The Bull Arab combines the desired characteristics of a scent hound and a catch dog. An Australian pig dog is used to locate pigs, pull them to the ground, and hold them by the ear.[4] The breed is able to locate pigs as far as 4–6 kilometres (2.5–3.7 mi) away by smell.[1]
Animal welfare issues
According to shelters and animal welfare organizations, Bull Arab type dogs are bred irresponsibly, dumped often and are more difficult to rehome responsibly.[5][6][7] 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.[9]
Attack risk
Attacks on animals[10][11][12][13][14] and humans[15][16][17] have been attributed to Bull Arab type dogs. The Mackay Regional Council reports hunting dogs are not represented in greater numbers of dog bites than other dog breeds.[18] In a 2022 analysis of 682 dog bite related injuries who presented to Sydney Children's Hospital in New South Wales from 2010 to 2020, no bites were attributed to Bull Arabs, though Bull Arabs are not within the 20 most common breeds in New South Wales.[19][20]
Trivia
One example of the breed is cited as being used as an assistance dog for a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder.[21]
^Cormack, Lucy (2016-05-30). "Two-year-old boy mauled by dog at South Coast home". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2024-12-28. The boy suffered injuries to his head, chest, back and legs when he was bitten by a bull Arab in the front yard of a home...