Flat-Coated Retriever vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison

Flat-Coated Retriever is originated from United Kingdom but Canadian Pointer is originated from United States. Flat-Coated Retriever may grow 15 cm / 5 inches shorter than Canadian Pointer. Flat-Coated Retriever may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Canadian Pointer. Flat-Coated Retriever may live 4 years less than Canadian Pointer. Both Flat-Coated Retriever and Canadian Pointer has same litter size. Flat-Coated Retriever requires Moderate maintenance. But Canadian Pointer requires Low maintenance

History

flat coated retriever - historyThe Flat-Coated Retriever traces its heritage to 19th century England. A popular gamekeepers’ dog, the actual descendants of the breed are not entirely known. Like so many well-established breeds, there are many lines of thought about the breed line. There is an unverified line of ancestry that includes the St. Johns Water Dog – an extinct breed from North America. Another story has Canadian sailors bringing their Newfoundlands to England and mixing them with Colliers and Setters. This story has more truth to it and it took 20 years to establish the final breed type.

The breed was originally a retriever with two purposes – to retrieve the hunters’ bounty on land and on water.

The Flat-Coated Retriever was then introduced to the United States as a gun dog. By 1873 it was a “stable type” and in 1915 the AKC recognized the breed. After this, their popularity grew quickly until the American public fell in love with the Golden Retriever and the Labrador Retriever. Then the Flat-Coated Retriever’s numbers and popularity fell. The irony was that both the Golden and the Labrador credited the Flat-Coated Retriever as an ancestor. The survival of the breed was questionable following World War Two. They were brought back by a specific breeding program in the 1960’s.

Breeders in the ‘60s made sure they bred for both show dogs and companion animals. The Flat-Coated Retriever survived and is less popular than other retrievers, but he has his fans. The breed is more popular in the United Kingdom than it is in the United States in part because of Best in Show wins at Crufts

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.

Description

flat coated retriever puppy - descriptionThe Flat-Coated Retriever has a straight and strong topline with unique head, strong jaws, a long muzzle and small ears. His eyes are dark brown almonds with a friendly and intelligent expression. He has an arched neck and a moderately long tail. The Flat-Coated Retriever is more of an athlete, lighter and certainly more elegant than any other type or breed of retriever.

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.

Characteristics

Children friendliness

flat coated retriever dog - characteristicsThe Flat-Coated Retriever is great with children. Just be careful they don’t knock over small children in their enthusiasm.

Special talents

They are confident great family dogs. They are “thinking dogs” and need something to work for or they will work for themselves. They can be clowns.

Adaptability

They are adaptable although their size might preclude small locations without yards.

Learning ability

Smart, thinking all the time, they are very trainable. However, they are considered the “Peter Pan” of dogs – they never grow up.

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.

Health Problems

flat coated retriever puppies - health problemsFlat-Coated Retrievers have their share of health concerns from dysplasia to cancer. The breeds problems include:

  1. Hip Dysplasia – not very common
  2. PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) – can result in blindness
  3. Glaucoma - an eye disease that can result in blindness
  4. Epilepsy – very rare but still seen
  5. Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and volvulus) – fatal if not treated immediately

Cancers

Hemangiosarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Malignant Histiocytosis, and Fibrosarcoma. Studies show that about half of all Flat-Coated Retrievers die of cancer.

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.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

flat coated retriever dogs - caringHe will be a medium size dog. Feed puppies 3-4 times a day about a 1/8 cup of high-quality food. Feed a puppy food designed for medium size dogs or specifically for retrievers.

Feeding the adult

Feed 2 times a day about !/2 cups of dry food per meal. Do not overfeed. They have a tendency to be obese.

Points for Good Health

Maintain a healthy weight and avoid exercise before and after meals. The good news is dysplasia and epilepsy are rare in the breed.

Games and Exercises

They are very energetic and need good exercise. Long walks and a yard to run in. Remember they are hunting dogs and will chase to retrieve things so don’t let them off leash outside your yard. They will excel at agility, tracking. Rally, obedience, swimming, hunting, and jogging. They make great therapy dogs.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
59 - 61 cm
23 - 25 inches
56 - 76 cm
22 - 30 inches
Height Female:
56 - 59 cm
22 - 24 inches
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
27 - 36 kg
59 - 80 pounds
22 - 27 kg
48 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 32 kg
55 - 71 pounds
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 10 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
5 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Flatcoat, flatt, Flattie Flatte (Sweden)
Adirondak Pointing Dog
Colors Available:
liver and yellow (blonde, black
Dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white.
Coat:
double, glossy and smooth
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Constant
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loyal, Outgoing
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. French Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  2. Flat-Coated Retriever vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  3. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  4. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  5. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  6. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  7. Flat-Coated Retriever vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  8. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  9. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  10. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  11. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  12. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  13. Flat-Coated Retriever vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  14. Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  15. Lagotto Romagnolo vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  16. Formosan Mountain Dog vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  18. Slovakian Hound vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  19. Small Munsterlander vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  21. Kooikerhondje vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  26. English Springer Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. English Setter vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  30. Pudelpointer vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  31. Picardy Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  32. Ariege Pointer vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  33. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  34. Irish Water Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  35. Canadian Pointer vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Canadian Pointer vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  37. Canadian Pointer vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  38. Canadian Pointer vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  39. Canadian Pointer vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds