Bull Arab
The Bull Arab is an Australian breed of pig hunting dog[1][2] that is not recognised by any kennel club.
Breeding and use
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]
Temperament
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]
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.[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]
References
- ^ a b Tuskers Magazine, "Intro to Australia and Bull Arabs", February 2013, p 26.
- ^ Sally Harding, City dog country dog, Wakefield Press, Kent Town, 2010, ISBN 978-1-86254-915-9, p 86.
- ^ Lismore Echo, "Bull Arab with a touch of everything", 9 November 2016.
- ^ a b c The Northern Echo, "Tyson actively seeks a home", 8 August 2012, p 10.
- ^ a b The Sydney Morning Herald, "Policeman’s tussle with pig dog pack", 25 March 1979, p 20.
- ^ Illawarra Mercury, "Gentle Viper", 25 October, 2000, p 55.
- ^ The Age, "Dog factions row breeds loads of bad feelings", 5 November 2005.
- ^ a b c Sunshine Coast Daily, "The adorable dogs everyone has forgotten to love", 16 June 2014.
- ^ Noosa News, "Safe dog keeping takes a real mauling", 29 August 2015.
- ^ South Burnett Times, "RSPCA launches adopt a bull breed campaign", 22 March 2017.
- ^ Sunshine Coast Daily, "Another one: 66 dog attacks too many this year", 13 August 2014.
- ^ The Courier-Mail, "Two dogs responsible for savage attack on Sunshine Coast jogger 'looking for artery' ", 4 December 2014.
- ^ a b Daily Mercury, "Mackay locals just as likely to be attacked by a Jack Russell", 20 March 2017.
- ^ Northern Daily Leader, "Dogs mauled 30 sheep", 20 May 2010, p 3.
- ^ Daily Mercury, "Four sheep dead and 18 injured in dog attack", 6 April 2015.
- ^ Daily Mercury, "Man scared to leave own home after dog attack", 18 December 2013.
- ^ myGC.com.au, "Bull Arab put down following deadly dog attack on the Gold Coast", 10 April 2014.
- ^ Fraser Coast Chronicle, "Attack dogs euthanised by council", 26 February 2011.
- ^ Gold Coast Bulletin, "An abandoned dog has helped a Gold Coast soldier get his life back", 7 February 2016.
- ^ Gold Coast Bulletin, "A hero dog is fighting for his life after saving two young boys from a brown snake at Willow Vale", 25 January 2016.
- ^ Brisbane Times, "Almost 25,000 animals surrendered to RSPCA Queensland", 11 January 2016.
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