Canadian Pointer vs Cairn Terrier - Breed Comparison

Cairn Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Canadian Pointer is originated from United States. Cairn Terrier may grow 43 cm / 16 inches shorter than Canadian Pointer. Cairn Terrier may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Canadian Pointer. Both Cairn Terrier and Canadian Pointer has almost same life span. Both Cairn Terrier and Canadian Pointer has almost same litter size. Both Cairn Terrier and Canadian Pointer requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Gun dog
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United Kingdom
United States
Height Male:
25 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
56 - 76 cm
22 - 30 inches
Height Female:
23 - 33 cm
9 - 13 inches
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
22 - 27 kg
48 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 10
5 - 8
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Cairn, Toto Dog
Adirondak Pointing Dog
Colors Available:
Black, Brindle, Cream, Wheaten, Red, Grey
Dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white.
Coat:
Medium length and wiry
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Minimal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

cairn terrierThe 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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

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  4. Cairn Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Cairn Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Cairn Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Cairn Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Cairn Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Cairn Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Cairn Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Cairn Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Cairn Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
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  22. Cairn Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
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  25. Cairn Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Canadian Pointer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Canadian Pointer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Canadian Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Canadian Pointer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Canadian Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Canadian Pointer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Canadian Pointer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Canadian Pointer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Canadian Pointer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Canadian Pointer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Canadian Pointer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Canadian Pointer vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Canadian Pointer vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Canadian Pointer vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Canadian Pointer vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Canadian Pointer vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Canadian Pointer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Canadian Pointer vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Canadian Pointer vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Canadian Pointer vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Canadian Pointer vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Canadian Pointer vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Canadian Pointer vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Canadian Pointer vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Canadian Pointer vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison