Bull Arab
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| Bull Arab | |||||||||||||||||
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| Other names | Australian Bull Arab, Bullarab | ||||||||||||||||
| Origin | Australia | ||||||||||||||||
| Breed status | Not recognised as a breed by any major kennel club. | ||||||||||||||||
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| Dog (domestic dog) | |||||||||||||||||
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]
The Australian Bullarab Breeder's Association was launched in 2007, acting as the breed's parent club, with the ultimate goal of achieving ANKC recognition.
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]
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]
Breed standardization efforts
In 2007, the Australian Bullarab Breeder's Association (ABBA) was established to promote the breed and work towards recognition by the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC). The group also advocates for responsible breeding practices and aims to preserve the Bull Arab's working capabilities.[9]
Appearance
The Australian Bullarab Breeder's Association (ABBA) have published a written breed standard for the Bull Arab, with dogs needing to meet the standard in order to be registered.[4]
General appearance and characteristics
The Bull Arab presents a balanced image between power and speed. Everything about the Bull Arab should be moderate and balanced. Scars resulting from wounds received while working are not to be penalized. It is symmetrical and well built all over, with the general outline being a series of graceful curves.[4]
Height and 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 63–69 cm, with ideal weight range being 32–42 kg. Meanwhile, in females, the ideal height is 61–66 cm, with the ideal weight between 30 and 40 kg.[4]
Disqualifications
Bull Arabs falling outside the parameters of what is deemed the breed standard may be submitted for registration with ABBA and will be thoroughly evaluated and given consideration for acceptance. However, not all Bull Arabs will be accepted.[4]
Temperament
The ABBA standard for the Bull Arab indicate that the ideal temperament should be "kind and loyal, balanced and placid nature, intelligent and independent, and have 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."[10]
Use
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]
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