Also called Australian Bull Arab, Bullarab, Australian Bullarab · Australia
The breed standard asks for a gentle, loyal and even-tempered dog that is clever and fairly independent, yet very determined when given a job.
| Size | Large |
|---|---|
| Weight | 30 to 42 kg (66 to 93 lb)males 32 to 42 kg, females 30 to 40 kg12 |
| Height | 61 to 69 cm (24 to 27 in)males 63 to 69 cm, females 61 to 66 cm12 |
| Coat | Short, smooth |
| Origin | Australia (Queensland)23 |
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
The breed standard asks for a gentle, loyal and even-tempered dog that is clever and fairly independent, yet very determined when given a job. It should be friendly with people and other dogs.1
short, smooth
A short, smooth single coat; a light soft undercoat can appear in cold weather. Build is athletic and balanced, mixing power with speed.1
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bull Arab. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
A high-energy working type bred for long days in the Australian bush; it needs substantial daily exercise and activity.24
The short smooth coat needs little more than a weekly brush.1
Feed your adult Bull Arab at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent meal times help their digestion, but the exact times can fit your schedule. Always follow the feeding guide on your dog food bag and check with your vet for the right amount.5
A high-quality dog food suited to their age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, as these are especially harmful to dogs. Always keep human treats away and ask your vet about safe options.6
Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every eight weeks, though bathing at least every three months is fine. You can bathe more often if your dog gets dirty or spends a lot of time outdoors. Use a gentle dog shampoo and rinse well.7
A weekly brush is all this short, smooth coat needs to stay healthy and reduce shedding. Pet Wiki's plan also recommends brushing every seven days. It's a quick, pleasant routine that keeps their coat shiny.17
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part inside the nail). If you're unsure, ask your vet or a groomer to show you.7
This high-energy working breed needs substantial daily exercise, including long walks and active play. Pet Wiki's plan recommends daily walks and playtime. Aim for at least an hour of activity to keep them happy and healthy.24
Brush their teeth at least twice a week with dog toothpaste, daily is even better. Check ears weekly and dry them gently, as floppy ears can trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal, and ask your vet for a dental check at each visit.7
Lifespan varies depending on health and care, so it's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for a typical range. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle help them live their best life.
Yes, the breed standard describes them as gentle, loyal, and friendly with people and other dogs. With proper socialization from puppyhood, they can be wonderful family companions. Always supervise interactions with very young children.1
It varies from dog to dog, so ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on alone time. Some may tolerate it with enough exercise and enrichment, but they are social dogs who thrive on companionship.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
Running costs for a Bull Arab, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
| Foodabout 142 kg of dry food a year | 466 GBP ↗ |
|---|---|
| Routine vet care | 345 GBP ↗ |
| Pet insurancetypical policy, varies by breed and age | 461 GBP ↗ |
| Dog tax | 0 GBP ↗ |
| Licence and registration | 12 GBP ↗ |
| Gear to start | 531 GBP ↗ |
| Microchip and registration | 26 GBP ↗ |
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
No breed-specific rule names the Bull Arab in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
See the rules and sources for every country
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
The original mix was roughly half Bull Terrier with a quarter each of Greyhound and German Shorthaired Pointer.2
Some lines later added Bloodhound to boost scenting ability.3
Working dogs are said to be able to pick up the scent of a pig 4 to 6 km away.2
The breed standard accepts working scars as part of a genuine working dog.1
The Bull Arab was developed in Queensland, Australia, from 1972 by breeder Mike Hodgens, mainly from Bull Terrier, Greyhound and German Shorthaired Pointer, for hunting feral pigs. 'Bull' points to its Bull Terrier side; where 'Arab' comes from is not clearly documented.2
I woke with the sun and stretched my long legs. My human grabbed my leash, and we headed to the bush. The scents were wild, kangaroo, eucalyptus, dust. I ran ahead, checking every trail, my nose to the ground. We found a creek and I waded in, cooling off. Later, I guarded the yard, watching for anything new. At night, I curled beside my human, tired and happy.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Mike Hodgens began developing the type in Queensland in 1972 as a pig-hunting dog, starting from Bull Terrier, Greyhound and German Shorthaired Pointer blood. After he stopped breeding in 1989, other hunters continued their own lines, and a breeders' association was founded in 2007 to keep a standard and seek recognition.23
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
Text is written in our own words from these sources.
Bull Terrier
Greyhound
German Shorthaired Pointer