English Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison

English Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed ComparisonBoth English Mastiff and English Pointer are originated from United Kingdom. English Mastiff may grow 6 cm / 3 inches higher than English Pointer. English Mastiff may weigh 79 kg / 175 pounds more than English Pointer. Both English Mastiff and English Pointer has almost same life span. Both English Mastiff and English Pointer has same litter size. Both English Mastiff and English Pointer requires Low maintenance.

History

english mastiff - historyThroughout most of history there have been images created by people of very large, sturdy dogs that they shared their space with. The English Mastiff can trace some part of her ancestry to these same dogs. This breed is thought to have come from the stock of ancient breeds such as the Alpine Mastiff, Pugnaces Britanniae and Alaunt. The Mastiff in general has then become a main descendent of many other breeds of dogs since the 1880’s. The images of these types of dogs goes back to the 5th and 6th century.

There is no genetic evidence linking these dogs to the modern Mastiffs and the English Mastiff, but the resemblance is obvious. There is anecdotal evidence that these Mastiff type dogs were exported from England – the English Mastiff – to Greece to hunt game but were also used as war dogs by the Celts. The Alaunt was probably used the Normans and bred by the Alans. Writings and images throughout these times depicted a dog that looked very much like today’s English Mastiff. Some speculate that the English Mastiff came to the United States of the Mayflower.

There was a decline in the English Mastiff in its homeland in the 1800’s following the Cruelty to Animals Act of 1835 which prohibited owners and trainers from baiting animals. Then in the 19th century, prior to the first World War, systematic breeding programs began with J.W. Thompson. His first English Mastiff was a female named Dorah. Dorah’s ancestors included dogs from Thompson’s Grandfather. Captain John Garnier of the Royal Engineers also had dogs that contributed to the development of the English Mastiff.

During this time some breeders got away from pure type and began to breed for other factors. In the late 1800’s, Edgar Hanbury and Mark Hanbury Beaufoy began restoring the breed to its original soundness. One of their dogs was exported to the US were breeding to soundness continued until the First World War reduced the number of English Mastiffs around the world. By the time the war ended there were no English Mastiffs outside of England.

There was a dog in Canada named Beowulf and direct descendent of imports from Britain, who came to the States after the war and began to re-establish the breed on this continent and registered with the American Kennel Club. Yet as of 1945, the contribution from North

Breeding was stopped again for World War II and started again after the war. Many of these puppies died of distemper. Only one female had pups that were able to grow up into adults. North America sent dogs to England at this time and all of the Mastiffs from that time, could be traced back to Nydia and the 14 North American Mastiffs. Since then the breed has been restored slowly in Europe, North America and everywhere in the world.

The English Mastiff is known by his massive head with a black mask and comes in a wide variety of colors. He is also known as a gentle giant because of his personality and the love he has for his people.

english pointer - historyWe can find records for pointers from 17th century. Breeds such as Old Spanish and Portuguese Pointer were set in to England from European Mainland. In 1800s they were brought to America and then they slowly developed their hunting skills and in 1910 they became an excellent bird hunter. In 1936 Modern American Kennel was established and they bred pointers in large quantities. They are very popular in southern United States and are called as "bird dog". Pointers are good in hunting birds like pheasant and grouse. They got their name because of their special skills in hunting.

Description

english mastiff puppy - descriptionThe English Mastiff is a giant dog with a broad head and body. In terms of mass it is the worlds largest dog, just a little bigger that the Saint Bernard. The Great Dane and the Irish Wolfhound are 6 inches taller but do not carry the weight and bulk of the Mastiff. Mostly square in his body and his head with a massive chest and wide set forelegs. The head is square and very large. No matter the color of the coat, the face should have a black mask like the St. Bernard. His eyes and nose are also dark.

english pointer puppy - descriptionPointer has a long head and its body is perfectly suitable for hunting. In hunting the pointers shows hunter the direction of the bird and also they will go and get them after they were shot. They are well known for their speed, energy and continuous working. Pointers are also a good companion dog and love the family members so much. It is very easy to groom them as they have short coat. They are very alert and excellent watch dog.

If pointer is not set in huntng then they should be given lots of exercise daily. Pointers love to play and run with children. They will give a good company for cyclists. Pointers show their talents in dog shows especially in obedience and field trials. They will not worry about the crowd surrounding them and performs well. In performing at public, pointer will show perfect attention to its master. Pointer must be trained slowly from its puppyhood to get good results.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

english mastiff dog - characteristicsThe English Mastiff is very happy to play with children. You willl need to be careful with small children as he does not know his size and is likely to sit on them.

Special talents

This lovable giant is noble and loyal. He will protect his family and he will be courageous about it.

Adaptability

This is a big dog but he doesnt live outside. You need a big yard and perhaps a big house. He may not adapt to an apartment.

Learning ability

The English Mastiff is smart and certainly trainable. He can be independent and stubborn at times but he has the ability to learn.

Special talents

english pointer dog - characteristicsPointer is a wonderful kid friendly dog and a nice companion. Also he is very energetic,fun-loving and an excellent watchdog. Pointers are very courageous as well as obedient. They can work for a very long time. Early socialization will make them with a good behaviour.

Adaptability

They will be happy if they are given a fenced yard to play and spend their natural energy. They will not have a good behaviour in apartment living. Pointers always likes to be with some one in his family. They are suitable for areas having hot weather and they will not do better in cold weather.

Learning ability

Pointers have very high intelligence and thus they are very easy to train. Good behaviours must be taught to them and the main word they must learn is "NO". They should stop what they are doing when they hear the word "NO" from you. "Sit" is another important word they should learn. Training should be given friendly and not compelling them to do it. Giving reward to them will make them happy and give more interest in training.

