The Bull Arab is a type of dog developed in Australia by Mike Hodgens and Heather Rea for pig hunting.
[''Tuskers Magazine'']
"Intro to Australia and Bull Arabs"
Adam Mirfin, February 2013, p 26. The dog was developed from crossing large, strong dogs of which the most common were Bull Terriers, Pointing breeds, and Greyhounds. The result was a medium to large size, short-haired, muscular dog.[
The Bull Arab was originally bred for feral pig hunting, and developed to locate pigs, pull them to the ground, and hold them by the ear. The breed is able to locate ]feral pig
The feral pig is a domestic pig which has gone feral, meaning it lives in the wild. They are found mostly in the Americas and Australia. Razorback and wild hog are Americanisms applied to feral pigs or boar-pig hybrids.
Definition
A feral ...
s as far as away by smell.[
]
Temperament
Bull Arabs were bred for a temperament appropriate for their role as a hunting dog. They have a strong prey drive they have a tendency to chase smaller dogs and animals and are said to require early socialization with other dogs to prevent aggressive behavior.
The breed has a reputation for aggression. Attacks on people, including children, have been attributed to the breed and have resulted in serious injury. Although the Mackay Regional Council reports hunting dogs are not represented in greater numbers of dog bites than other dog breeds,[''Daily Mercury'']
"Mackay locals just as likely to be attacked by a Jack Russell"
20 March 2017. larger and more aggressive dogs like the Bull Arab are more likely to cause serious injury or death during an attack. Attacks on livestock, including the killing of a number of sheep and other animals, have been attributed to Bull Arabs.
The breed is cited as being used for companion and therapy animals.
Abandonment
Due to restrictions on rental housing agreements in Queensland
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, nickname = Sunshine State
, image_map = Queensland in Australia.svg
, map_caption = Location of Queensland in Australia
, subdivision_type = Country
, subdivision_name = Australia
, established_title = Before federation
, establishe ...
that prohibit larger sized dog breeds, many large breeds of dogs including Bull Arabs are often abandoned in that state. RSPCA Australia
RSPCA Australia (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) is an Australian peak organisation established in 1981 to promote animal welfare. Each state and territory of Australia has an RSPCA organisation that predates and is a ...
also attributes this to a perceived rise in pig hunting, with hunters not desexing their animals, resulting in litters often being dumped.[''Brisbane Times'']
"Almost 25,000 animals surrendered to RSPCA Queensland"
11 January 2016.
See also
* Dogs portal
* List of dog breeds
References
{{Australian dogs
Dog breeds originating in Australia
Hunting dogs