The Bull Arab is an Australian breed of dog, developed in the 1970s for pig hunting.[2][1][3] The breed was originally established through the crossing of 50% Bull Terrier, 25% Greyhound, and 25% German Shorthaired Pointer, a mix that combined speed, strength, scenting ability, and trainability. This original combination is still reflected in older bloodlines, though later additions in certain bloodlines include Great Dane, Bloodhound and Mastiff, with variations being made depending on the sort of country hunting took place on.[2][4]
A pair of Greyhound x GSP x Bull Terrier dogs, the ancestors to what we know now as Bull Arabs.
Origins and Development
The Bull Arab begun development in Queensland, Australia in 1972 by breeder Mike/Errol Hodgens. His original breeding formula combined 50% Bull Terrier, 25% Greyhound, and 25% German Shorthaired Pointer. The goal was to create a dog capable of locating, chasing, and holding feral pigs across rugged Australian landscape.[5]
A 1970s pair of Hodgens' Bull Arabs. Marking the beginning of the defined Bull Arab phenotype.
Hodgens dedicated over a decade to refining the breed, reportedly producing hundreds of dogs annually at the height of his operation. He faced significant personal and legal challenges during this time, including animal seizures and disputes with authorities, which ultimately led him to step away from breeding in 1989.[6] Despite this, the breed gained a solid foothold among rural hunters.[7][8]
Evolution and Regional Adaptations
After Hodgens ceased breeding, various hunters and breeders across Queensland and New South Wales began developing their own lines based on his original dogs. Some breeders introduced additional breeds such as Mastiff, Great Dane, or Bloodhound to suit different terrain and hunting needs. For example, breeders in Queensland often prioritized scenting ability by incorporating Bloodhound, while those in NSW sought greater size and strength for mountainous terrain by introducing Mastiff blood.[7]
Notable breeders and early supporters of the breed include Brian Neal, Peter Paulsen, Graham Caldow, Johnny Johnson, and Reece Campbell, among others. These individuals were instrumental in maintaining and adapting the breed over the decades.[7][8]
"A tough, active Bull Arab needs to have the endurance and speed to be able to hunt and find, but still the strength to control a feral boar"
The Bull Arab presents a balanced image between power and speed. Everything about the Bull Arab should be moderate and balanced, it is not a Bull Arab of extremes. Scars resulting from wounds received while working are not to be penalized. Symmetrical and well built all over, general outline a series of graceful curves.[4]
Height & Weight
There is sexual dimorphism within the Bull Arab, with the allowable heights and weights for Males and Females differing slightly.
The ideal height for Males is 63-69cm, with ideal weight range being 32-42kg. Meanwhile, in Females, the ideal height is 61-66cm, with the ideal weight range between 30-40kg. [4]
Bull Arabs falling outside the parameters of what is deemed the 'Breed Standard", may be submitted for registry with ABBA and will be thoroughly evaluated and given consideration for acceptance. Though, not all Bull Arabs will be accepted.[4]
Temperament
The ABBAstandard for the Bull Arab indicate that the ideal temperament should be: "Kind and loyal, balanced and placid nature, intelligent and independent, Strong drive and determination when worked and a busy work ethic"[10]
It is noted that the breed: "Must not show any signs of aggressiveness towards other dogs and under no circumstance towards other people."[11]
The Bull Arab is predominately kept as a pig hunting dog. While the breed was originally started in Queensland, there is a growing population all over Australia.[5] A pig hunting dog is used to locate feral pigs, pull them to the ground, and hold them by the ear. The breed is able to locate pigs as far as 4–6 kilometers (2.5–3.7 mi) away by smell.[1]
Mislabeling and Controversies
A "Bull Arab-type" dog, is a generalized categorisation similar to the terms "Pit Bull-type" or "Staffy-type". It denotes a dog that might resemble a Bull Arab, or be mixed with a Bull Arab, but lacks the defining traits that would make the dog a purebred Bull Arab, including belonging to the original bloodline of Bull Arabs, or being a registered dog with the Australian Bullarab Breeders Association.
Despite the Bull Arabs primary breed purpose as a pig hunting dog, there are many Bull Arabs that have become companions and pets, due to what is described as their "loyal, gentle, and sweet natures". [12] However, with this growing reputation in family homes, comes a growing need for awareness surrounding what a Bull Arab truly is. Many dogs referred to as "Bull Arabs" in media and shelters, are not recognized Bull Arabs by ABBA, and are instead only crosses or mixed breed dogs that loosely resemble the breed.[13] This distinction complicates efforts to track behavior or welfare outcomes specific to the registered breed, versus those only relevant to Bull Arab-type dogs.
Animal Welfare Issues
Data published by dog rescues and animal welfare organizations often indicate that Bull Arab-type dogs, as well as pig hunting-type mixes in general, are bred irresponsibly, dumped often and are more difficult to rehome responsibly in their home state of Queensland.[14][15][16] It is important to note that Bull Arab-type dogs are the third most common types of dogs taken in by Queensland RSPCA[17], with many of these dogs being mixed breeds who are not representative of the true Bull Arab population.[9]
The RSPCA also attributes this to a perceived rise in pig hunting, with hunters not desexing their animals, resulting in litters often being dumped.[18]
BSL and Bite Risks
The perceived risk of Bull Arabs and Bull Arab-type crosses has been a topic of contention in the general public in recent years, likely echoing stigma regarding other "bully" breeds, such as the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and the restricted American Pit Bull Terrier.[17] Despite neither dog appearing in the original mix.[7]
The Mackay Regional Council reports pig hunting dogs are not represented in greater numbers of dog bites than other dog breeds.[19] A 2022 analysis of 682 dog bite related injuries who presented to Sydney Children's Hospital in New South Wales from 2010 to 2020, no bites were attributed to Bull Arabs, though Bull Arabs are not within the 20 most common breeds in New South Wales.[20][21] Despite this, there has been previous cases of attacks on animals[22][23][24][25][26] and humans[27][28][29] attributed to Bull Arab-type dogs within Australia.
The RSPCA has stated in reference to the Bull Arab, as well as other bully breeds, that "there has been no scientific evidence to support that certain dog breeds are more dangerous than others. Rather, the responsibility lies purely with the dog owner to ensure that their pet is socialised, trained and treated appropriately. The community should also be aware of just how to interact with dogs in public and the home. Any dog can make a loving, devoted pet; regardless of their breed or appearance"[17]
↑ Cormack, Lucy (2016-05-30). "Two-year-old boy mauled by dog at South Coast home". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-12-28. The boy suffered injuries to his head, chest, back and legs when he was bitten by a bull Arab in the front yard of a home...
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