.

Their diet should depend on their activity level, metabolism, and age. In general, they should eat 2.5 cups of food daily, split between two meals.

What is the price of a Bull Arab in Australia?

The price of a Bull Arab will differ from breeder to breeder and will be cheaper if you adopt. A puppy could cost you around $300 - $400.

The yearly expenses of a Bull Arab can come to a total of around $1,500. This includes their food, vaccinations, vet visits, insurance, supplies, toys, and medication.