Canadian Pointer vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison

Both Canadian Pointer and American Hairless Terrier are originated from United States. Canadian Pointer may grow 31 cm / 13 inches higher than American Hairless Terrier. Canadian Pointer may weigh 15 kg / 34 pounds more than American Hairless Terrier. Both Canadian Pointer and American Hairless Terrier has almost same life span. Canadian Pointer may have more litter size than American Hairless Terrier. Both Canadian Pointer and American Hairless Terrier requires Low maintenance.

History

There are some dog breeds whose history and origins are dubious. The existence of the Canadian Pointer is also a matter of debate, and research reveals very scanty information.

The dog seems to have been a gundog which originated in the United States. Another name for the dog is Adirondak Pointing Dog. The Canadian Pointer was developed from English Pointers, Labrador Retrievers and Portuguese Pointers during the 19th century. He was used for hunting and retrieving prey such as birds and rabbits.

american hairless terrier - historyDerived from the Rat Terrier, the American Hairless Terrier was born in a litter of Rat Terriers in 1972.

The evolution of this breed is very different from other hairless breeds. The American Hairless Terrier was independently developed when a hairless pup was produced in a litter of normal Rat Terriers. The owners of this pup, Edwin and Willie Scott attempted to breed her to other Rat terriers but were not successful in having another hairless pup until years later. Then they had a litter with one male and one female hairless puppy.

From that point on they worked with a veterinarian and a geneticist to develop the breed until it was accepted as a separate breed from the Rat Terrier in 2004 and accepted into the AKC in 2016.

The breed is very rare and with hairless dogs breeding only produces about two thirds of the litter as hairless and one third as coated. If a hairless is bred to a coated terrier, the chances of getting hairless puppies are 50% hairless and 50% coated. It is very rare to get a hairless when breed two coated terriers. The difference between the American Hairless Terrier and other hairless breeds is that the hairless gene in most breed is a lethal dominant gene, but in the AHT it is a recessive gene.

Description

Temperament:

The Canadian Pointer makes for an excellent family pet. He is intelligent, excitable, loving and devoted, forming a strong bond with his human family. Active and excitable, it is this very energetic characteristic which will require him needing training and socialization. He is inclined to want to jump up against his family at the sheer joy of seeing them.

Although he loves country life, his love of human companionship allows him to adapt to city life and he is non-aggressive and can be a placid pet with children and other pets in the home.

Looks:

The Canadian Pointer is a medium- to large sized breed of gundog. He has a lean, well muscled body with a short, coarse coat. The coat can be dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white. The coat can also be freckled in parts.

He is a gundog belonging to the HPR group. HPR stands for hunting, pointing and retrieving. Weighing roughly 22–27kg, he stands about 56 – 76cm in height. Sometimes the tail is docked but otherwise it is left so that it’s medium length and is held straight out and level with the body. The ears of the Canadian Pointer are fairly short and floppy.

american hairless terrier puppy - descriptionThe American Hairless Terrier is similar to it’s breed of origin, the Rat Terrier, and the coated AHT looks very much like a Rat Terrier. They are small to medium in size, very muscular and have more refined features than the Rat Terrier. Their round eyes can be a variety of colors including amber, brown, grey, turquoise and blue. The tail is not docked but rather long and thin.

The AHT might have eyebrows and whiskers or they might only have whiskers. Their head is broad, and wedge shaped with upright ears. They are an energetic, social and intelligent dog.

Characteristics

The Canadian Pointer is a dog who thrives on hard work and they are strong-willed, confident and boisterous but never aggressive. They’re intelligent and alert and respond well to training and socialization. Once trained he works hard to please his owner.

The Canadian Pointer is independent and can be aloof around strangers, but he just loves his human family and makes every effort to please them and be around them whenever he can. Treat him properly and he will give you endless hours of enjoyment and companionship.

american hairless terrier dog - characteristicsThis is a curious, intelligent, little dog. They are terrific family dogs with a note to say they are better with older children than with younger. If they are raised with small children, then they are terrific with them. They are territorial, and the children become part of their territory. They will guard and protect them.

They need to play, and this is the biggest requirement for owners. Be sure you have time for them. This is not a couch potato dog. They have a lot of energy and can be destructive and “barky” if that energy is not dissipated. They are terriers through and through and love to “go to ground” whether going in holes they find or digging the holes themselves. They will go after small rodents like chipmunks. They need to be protected in these activities since their skin is vulnerable to scratches and cuts from brush. Their prey drive is strong, so it is important to protect them from themselves in this respect.

They are curious and feisty and every inch the terrier. Affectionate, friendly, and social it is also important to remember they can be scared easily, hurt if play is too rough, and this will trigger barking. They make very good watch dogs.

Health Problems

Pointer dogs are looked upon as a healthy breed, but having said that, they aren’t immune to illness, and there are some common dog diseases that you should be aware of -

Hip Dysplasia:

This disease is caused by a malformation of the hip joint. This ailment can result in pain and discomfort for your pet as well as arthritis and even lameness. Unfortunately there is no cure but the vet can do a lot to make life more comfortable for your pet.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is a genetic eye disease where your pet gradually loses vision. The retina deteriorates and stops functioning.

american hairless terrier puppies - health problemsThere are not many health problems bothering this sturdy little dog.

The American Hairless Terrier has limited breeding stock and it is still a rare breed. Its health problems are mostly related to its hairless state. The breed is highly susceptible to sunburn, rashes, pimples, and allergies. They often need clothing in all seasons to protect them from the heat of the sun or from the cold. The skin must be cleaned regularly often daily with soap and water. This is especially true if sunscreen is used as they are open to skin infections.

Hip dysplasia is also a common issue for this small breed.

Caring The Pet

Training and Exercise:

The Canadian Pointer was specifically developed to be a hunter so he is an energetic dog. When it comes to caring for him, training and socialization can make him an even more amicable pet. He is muscled and lithe and you want to keep him that way by ensuring he is well exercised.

Take him on walks, into the park with ball and frisbee or let him run while you cycle. Don’t leave him without exercise as he can become frustrated and ill.

Grooming:

The Canadian Pointer is a low maintenance breed with his short coat. You’ll need to give his coat a good brushing twice a week to rid him of loose hairs to keep the hair shiny and healthy.

Check for Ear Infections:

Dogs like the Canadian Pointer with floppy ears will need to have their ears checked for infections to avoid hearing loss. You’ll see your dog shake his head, the inside of his ears may be red and he could have a moist discharge.

Remember that yeast and bacteria are problems with floppy-eared dog breeds and you’ll need to ensure that the ears are cleaned and kept dry. Be careful if you don’t know how to do it, and get advice from your veterinarian on how to attend to the ears of your dog.

american hairless terrier dogs - caringThe American Hairless Terrier has some food needs that might be different from other breeds. They should not be given food that contains soy, wheat or corn. They need to be fed at least 3-4 times a day in small amounts as puppies and twice a day as adult. Be sure to avoid overeating and obesity. Puppies need about 400 calories a day whether you feed four times or two times. The adult American Hairless Terrier needs about 500-600 calories per day. This might be half a cup to a cup per day.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American Hairless Terrier has skin health issues and is also prone to hip dysplasia.

Exercise and games

This is a great breed for games if you make them small to match his size. He is energetic, athletic and playful. He loves agility, lure chasing and barn hunt activities. They need a good half hour of vigorous exercise per day.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
56 - 76 cm
22 - 30 inches
18 - 45 cm
7 - 18 inches
Height Female:
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
16 - 40 cm
6 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 27 kg
48 - 60 pounds
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
2 - 10 kg
4 - 23 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
14 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
3 - 5
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Adirondak Pointing Dog
AHT, American Hairless Rat Terrier
Colors Available:
Dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white.
variety of colors and patterns (blue, black, brown, pink, sable and tan) with white
Coat:
Short and smooth
hairless, coated variety has a short dense coat
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Lively, Loving, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Springer Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  2. Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. English Setter vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  4. French Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  5. Pudelpointer vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  6. Picardy Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  7. Ariege Pointer vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  8. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  9. Irish Water Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  10. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Canadian Pointer vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  12. Canadian Pointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  13. Canadian Pointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  14. Canadian Pointer vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  15. Canadian Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  16. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  17. Clumber Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  18. Stabyhoun vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  19. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  20. Vizsla vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  21. Large Munsterlander vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  22. Tyrolean Hound vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  23. Cockalier vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  24. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  25. Cesky Fousek vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  26. Boston Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Jack Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Schnauzer vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Border Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Rat Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Scottish Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Patterdale Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. American Hairless Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. American Hairless Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Bull Terrier Miniature vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Norwich Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Norfolk Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. English White Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Parson Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Russell Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Feist vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Manchester Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Fox Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Cesky Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Schnorkie vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Sealyham Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Chilean Fox Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds