Bull Arab

The Bull Arab was developed in the 1970s by crossing the Bull Terrier, German Shorthaired Pointer and Greyhound,[3][4] although it has been variously described as a cross of the Pointer and a terrier,[5] the Great Dane and a mastiff,[6] or the Doberman and Bull Terrier.[7]

The Bull Arab was originally bred for feral pig hunting purposes, being specially developed to locate pigs, pull them to the ground, and hold them by the ear.[5] The breed has an acute sense of smell and is able to locate feral pigs as far as 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) away.[1]

Bull Arabs have a calm temperament, are highly intelligent[4][8] and easily trainable,[8] and are known for their loyalty and their love of people.[4]

The breed has a reputation for aggression[9] which according to RSPCA Australia is due to the media and public perception.[10] Attacks on people in several states of Australia have been attributed to the breed,[11][12] although according to the Mackay Regional Council proportionally in no greater numbers than other dog breeds.[13] 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.[14][15][16][17][18] 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.[13]

The breed is cited as being used for companion and therapy animals.[19][20]

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.[8] RSPCA Australia also attributes this to a perceived rise in pig hunting, with hunters not desexing their animals, resulting in litters often being dumped.[21]