Turnspit Dog vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Bull Arab is originated from Australia but Turnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom. Bull Arab may grow 39 cm / 16 inches higher than Turnspit Dog. Bull Arab may weigh 36 kg / 80 pounds more than Turnspit Dog. Both Bull Arab and Turnspit Dog has same life span. Bull Arab may have more litter size than Turnspit Dog. Both Bull Arab and Turnspit Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
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Australia
United Kingdom
Height Male:
63 - 69 cm
24 - 28 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
61 - 67 cm
24 - 27 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
30 - 50 kg
66 - 111 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
27 - 46 kg
59 - 102 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
8 - 10
1 - 4
Size:
Large
Small
Other Names:
Australian Pig Dog • Aussie Pig Dog
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
Colors Available:
white with black, liver or tan[
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
Coat:
short, harsh coat double
Shortish
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

bull arabIn the 1970’s feral pig hunters wanted a dog that could be aggressive in finding and capturing the pigs. The hunters crossed the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Bull Terrier and the Greyhound to develop the Bull Arab. It is believed that the hybrid is at least 50% Bull Terrier. It is also possible that there is some Doberman, Mastiff, Great Dane and/or Pointer in the hybrid as well.

The job of the Bull Arab is to hunt out the feral pigs, grab one by the ear and hold it until the hunter arrives. They have a strong sense of smell and that is how they find the pigs.

Mike Hodgens, an Australian, developed the hybrid and added some Bloodhound as well to get that ability to smell out the pigs at great distances. They are also capable of catching buffalo and cattle. Some Australians use the breed in cattle or buffalo ranching. They are registered with the DRA or Dog Registry of America, Inc.

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

Description

bull arab puppy - descriptionMike Hodgens succeeded in developing a powerful, well built dog. The Bull Arab has a powerful head and muzzle. He has moderate length drop ears and bright eyes that match the color of his coat. His chest is neither shallow nor deep and his back is straight and strong. Their tails are tapered and pointed yet the base is thick. They are a double-coated dog. They can be white with black, tan or liver, flecked or bicolor.

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

Characteristics

bull arab dog - characteristicsThe Bull Arab is intelligent, calm and loyal. Like Pit Bulls in the U.S., the Bull Arab has a reputation for aggression against both people and animals. There is no data to support these claims. They have been used as therapy dogs and companion animals very successfully. They are great with kids and very affectionate. The breed is cited as being used for companion and therapy animals

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

Health Problems

bull arab puppies - health problemsThis is an extremely healthy hybrid with no inherited issues, but they can possible have the same health issues as any of the parent breeds. This can include accidents while hunting, hip and elbow dysplasia and ear infections.

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

bull arab dogs - caringThis is a working dog so he needs to eat the right kind of quality dog food. In order to avoid bloat do not feed large meals but rather feed one to two cups of food two to three times a day.

Health issues

Displaysia – can cause lameness and arthritis

Ear Infections – check and clean regularly

Hunting Accidents – this is the biggest reasons for health problems with the Bull Arab.

Exercise and games

These are working dogs that are inactive when not working. They need a lot of exercise if they are not used for hunting. Agility, Tracking and hunting games, and field trials.

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

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  29. Bull Arab vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Bull Arab vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Bull Arab vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Bull Arab vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Bull Arab vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Bull Arab vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Bull Arab vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Arab vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Bull Arab vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Bull Arab vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Bull Arab vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Bull Arab vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Bull Arab vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Bull Arab vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Bull Arab vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Bull Arab vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Bull Arab vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Bull Arab vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Bull Arab vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Bull Arab vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Bull Arab vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Bull Arab vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison