Indian Spitz vs Bull Arab - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

In 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.

The Indian Spitz is a working dog and has always been used for hunting and tracking small game. It is a popular dog breed in India.

There isn't too much information on the exact origin of the dog but dog experts tell us the dogs have descended from different Spitz breeds and wild wolves, and that they date back thousands of years.

People often mix them up with the Pomeranian, but they're different, being introduced in India by the British. The British began breeding them from a stock of German Spitz's and years of breeding produced the ideal dog type which could cope with the tempestuous weather conditions in India.

They aren't recognized by any major kennel clubs but the Kennel Club of India is working to establish the Indian Spitz as a separate breed.

Mike 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 Indian Spitz is an attractive, fluffy looking dog breed thought to have been domesticated thousands of years ago.

The dog comes in two sizes – the smaller- and larger size. The Smaller Indian Spitz stands at between 20 - 25 cm and weighs between 5 – 7kg while the Greater Indian Spitz stands at 35-45cm and weighs between 12 – 20kg.

The dog has a long-haired coat, with the hair on the head being shorter than the rest of the body. The color of the coat can be white, brown or black and white.

Temperament:

The Indian Spitz is an easy-going dog which adapts to all kinds of living conditions in India. They therefore adapt easily to life in the city or in the countryside.

The Indian Spitz is a social, friendly dog who is loyal towards his human family, showing his joy at being with them with high-pitched barking. He gets on well with children in the home and because he isn't aggressive, he gets on well with pets in the home too.

He is intelligent which means that he is able to be trained and socialized, turning him into an obedient pet who takes his job as guardian and protector seriously.

The 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

Playful, feisty, intelligent, loving and loyal, the Indian Spitz is full of character and just loves being in a loving family home.

Easy to train, he becomes a wonderfully obedient canine friend who loves nothing more than to spend time with you, especially when it is outdoors going for a walk or playing ball.

He is an entertaining little dog too, and anyone wishing to buy a dog like this won't regret it as he brings in a joyful dimension to any home.

This 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.

These feisty little dogs can reach 14 years of age if looked after well.

Your Indian Spitz will need to see a vet when he is 6 weeks of age for his first vaccinations and also whenever he is sick.

He is a dog breed that doesn't get sick very easily, but still it is wise to know about some of the more common dog diseases that could plague your little pet, and these are among others, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cancer and vision- and dental problems.

Dental Disease:

It is important to be keeping an eye on your dog's oral health. Infected teeth can have a bad impact on his health and can actually contribute to heart- and kidney disease for instance.

One of the major causes of dental disease in dogs is none other than diet. Always try to feed your pet the best quality food there is. Certainly if you feel your pet isn't getting the best food, try a probiotic supplement as this can create a healthy bacterial environment in your dog’s mouth.

Check your pet's mouth regularly so you can attend to any dental problem before it gets out of hand.

Feeding

This 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.

Diet:

These dogs have been used to a diet of milk and rice, but if possible it can be beneficial to the dog to include some cooked chicken and vegetables too. Raw meat is also important, but it is expensive, so just adding it in from time to time can still be beneficial. Water which is cool and clean should be available to the dog day and night, non-stop.

Grooming:

Your Spitz dog will simply require a brush twice a week to keep it clean and vibrant and free from loose hairs. While brushing him, make a point of checking him for fleas and ticks as well.

Exercise:

This is a busy little dog that wants to involved in everything you're busy with. He will love to join you in your long walks each day or if you take him to the park, he will love the chance to run off his leash.