Canadian Pointer vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

Both Canadian Pointer and American Pit Bull Terrier are originated from United States. Canadian Pointer may grow 20 cm / 8 inches higher than American Pit Bull Terrier. Both Canadian Pointer and American Pit Bull Terrier are having almost same weight. Both Canadian Pointer and American Pit Bull Terrier has almost same life span. Both Canadian Pointer and American Pit Bull Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Canadian Pointer and American Pit Bull 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 pit bull terrier - historyThe history of the American Pit Bull Terrier might be a confusing one to some dog lovers and certainly to the general public that tends to lump all the “bully” breeds into a category called “pit bull”. This is because of the negative reputation this group of breeds has acquired over the past 30-50 years due to misuse and mis-breeding by the dog fighting industry. This categorization includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, The American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

There is major confusion and disagreement on the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a separate breed, but its founder and the UKC, ADBA do so. In the 1930’s the American Pit Bull Terrier was a recognized breed and in response to the negativity of pit-fighting, they renamed it as the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed to be a little larger in size than the Staffordshire in both height and weight. This breed comes from crossing various Bull and Terrier breed to get a working dog. The Amstaff for the most part is bred to be a show dog and is not usually a “street dog” used in dog fighting rings. The direct ancestors of the APBT are the Old English Bulldogs and the Old English Terriers. These dogs are great family dogs, gentle beyond comparison unless raised to fight. They make great therapy dogs as well as police dogs. They are not by nature cruel, aggressive or attack dogs.

Both professional confirmation breeders and street fight breeds have developed new strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier. A few are worth mentioning here.

Old Family Red Nose

One of the oldest strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier they are red in color and that red is a very unique tone. They have a copper colored coat and nose with red nails, red lips and amber or red eyes. These dogs were originally from Ireland and when they came to America they had the red nose. Originally bred for gameness, it is the red color that is sought after now.

Colby Pit Bulls

These are another old breed, but they have black noses and were initially bred by John P. Colby in the late 1800s. These dogs were known to be indominable fighting dogs and were bred into almost every line of American Pit Bull Terriers that exist today. The line is still maintained by the Colby family.

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 pit bull terrier puppy - descriptionTrue to their reputation as fighters, the American Pit Bull Terrier looks like one – powerful, strong and well built. This belies their gentle disposition but too often they are judged by their looks. With a broad, brick shaped head, thick neck and deep chest, they are stocky, muscular and agile. They usually have cropped ears, but the tails are not docked. Their legs are strong and hindquarters especially muscular. These dogs are much stronger than they look. Round soulful eyes are one of the traits that people who keep these dogs as companion animals love about them. They have a scissor bite and one of the strongest jaws of all domesticated canines.

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 pit bull terrier dog - characteristicsFor those who live with the American Pit Bull Terrier there is no better dog. The APBT loves people and loves children. They think they are lap dogs, and they certainly are watch dogs. They love their people but their barks at strangers at home are not because they are protecting their people but rather they are greeting the strangers into their home. Unfortunately, they will not greet another dog in the same way. However, when their people are seriously threatened they will give their lives to defend them.

These are strong, confident dogs who want to please their people. They love children and make great family dogs but require a strong owner and a strong pack leader. The need to be under control around other dogs and because of their strength, need a strong owner. It is their aggression towards other animals that must be controlled.

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 pit bull terrier puppies - health problemsThough the American Pit Bull Terrier is healthier than most large dogs, they do have an issue with hip dysplasia. Breeders have been working to breed this out of the APBT and their work in this area has helped with the other issues with the patella, heart and thyroid. The APBT can have skin allergies and Demodex Mange. This condition can be either deadly or just a localized skin issue. Immunizations and testing is essential for this breed. When not immunized, American Pit Bull Terrier puppies have a greater incidence of parvovirus than other breeds. They also might have cataracts and congenital heart disease.

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

american pit bull terrier dogs - caringHow you feed your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is important to her health as an adult and long life. The adult dog should be fed one and a half to two and a half cups of high quality food twice a day. Puppies should be fed more often as they grow. DO not feed your APBT soft or canned dog food. Their food should be dry. Be careful not to feed too much as you do not want an obese American Pit Bull Terrier.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this is a healthy breed with problems with:

Cataracts

These are usually inherited, and the pup may show signs early, or they could be developed later in life. They can be removed.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia as in many larger, stronger breeds this can be a major problem. Breeds should test for it and APBT breeders are attempting to breed it out of the APBT.

Congenital Heart Failure

This is a congenital issue that breeders are also breeding against and if they have it your American Bit Bull Terrier was likely born with it.

Allergies

Many APBT are allergic to grasses or out outside allergens. Shots or medication can deal with these.

Exercise and games

This is an athletic, joyful breed that loves to play, love sports and loves any activity that bonds it with its family. Some of the many sports the American Pit Bull Terrier likes to participate in include: agility, obedience competition, weight pulling, lure coursing and fly ball. He also needs backyard exercise and daily walks.

When walking your American Pit Bull Terrier, make sure she is on a leash as the breed has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs coming into their space. The APBT loves to work. They are good therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, even service dogs.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
56 - 76 cm
22 - 30 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 27 kg
48 - 60 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
8 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Adirondak Pointing Dog
Staffordshire Fighting Dog, Pit Terrier, Pitbull, Pit, Half and Half, Bull Baiter Dogs, Old Family Dog - the Irish name, Yankee Terrier - the Northern name, Rebel Terrier - the Southern name
Colors Available:
Dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white.
Red, Black, Fawn or Bucksjin
Coat:
Short and smooth
Smooth, Shiny, Short, Single layer
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Austrian Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  28. American Pit Bull Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Schnauzer vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Fox Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Bull and Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Bedlington Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Irish Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Fox Terrier (Smooth) vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Kerry Blue Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Lakeland Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Jagdterrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Blue Paul Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Indian Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. Irish Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Japanese Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Brazilian Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Old English Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Scoland Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Skye Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Staffordshire Bull Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Welsh Terrier vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds