Bull Arabs are adventure-ready companions with a heart of gold. These athletic pups thrive on activity and form deep, unshakable bonds with their humans.
Thinking about welcoming a Bull Arab into your home? Or already sharing your life with one? This guide has everything you need to keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.
From choosing the right diet to keeping their minds sharp, our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of caring for this high-energy breed.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
The Bull Arab (aka Australian Pig Dog or Aussie Pig) was developed in Australia in the 1970s by breeder Mike Hodgens. Originally bred for pig hunting, the Bull Arab is a mix of Bull Terrier, Greyhound, and German Shorthaired Pointer. The combination of these breeds resulted in a strong, fast, and intelligent dog with an excellent sense of smell and a natural ability to track scents and hold large game. Over time, Bull Arabs have become popular as loyal family companions and working dogs due to their adaptability.
Breeders like Queenslander Paul Paulson have selectively bred Bull Arabs with Bloodhounds to improve their scent tracking abilities and stamina. These variations on the original Bull Arab hybrid are commonly known as a Paulson Bull Arab.
They’re designed to cope with high temperatures and love the sun, so provide them with plenty of shade and water and limit their exposure.
Key characteristics
Bull Arabs are powerful, fast, and incredibly smart. Their intelligence and natural athleticism make them highly trainable, and they form deep bonds with their humans. Despite their hunting origins, they can be gentle, affectionate, and eager to please — but they do best with structured training and lots of activity.
If they don’t get enough exercise or mental stimulation, expect them to find their own entertainment (hello, chewed-up shoes!).
Health considerations
Bull Arabs are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to weight gain, skin sensitivities, and inherited eye conditions. With the right diet and lifestyle, you can help keep your pup feeling their best. A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support their skin, coat, and overall health.
Appearance and size
Bull Arabs are large, muscular, athletic dogs with a well-proportioned build. They have a broad head, deep chest, and strong jaw. Their short, smooth coat comes in a variety of colours, including white with patches of black, tan, or brindle. Their expressive eyes and floppy ears add to their distinctive look.
Bull Arab personality and temperament
Loyal, intelligent, and confident, Bull Arabs thrive when given a job to do and love being part of the family. While they’re affectionate and playful, they have a strong prey drive, so early socialisation and training are key — especially if they’ll be around other pets.
They’re great with kids but, given their size and strength, they’re best suited to families with older children.
Without enough stimulation, they may channel their energy into chewing, digging, or excessive barking. Training isn’t just for puppies — every day is a chance to reinforce good behaviour.
This breed requires consistent training and ongoing reinforcement of their learning. They can become aggressive if they’re not trained and socialised properly which is one of the reasons they’re the most highly surrendered breeds in Australia. Bull Arabs are not recommended for novice dog parents.
Bull Arab size guide
A full-grown Bull Arab weighs between 30-50 kg and can grow between 60-70 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics. They tend to stop growing in height by 12-18 months of age when they reach adulthood.
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How long do Bull Arabs live?
Bull Arabs typically live between 12-15 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s so much we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
What does a Bull Arab eat?
Bull Arabs are powerful, high-energy dogs that need the right fuel to match.
A gently cooked, real food diet provides the protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients they need to stay active, and support their skin, joints, and digestion.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious – perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Bull Arab’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect a dog’s joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Read more: The life-changing benefits of real food for dogs →
Do Bull Arab puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Bull Arab puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Bull Arab health issues
Bull Arabs from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Skin issues
Skin conditions are the most common reason to visit the vet. From skin allergies to dermatitis and dandruff, Bull Arabs are no stranger to these problems.
Soothe your Bull Arab's skin inflammation, itchiness and scratching with a balanced diet rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
A real food diet helps reduce sensitivities by promoting a healthy immune response to allergens and strengthening the skin's defence against irritants.
Look for real ingredients full of skin-soothing properties, like:
🌱 Hemp seeds: contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 to calm skin irritations.
💛 Safflower oil: full of Vitamin E for nourished and moisturised skin.
🐟 Fish oil: has potent omega-3 to reduce inflamed and dry skin.
Read more: Common dog skin conditions: how to spot & treat them →
2. Eye conditions
Bull Arabs can be prone to developing eye conditions like cataracts or primary lens luxation (PLL) that can result in blindness if not addressed by your vet.
PLL is an inherited disease from Bull Arab’s terrier bloodline, so speak to your breeder about how they have mitigated the risks by selecting their breeding pairs.
Although you may not be able to change your dog’s genetics, you can support their eye health through nutrition. Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
3. Obesity
As a large breed, it can be easy for Bull Arabs to gain unnecessary weight, putting additional strain on their backs and joints.
Maintain your pup's optimal weight with a portion-controlled, complete and balanced diet that keeps them nourished and in excellent shape. Pair this with regular walks and playtime to keep them active and healthy, along with regular veterinary check-ups.
Include real ingredients in their diet like quality proteins and low GI carbohydrates to maintain steady energy levels and support a healthy weight and body shape, like:
🍠 Purple sweet potato: a low-GI carbohydrate option that gradually releases energy to satisfy your pup.
🦘 Kangaroo and Chicken: low-fat, high-quality protein options for healthy weight management.
🥬 Kale: fresh, non-starchy produce with bioavailable nutrients and dietary fibre for healthy digestion and satiety.
Bull Arab coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
Keeping your Bull Arab well-groomed isn’t just about looking good — it’s about feeling great, too.
Coat types and shedding
Bull Arabs have a short, smooth coat that is low-maintenance. They shed moderately throughout the year, with slightly heavier shedding in seasonal changes. Regular brushing helps to remove loose hair and keep their coat healthy.
Grooming
Bull Arabs require minimal grooming. A weekly brush with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt will keep their coat in great condition.
They only need a bath every 6-8 weeks unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
A healthy diet plays a huge role in their skin and coat condition. Nutrient-dense ingredients like safflower oil (vitamin E), hemp seeds (omega-3s), and fish oil help keep their coat shiny and strong.
Bull Arab hygiene tips
A dog's nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and even affect how they walk.
Introduce your Bull Arab to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks are important to spot signs of an ear infection, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
And don’t forget to inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Bull Arab exercise requirements
Bull Arabs are athletic, high-energy dogs that require at least 60-90 minutes of exercise daily. They excel at activities such as running, hiking, agility training, and obedience work. If they’re not adequately exercised and stimulated, they can engage in boredom-related behaviours like digging or chewing.
For growing pups, though, less is more. Their developing joints need protection, so high-impact exercise should wait. Instead, opt for short walks, swimming, or gentle play to keep them active without overdoing it.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training a Bull Arab
Bull Arabs are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. However, they can be strong-willed, so consistency, positive reinforcement, and early socialisation are key to a well-mannered companion.
Begin training your Bull Arab from day one, whether you adopt them as a puppy or an adult and always have consistent expectations for their behaviour. And remember, training doesn’t just finish when they’re fully grown, every day is an opportunity to fortify their learning.
For puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Bull Arab breeder
So, you’ve decided that a Bull Arab is the perfect companion for you. How exciting! The next step is to find a reputable breeder.
What do we mean by ‘reputable breeder’?
Reputable, ethical breeders establish breeding programs, planning a limited number of litters using breeding pairs carefully selected for their health and temperament. They believe the health and wellbeing of their dogs and puppies are paramount.
Ethical breeders often have an application and selection process and may even have a waitlist. They should be receptive to scheduled visits so you can see their facilities, meet their dogs, and ask them questions about their program.
This is when you should enquire about how they have addressed common health conditions, like hereditary eye conditions.
A puppy farm (factory, or mill) often operates in poor conditions and on a large scale to maximise their profit. Health and wellbeing are of secondary importance, if at all, leading to puppies that often have long-term health and behavioural issues.
How do I find a reputable Bull Arab breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents – it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Bull Arab puppy?
You can expect to pay around $800 to $2,500 for a Bull Arab puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. Some may be more expensive if they’ve been specifically bred and trained for work. But remember that the ongoing cost of parenting a dog is a significant commitment of money and time.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
Adoption is also a wonderful option if you’re looking to give a Bull Arab a second chance at a loving home. Try to find out as much information about them as possible but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
Bull Arab FAQs
Still got some questions about the Bull Arab breed? Check out the answers to our FAQs below:
Are Bull Arabs hypoallergenic?
No, Bull Arabs shed their coat, so aren’t considered hypoallergenic.
When should I desex my Bull Arab?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is a Bull Arab pregnant?
The Bull Arab gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
Are Bull Arab dogs banned in Australia?
No, Bull Arab dogs aren’t banned in Australia. But because they’re strong and independent, requiring consistent training and repetitive reinforcement. If this breed isn’t given the right training and socialisation they can become challenging. Unfortunately, this has led to them becoming one of the most common breeds in shelters. They’re not suitable for novice dog owners.
Are Bull Arabs good family dogs?
Yes, Bull Arabs are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, making them excellent family companions. However, due to their strong prey drive and high energy levels, they require proper socialisation, training, and exercise to thrive in a family environment.
Do Bull Arabs get along with other pets?
Bull Arabs can get along with other dogs if they are well-socialised from an early age. However, their hunting background means they may have a strong prey drive towards smaller animals like cats and rabbits. Supervised introductions and consistent training can help them coexist with other pets.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting your Bull Arab comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Bull Arabs across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
Join our pack of proud Bull Arab parents today.
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