Bull Arab

The Bull Arab is an Australian pig-hunting dog, bred from bull terrier, sighthound and scenthound stock for a job that is still its main use.

History

It was developed in Australia from the 1970s to hunt feral pigs, combining a bull terrier's grip, a sighthound's speed and a scenthound's nose. It is a working type maintained by hunters rather than a registered show breed.

Temperament

The breed is known for being confident, driven and attached to its handler, calm at home when properly exercised and single-minded at work.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure containment, and its prey drive is real and considerable. It is unsuited to households with small animals. Early socialising and consistent handling are essential.

Health

Generally robust from working selection; the deep chest carries the usual bloat risk. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.