Canadian Pointer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison

Canadian Pointer is originated from United States but Cairn Terrier is originated from United Kingdom. Canadian Pointer may grow 43 cm / 17 inches higher than Cairn Terrier. Canadian Pointer may weigh 19 kg / 42 pounds more than Cairn Terrier. Both Canadian Pointer and Cairn Terrier has almost same life span. Both Canadian Pointer and Cairn Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Canadian Pointer and Cairn 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.

cairn terrier - historyThe Cairn Terrier originates in the Scottish Highlands. This feisty little dog was given the name Cairn, as he used to hunt prey between the Scottish cairns. At first the dog was grouped as a ‘Skye Terrier’way back in the 1900s with the Scottish and West Highland White Terrier. Then the different breeds began to be bred separately.

The name Cairn Terrier didn’t appear in print till 1887. It was in 1912 that the Kennel Club of the United Kingdom recognized the Cairn Terrier.

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.

Temperament:

cairn terrier puppy - descriptionThe small sturdily built working Terrier is intelligent and courageous. Bright-eyed, he is small and active and he just loves to work- and party hard with his human family. You’ll see if you’ve got a ball you want to throw for him, his tail is quivering in anticipation and his ears are erect and alert to any noise. He is smart, independent and courageous.

Coat of Many Colors:

The Cairn Terrier has a tough, weather-resistant coat that can be any color but not white. He has a waterproof double coat – the outer one being wiry while the undercoat is soft. You’ll find the coat in man colours such as grey, black, red and brindle with dark points on the ears and muzzle.

The interesting thing with a Cairn is that when you get a puppy, you can’t be sure what color he will end up being as it changes over the years. The ears are fox-like, small and erect, and the natural medium-to-short tail is held straight out.

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.

cairn terrier dog - characteristicsThe Cairn Terrier is a fearless, jaunty little dog, known for his courageous spirit and inquisitive nature. He may be small, but he is stubborn. He will respond well to training and socialization which will turn him into the most awesome pet for families. He can make a wonderful friend and playmate for children too. Socialization and training ensures he gets on well with other pets in the household too.

He is small and energetic, and therefore not the kind of dog you can ignore in terms of exercise. He’ll need a good walk every day and he just loves to chase a ball as it takes him back to the days when he was used to chasing- and catching mice.

He isn’t your typical lap-dog at all and with the right care he becomes a devoted, loyal and loving companion.

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.

cairn terrier puppies - health problemsThe Cairn Terrier is a robust little dog, and with good care can reach 14 years of age and even older. However, with every dog breed there are some health concerns particular to that breed. With your Cairn Terrier look out for a disease known as Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL).

Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GCL)

Known also as Krabbe Disease, Globoid cell leukodystrophy (GLD) is a rare but fatal disease. It is caused by a mutation on the dog’s DNA. There is abnormal processing of an enzyme needed for the production of myelin, a substance that protects the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. The dog is weak, it has tremors and isn’t co-ordinated. The Cairn Terrier is a breed of dog more susceptible to GCL.

Bone and joint diseases

Your Cairn Terrier may well suffer with joint diseases. These diseases, such as luxating patella which is about loose knee joints, and hip dysplasia which is a degenerative hip disease, can cause plenty of pain and discomfort for your pet.

Eye Diseases

Glaucoma is an eye disease where there is pressure on the eye, causing inadequate fluid drainage. Without treatment, there can be damage to the optic nerve which can lead to blindness.

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.

Grooming:

cairn terrier dogs - caringThe Cairn Terrier sheds very little and the coat is easy to groom. Give him a thorough brushing twice a week to rid him of loose hairs. Some trimming will be needed as the coat can become shaggy and unruly.

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to prevent tartar build up that can lead to bacteria, gum disease and possible tooth loss.

Diet:

The Cairn Terrier is small but he is an active dog and therefore needs to be on a high-quality dog food. If you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its appropriate to his age, size and activity levels.

He is a small dog so you want to be careful about not letting him become overweight. Try and alternate his commercially manufactured food with some home-made rice, vegetables and meat and also include some raw meat in from time to time. This is of particular importance as chronic skin allergies are common in all terrier breeds. Make sure that there is always a clean bowl of fresh water available to him day and night.

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Terrier dog
Origin:
United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
56 - 76 cm
22 - 30 inches
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Height Female:
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 27 kg
48 - 60 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
2 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Adirondak Pointing Dog
Cairn, Toto Dog
Colors Available:
Dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white.
Black, Brindle, Cream, Wheaten, Red, Grey
Coat:
Short and smooth
Medium length and wiry
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, 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. Jack Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Schnauzer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  28. Cairn Terrier vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  30. Cairn Terrier vs Border Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Cairn Terrier vs Australian Terrier - Breed Comparison
  32. Cairn Terrier vs American Hairless Terrier - Breed Comparison
  33. Cairn Terrier vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison
  34. Cairn Terrier vs Black and Tan Terrier - Breed Comparison
  35. Cairn Terrier vs Cairland Terrier - Breed Comparison
  36. Rat Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  37. Scottish Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  38. Patterdale Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  39. Norwich Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  40. Norfolk Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  41. English White Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  42. Parson Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  43. Russell Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  44. Feist vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  45. Manchester Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Dandie Dinmont Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Fox Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  48. Cesky Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  49. Glen of Imaal Terrier vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison
  50. Schnorkie vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds