Canadian Pointer vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

Both Canadian Pointer and American Molossus are originated from United States. Canadian Pointer may grow 10 cm / 4 inches higher than American Molossus. Canadian Pointer may weigh 21 kg / 46 pounds lesser than American Molossus. Both Canadian Pointer and American Molossus has same life span. Both Canadian Pointer and American Molossus has same litter size. Canadian Pointer requires Low maintenance. But American Molossus requires Moderate 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.

Based on the massive dog of Mesopotamia in 5000 BC, the American Molossus is the same dog recreated in the United States by and for the lovers of these giant dogs. The ancient Molossus was fierce to look at, massive in size, courageous and loyal. He was undaunted by any animal and stood up to any man attempting to hurt his master. When Rome fell the descendants of today’s Molossus were scattered and attempts to revive the breed have created carious large dogs. The American Molossus is the first true recreation that hits the mark.

The original Molossus was one of the most primitive of dogs, one of the earliest dogs that men domesticated. Their initials duties were the guarding of herds and homes against all enemies. They were incredibly loyal to their one master and stayed with him and protected him. These dogs also ate carrion and served the villages by eliminating animal carcasses. They could handle any other hunting animals such as wolves and large cats. This dog, although extinct was the ancestor of all the Mastiff-type dogs of today. The Molossus is said to be the ancestor of the St. Bernard, English Mastiff, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler, Rottweiler and the Neapolitan Mastiff. Now these breeds have become the ancestry of the American Molossus.

According to Marcus Curtis, the founder of the new Molossus, the nearest relative of the American Molossus is the Neapolitan Mastiff. The Hines Bulldog, German Rottweiler, American Bandogge, and South African Boerboel together with the Neapolitan Mastiff were used to form the American Molossus. The goal of the founder was to make a great family pet and protector. It was specifically bred to be courageous, loyal and protective.

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.

This is a giant, massive dog in every way and this recently developed standard makes that very clear. The Molossus should be heavy bones, muscular with a lot of loose skin and wrinkles of all kinds, everywhere. He is an intimidating presence, with a massive square head, broad shoulders, height and mass. No, the American Molossus is not athletic, but he certainly is intimidating.

His head is massive in comparison to his body and it must be square. He has extensive wrinkles and pendulous lips and dewlap. The face is all folds of skin and wrinkles. Deep set eyes, drooping upper lids and lower lids as well as an intimidating expression. His brow is well developed with a marked frontal furrow. The nose is large, and the muzzle is about a third of the length of its head. It is short and broad. Everything about the head must be square. It’s neck and body are powerful and muscular. The chest is deep, wide and barrel like. The back is also powerful and muscular. The front legs are heavy and muscular while the hind legs are broad, strong, powerful and wide-stance. Do not remove the front dew claws. His tail is thick and wide then gradually tapers at the tip.

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.

The American Molossus is an intimidating massive giant bred for protection and guard duty. He is incredibly loyal to his family and courageous in his protection of them. They are guard dogs, not attack dogs. Their simple appearance is usually enough to frighten off anyone intending harm on their families. He is in reality a loving giant. He is intelligent and stable with a strong desire to please his owner. He is a calm yet vigilant presence in the home.

Because the Molossus is so large, it is recommended that the puppy be socialized and trained professionally. It takes a strong owner to handle this breed. They need to know the rules and have the rules consistently applied. The owner must be the pack leader.

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.

Like all Mastiffs the American Molossus faces a variety of potential illnesses, some brought on by its size, some not.

Spondylosis

This could easily be a function of its massive size. It is a degenerative disease and can cause the dog to become lame. In many cases the vertebrae can fuse, or severe pain can result. This is mostly seen in older members of the breed.

Cystinuria

Male Molossus can contract this inherited metabolic disease primarily. It can be life threatening and very serious as it affects the kidney and the bladder.

Wobblers Syndrome

This is essentially Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI) and is caused by the pressure of the nerves in the neck and cervical spinal cord. This compression can cause deformity, pain and abnormal stance/gait. IT has been attributed to the nutrition needs and rapid growth of the Mastiff breeds.

Like all giant Mastiff breeds the Molossus can have skin issues from the wrinkles, dysplasia in the joints which we will address below.

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.

Feeding

Remembering that this is a very, very large dog you need to be careful about nutrition and how fast your puppy will grow. American Molossus puppies need four meals a day until 12 weeks old. Then until they are 6 months old feed then 3 times a day. Finally, from 6-month-old puppy to adult – feed them twice in 24 hours.

At one year either feed them once or two small meals.

Many people feed their Molossus eggs, vegetables, fruit, and cottage cheese as ten 5 of the total for the day but avoid other table foods. The Molossus can become very picky about what he eats if you feed him too many table scraps.

Health issues

In addition to the health problems listed above, the American Molossus is also susceptible to: Ditichiasis – Eyelashes that are in the margin of the eyelids and can cause eye irritation. May require surgery to correct.

Cataract

Could cause blindness if not removed. Ectropian/Entropion: Eversion and inversion of eyelids which cause ocular irritation.

PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is a degenerative disease which causes the dog to go blind. It is a disease the affects the retinal visual cells, first causing night blindness then day blindness. A DNA test is available for detecting PRA in all Mastiff breeds.

Dysplasia of the Elbow or/and the Hip

Common in large breeds and especially in giant breeds like the Molossus. Multiple forms and causes but all can cause pain and lameness.

Skin issues

Do to wrinkles and loose skin – check often for moisture and infections.

Panosteitis or Wandering Lameness

The is a problem based on a variety of possible causes. It happens when the puppy is between 6-16 months of age. Lameness occurs over time in one limb or in all. It can be intermittent and might be caused by diet, genetics, stress, autoimmune or metabolic issues or infection.

HOD or Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy

This issue is developmental as the dog’s toes turn either inward or outward, then as the condition advances the dog suffers fever, pain in all joints, lethargy and the inability to stand. This happens when the dog consumes too many calories for his activity level in the development times.

Exercise and games

The American Molossus is not a couch potato. He needs to be walked at least twice a day and loves to play fetch. He will be greatly benefited by obedience training. Do not overdo it with exercise but make sure they don’t just lay around.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
56 - 76 cm
22 - 30 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 27 kg
48 - 60 pounds
38 - 48 kg
83 - 106 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
32 - 43 kg
70 - 95 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
6 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Adirondak Pointing Dog
American Molosser • American Brabanter • American Bullenbeisser
Colors Available:
Dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white.
Colors are black, black brindle with some white
Coat:
Short and smooth
coat type coarse, dense, smooth and long
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  2. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  3. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  4. Gaddi Kutta vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  5. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  6. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  7. Broholmer vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  8. Great Dane vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  9. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  10. Newfoundland Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  11. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  12. Leonberger vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  13. Alaunt vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  14. Bully Kutta vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  15. Irish Wolfhound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  16. Alangu Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  17. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  18. Mountain Burmese vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  19. Billy vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  20. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  21. Bisben vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  22. English Springer Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  23. Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  24. English Setter vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  25. French Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  26. Pudelpointer vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  27. Picardy Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Ariege Pointer vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  29. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  30. Irish Water Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  31. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. Canadian Pointer vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Canadian Pointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  34. Canadian Pointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  35. Canadian Pointer vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  36. Canadian Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Clumber Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  39. Stabyhoun vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  40. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  41. Vizsla vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  42. Large Munsterlander vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  43. Tyrolean Hound vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  44. Cockalier vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  45. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  46. Cesky Fousek vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds