At a glance the quick version
Ideal weights from the ABBA standard; Wikipedia gives an overall range of 30-50 kg.
Coat and looks how to spot one
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.3
Personality what they are like
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.3
Daily activity how busy a day looks
A high-energy working type bred for long days in the Australian bush; it needs substantial daily exercise and activity.14
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short smooth coat needs little more than a weekly brush.3
The story where it all began
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.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
The original mix was roughly half Bull Terrier with a quarter each of Greyhound and German Shorthaired Pointer.1
- 2
Some lines later added Bloodhound to boost scenting ability.2
- 3
Working dogs are said to be able to pick up the scent of a pig 4 to 6 km away.1
- 4
The breed standard accepts working scars as part of a genuine working dog.3
Recognised by the official bits
- Australian Bullarab Breeders Association (ABBA)
- Keeps a breed standard and registry; formed 2007 to work toward ANKC recognition.1
- ANKC / major kennel clubs
- Not recognised by any major kennel club.1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Bull Arab. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Bathevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 7every year
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German Shorthaired PointerLike what we are building? Buy Archy a bone.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Bull Arab - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, recognition, scenting fact, weight range
- ABBA Breed History bullarabsaustralia.comused for history, Bloodhound addition
- ABBA Australian Bullarab Breed Standard bullarabsaustralia.comused for size, coat, colours, temperament
- Australian Bullarab Breeders Association bullarabsaustralia.comused for traits, purpose
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.