The Bull Arab is a type of dog developed in Australia for pig hunting.[2][1][3] The dog was developed from crossing large, strong dogs of which the most common were Bull Terriers, Great Danes, Greyhounds, and Mastiffs.[2] The result was a medium to large size, short-haired, muscular dog.[2]
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.[4] The breed is able to locate feral pigs as far as 4–6 kilometres (2.5–3.7 mi) away by smell.[1]
Temperament
Bull Arabs have a calm temperament, are highly intelligent[5][6] and easily trainable,[6] and are known for their loyalty and their love of people.[5]
The breed has a reputation for aggression[7] which according to RSPCA Australia is due to the media and public perception.[8] Attacks on people in several states of Australia have been attributed to the breed,[9][10] although according to the Mackay Regional Council proportionally in no greater numbers than other dog breeds.[11] Attacks on livestock including the killing of a number of sheep and other animals have been attributed to Bull Arabs that had escaped their owners and/or confinement.[12][13][14][15][16] It has been stated that there is a little hard data to support the breed's reputation for aggression and the perception problems are caused by the people who own the dogs and a lack of socialisation.[11]
The breed is cited as being used for companion and therapy animals.[17][18]
Abandonment
Due to restrictions on rental housing agreements in Queensland that prohibit larger sized dog breeds, many large breeds of dogs including Bull Arabs are often abandoned in that state.[6] RSPCA Australia also attributes this to a perceived rise in pig hunting, with hunters not desexing their animals, resulting in litters often being dumped.
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