10 Things You Didn’t Know About the Bull Arab
If your preference is to get a hybrid dog rather than a purebred, you must research the breed as much as possible to decide if it is the right choice for you. Most hybrids, also known as designer dogs, have features of both parent breeds. In some cases, the development of a hybrid involved multiple breeds, and the resulting hybrid may contain any combination of the physical characteristics and personality traits of the breeds involved in the process. One hybrid dog that you may consider is the Bull Arab. Here are 10 things that you might not know about the Bull Arab to help you decide if this breed suits you are your lifestyle.
1. Bull Arabs Were Developed in Australia
The Bull Arab is a hybrid dog that was developed in Australia. Various large and strong dogs were used during the development process. Some of the most common breeds used were Great Danes, Greyhounds, Bull Terriers, shorthair Pointers, and Mastiffs. The combined physical characteristics of these dogs resulted in a large, muscular dog. The breed is known by several other names, including the Australian Pig Dog and the Aussie Pig.
2. Hunters Originally Used Them for Pig Hunting
Originally, the purpose of creating this breed was to develop a dog for pig hunting. Pig hunters needed a dog that could locate the pigs and then have the strength to pull them to the ground or hold the pig by its ear. As the Bull Arab has such a strong sense of smell, they can locate pig up to almost four miles away.
3. The Bull Arab Is a Medium to Large Dog Breed
Bull Arabs are classed as a medium to large dog breed. According to Dog Time, Bull Arabs are typically between 24 and 27 inches tall, and they weigh between 60 and 95 pounds. Males are usually taller and heavier than females. Ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise is essential to reduce the risk of serious health conditions associated with obesity. These include heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems.
4. Bull Arabs Have a Short-Haired Coat
The Bull Arab has a short-haired coat that is easy to groom. You should give your dog a good brush once a week is enough. It is also important to regularly give your Bull Arab a bath to keep their skin and coat in good condition. This breed predominantly has a white or cream coat that has spotting over their body and patches on their ears. The colors of the spots and patches are usually black, liver, brown, tan, silver, blue, red, buckskin, or brindle.
5. They Need Early Socialization
Bull Arabs are an intelligent dog breed, so they are usually easy to train. They can pick up new commands quickly, and their obedience and loyalty to their owners make them keen to learn. However, you must include socialization in the training regime from the start, as a lack of socialization may mean your dog becomes aggressive. During socialization, make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities to meet new people and dogs.
6. Bull Arabs Have High Physical Needs
If you want a lap dog to cuddle up to on the sofa and that you do not need to walk too often, then the Bull Arab is not the best option for you. As the Bull Arab is a large and muscular dog, they have high physical needs. They need at least an hour of exercise each day, so they are ideally suited to active people who enjoy the outdoors. If you cannot commit to walking your dog for an hour each day, then you should consider a different breed. Similarly, due to their size and their physical needs, the Bull Arab is not the best option for those who live in apartments. Ideally, the Bull Arab should live in a home with a large backyard where they can exercise.
7. Major Kennel Clubs Do Not Recognize the Bull Arab as a Breed
Unfortunately, most of the major kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), do not recognize the Bull Arab as a breed as it is a hybrid dog. It means that you cannot register your dog with the major organizations, nor can you enter your dog into any of these organizations’ events and competitions.
8. They Are Prone to Certain Health Conditions
The Bull Arab is prone to some health conditions that are associated with the parent breeds. Some of these include retained testicles, primary lens luxation, epilepsy, cataracts, and bloat. If you notice symptoms of any of these conditions, you should seek your vet’s advice. The lifespan of Bull Arabs is usually between 12 and 15 years, and you can increase the chances of your Bull Arab living a long and happy life by giving them regular exercise and feeding them a healthy diet.
9. They Can Become Excellent Family Pets
The Bull Arab can make an excellent family pet as they are loyal, caring, and affectionate. However, you should take care if you have young children, as the Bull Arab is a large and powerful dog that can easily knock a small child over. It is also important if you have children to teach them how to behave properly around the dog. Early socialization involving your Bull Arab and the children becoming accustomed to one another is essential.
10. Bull Arabs Are Best As the Only Pet of the House
If you have other pets, then you should consider choosing another breed as the Bull Arab generally does not get along with other animals and is best-suited to being the only pet in the household. The breed’s natural hunting instinct means they may chase or harm cats, smaller dogs, and other small pets. Bull Arabs also tend to dominate other dogs in a household. If you have your Bull Arab from being a puppy, then early socialization can help to reduce the risk of your dog harming other animals.
