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ANIMAL WATCH - The Bull Arab is an Australian dog breed, developed in the 1970s specifically for wild-boar hunting. The original cross reportedly consisted of 50% Bull Terrier, 25% Greyhound, and 25% German Shorthaired Pointer — resulting in a powerful, intelligent dog that would respond to and carry out its master’s orders, even to the point of its own death.
Originally kept solely as a pig-hunting dog, the Bull Arab has since spread across Australia and is increasingly seen in suburban areas. Its purpose remains the same: locate feral pigs — sometimes from as far as 2.5–3.7 miles away by scent — pull them to the ground, and hold them by the ear (causing profuse bleeding) until the hunter delivers the fatal shot.
In the U.S., this brutal practice is referred to as 'hog-dogging'.
“Bull Arab” Pet Dog Kills Teen Girl
On September 4, tragedy struck in Singleton, New South Wales, when Annalyse Blyton, 17, was suddenly attacked by a friend’s Bull Arab–mixed-breed dog.
According to NSW Police, emergency services were called to the Broughton Street property around 11:30 a.m. Passers-by reportedly pulled the dog off Blyton while others called for help.
Police were called to a home in Broughton Street, Singleton, after reports of a dog attack.
Blyton suffered catastrophic injuries to her head, neck, and body. NSW Ambulance paramedics treated her at the scene, and she was airlifted to John Hunter Hospital. Despite all efforts, she succumbed to her wounds on September 8, according to a police news release.
Authorities confirmed the dog was euthanized with the consent of its owner, MSN reported.
John Hunter Hospital, where Blyton was airlifted after the attack.
Breed Identity and “Mislabeling”
A Bull Arab-type dog. The term refers to dogs that resemble the breed but may not be recognized purebreds.
The term “Bull Arab-type” is a generalized categorization similar to “Pit Bull-type” or “Staffy-type,” describing any dog that resembles a Bull Arab or may be mixed with one.
Despite claims of loyal, gentle, and sweet natures among some Bull Arabs, even advocates acknowledge that “with this growing reputation in family homes comes a growing need for awareness surrounding what a Bull Arab truly is.”
Breed enthusiasts argue that many dogs labeled as Bull Arabs by media and shelters are actually mixed-breed dogs that only look like Bull Arabs. This distinction, they say, complicates efforts to track behavior and bite statistics (Wikipedia).
Breed-Specific Legislation and Bite Risks
The Australian Bull Arab Breeders Association (ABBA) maintains that Staffordshire Bull Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers are not recognized in the Bull Arab’s foundation stock.
However, that distinction may be little comfort to the family and friends of Annalyse Blyton. NSW Police have announced a full investigation into the incident.
Expert Perspective
Animal behaviorist Melissa Starling noted that “Boxer, Bull Arab and Irish Wolfhound mixed-breeds were predominantly bred for hunting,” but added that this did not automatically mean they could not make good pets.
“What we really need to appreciate is that this kind of aggression doesn’t come from the breed itself,” she told reporters. “Any investigation should examine how the dog was socialized.”
Still, public safety agencies emphasize that when incidents like this occur, prevention — not post-incident analysis — is what saves lives.
“Horrific Incident,” Says NSW Minister
NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig called Blyton’s death “a horrific incident that has resulted in the death of a young girl who had her whole life ahead of her.”
Hoenig said the state government is reviewing the Companion Animals Act 1998, along with recommendations from recent coronial inquests into fatal dog attacks (ABC News).
Dog Attacks on the Rise in NSW
Dog attacks in New South Wales have more than quintupled since 2004.
Data from state agencies show dog attacks in New South Wales have increased from fewer than 900 in 2004 to over 5,000 in 2024 — while the number of pets has more than doubled to 4.7 million.
Brett Wittworth, deputy secretary of the Office of Local Government (OLG), stated:
“With that growth, we have seen increasing pressures as reflected in coronial inquests and tragic dog attacks.”
The New South Wales Coroner has recommended stronger legislation and enforcement to protect the public from dangerous dogs.
(Phyllis M. Daugherty is a former Los Angeles City employee and a long-time animal welfare advocate. A contributor to CityWatchLA, she is known for her investigative reporting on animal shelter operations, misuse of public funds, and the dangers of poorly regulated pet adoption policies. She is a strong proponent of public safety in animal control, advocating for stricter oversight of aggressive dog breeds, especially pit bulls, and for breed-specific legislation.)