Health Problems

english mastiff puppies - health problemsBeing a massive dog can take its toll on the body’s development and that is certainly true of the English Mastiff. A lot of running is not recommended in the early life of the dog – preferable for the first two years. This could damage the joint’s growth plates and cause him a lot of problems in later years. Too much exercise in this massive dog can hurt him but so can, not enough exercise.

Some of the health issues other than this that the English Mastiff is prone to include:

  1. Calluses –
  2. On their paws. Must be taken care of before infection sets in.
  3. Arthritis

A large dog like the English Mastiff is always prone to pain from arthritic joints. See your vet about pain medication.

Hygroma

A spot under the skin that is swollen and filled with fluid. Can be treated. It is not an infection or contagious.

Hip Dysplasia

Can result in lameness and arthritis.

english pointer puppies - health problemsPointers face health problems such as gastric torsion, hypothyroidism and canine hip dysplasia. Overweight will also lead to many health problems in them. Other problems seen in them are cardiomyopathy, ectropion and progressive retinal atrophy.

Hair fall

They have the chances to get several skin disorders which leads to hairfall. Follicular Dysplasia is a hereditary disorder which causes hairfall. Special shampoos or lotion to combat the dry skin should be used to overcome this problem.

Caring The Pet

english mastiff dogs - caringThis is an enormous dog that grows quickly. It is important to feed them properly as they grow. If he doesn’t get what he needs as a puppy you will not be able to make it up to him later on.

Feeding the puppy

The English Mastiff puppy needs good nutrition for growing properly.

From 12-16 weeks of age feed him 3-4 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 3-4 meals.

From 4 -6 months of age feed him 8-10 cups a day of a high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

From 6-18 months of age feed him 8-12 cups a day of a high protein, high quality, dry food. Break this up into 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

The English Mastiff is still growing from a year to 18 months. Starting at 18 months feed him 10-12 cups a day of high protein, high quality dry food. Break this up into 2 meals.

As your Mastiff ages, cut down on the protein and feed a dry food appropriate for his age.

Points for Good Health

The English Mastiff is a very large dog that should not be allowed to get obese since he is prone to dysplasia. He needs protein throughout puppyhood and until he is about 8-10.

Games and Exercises

This is a couch potato if you let him be. Make sure he gets at least one long walk per day or he will tend to gain weight. Play with them off leash about an hour every day.

Feeding the puppy

english pointer dogs - caringNormally puppies require more food when compared with adult to meet their growth needs. The food given to the pointer puppy must contain vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals. Also the food given to his mother should be continued to the puppy as to avoid digestive problems for the puppy. If it is needed to change the food then it should be done in a step by step process.

Feeding the adult

Pointer can be fed one or two times a day. Usally small meal is given in morning and full meal will be given in the evening. But in case if they will be left alone for the whole day then morning food shall be a full meal. They can be fed meat of goat, pork, fish and woodcock. Brown rice is a good food for pointer.

Points for Good Health

Pointers will be happy if they are always with their family. They enjoy when they are taken outside for playing or camping. Puppies don't need much exercise as adults need. Adults should not be fed too much as it will lead to overweight.

Games and Exercises

When pointer is given proper exercises and training they will be a very good mannered dog. They are very active and intelligent dogs and hence require exercise and training regularly. The breed was developed to be a hunting dog and can work continuously in a day. Pointers should be exercised a minimum of an hour per day. They will be happy to run along with your bicycle and playing frisbee with you.

Basic Information

Group:
Molosser dogs
Sporting dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Height Male:
74 - 76 cm
29 - 30 inches
56 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
70 - 73 cm
27 - 29 inches
53 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
68 - 113 kg
149 - 250 pounds
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
54 - 84 kg
119 - 186 pounds
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
Life Span:
7 - 12 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
1 - 10
Size:
Giant dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Mastiff Old English Mastiff
English Pointer, Pointer
Colors Available:
silver-fawn, apricot-fawn, or dark fawn-brindle, fawn
Black, Black & White, Lemon & White, Liver, Orange & White, Liver & White
Coat:
fine, smooth
short, smooth and shiny
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Courageous, Docile, Friendly, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Sweet
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. English Mastiff vs American Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  2. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  3. English Mastiff vs Cao de Gado Transmontano - Breed Comparison
  4. English Mastiff vs Broholmer - Breed Comparison
  5. Neapolitan Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  6. Gaddi Kutta vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  7. Nebolish Mastiff vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  8. Great Dane vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  9. English Mastiff vs Bernese Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  10. English Mastiff vs Anatolian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. English Mastiff vs Alaunt - Breed Comparison
  12. English Mastiff vs Bully Kutta - Breed Comparison
  13. English Mastiff vs Alangu Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  14. English Mastiff vs Billy - Breed Comparison
  15. English Mastiff vs Bisben - Breed Comparison
  16. English Mastiff vs American Staghound - Breed Comparison
  17. English Mastiff vs Ciobanesc de Bucovina - Breed Comparison
  18. Newfoundland Dog vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  19. Leonberger vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  20. Irish Wolfhound vs English Mastiff - Breed Comparison
  21. East Siberian Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  22. French Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  23. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  24. Finnish Spitz vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  25. Ariegeois vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  26. Beagador vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  27. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. English Water Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  29. Field Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  30. Artois Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  31. Curly Coated Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  32. Lagotto Romagnolo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  33. Braque Francais vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  34. Formosan Mountain Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  35. Shikoku vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  36. Slovakian Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  37. Small Munsterlander vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Sussex Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  39. Kooikerhondje vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  40. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  41. West Siberian Laika vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  42. Wetterhoun vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  43. Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  44. Braque Saint-Germain vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  45. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds