German Shorthaired Pointer vs Cabecudo Boiadeiro - Breed Comparison

The Cabecudo Boiadeiro has always played an important role in the management of livestock. Stockdogs like this were known in parts of Minas Gerais as early as the 18th century. In fact reports tell us that the Cabecudo has existed since the 16th century as a working dog in the rural parts of Brazil.

The Capecudo has remained much the same over the centuries – a dog created as a guardian for large properties, as a game hunter and livestock herder and protector. Today this Molosser dog still drives cattle in Brazil.

Being a member of the Sporting Group, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a dog which was developed in the 19th century in Germany, and specifically for hunting. Hunters wanted a dog who could hunt all types of game and in all types of terrain.

There are quite a few different theories that exist regarding the origin of the German Shorthaired Pointer, but most experts believe that the breed came from a mix of old Spanish pointer and traditional continental pointers with further crossings of German Bloodhound and French Gascon to enhance scenting abilities.

The dogs popularity flourished in Europe and in 1891 the Klub Kurzhaar was founded to maintain the guidelines for this new and beautiful sporting dog.

The Brazilian Cabedudo is a strong boned, large dog with a large head and a deep chest. The coat of the dog is short and dense and in wheat-colored shades or fawn shades, while brindle is also in existence. The Cabeçudo Boiadeiro is also known as the Brazilian Mastiff and is a large, imposing dog.

Because the breed was created from a blend of the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound, not only is this a large dog in height, but a big boned dog as well. He has short to medium length floppy ears and a long tail.

The Brazilian Cabedudo is a courageous dog. When he has been properly trained and socialized, this large dog is capable of becoming an obedient, loving and devoted family pet who is able to get along with children and other pets too. He reserves this gentler side of him for his human family and won’t easily tolerate strangers.

Athletic, muscular and sleek, the medium to large sized German Shorthaired Pointer is at home on land and water. He stands between 53 to 63cm in height and weighs roughly between 20 – 32kg.

The eyes are brown, the ears are fairly long, they are floppy and set high on the head. The tail is always docked to a particular length and is held straight out from the body so that it actually forms a line with the entire body and the head.

The dog has a short coat which is essentially a combination of liver and white speckles or dappling.

Temperament:

A whole lot of factors come into play when looking at the temperament of a dog. The kind of owners the dog has can have a huge affect on the way he turns out. Nonetheless every dog, including the German Shorthaired Pointer will require training and socialization to become obedient and relaxed around strangers and other pets.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is an intelligent, confident, bold, affectionate dog that wants to please his owners and he is easy to train. He is good with children too, just loving all interaction with his human family.

He is an energetic dog and will require plenty of exercising to avoid him becoming bored, frustrated and destructive.

Deciding to become an owner of a dog is a big responsibility, as you are going to have your pet with you for 10 – 15 years at least. There are so many essentials to remember with owning a dog and most dogs are far happier and healthier when allowed to live part of the time indoors with their human family.

It's not always easy being a large dog such as the Cabecudo Boiadeiro, as people often assume these mastiff-type dogs are unfriendly and aggressive.

Every dog breed however, is essentially the product of his owners lifestyle and his unique upbringing with them. When this large pet is properly trained and socialized and he is loved and well cared for, he promises to be faithful, devoted, playful and loving – a real friend and protector.

As an intelligent hunting dog, the German Shorthaired Pointer is also a loving family companion and he just loves spending time outdoors with his human family.

He is pretty much an all-rounder – playful, energetic, a good watchdog and a loving and devoted family friend.

For an active, outdoor kind of family, include the German Shorthaired Pointer in all your activities and you’re going to ensure that you have a most wonderful 4-legged friend.

The Cabecudo Boiadeiro is considered a robust breed, used to lots of exercise while herding livestock. With good care and plenty of exercise he can live to 10, 11 or 12 years of age. He is a large breed and this fact alone will ensure that you be aware of some dog illnesses prone to larger breeds.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is an orthopedic condition where the hip joints don’t fit properly into the hip joint. Larger breeds such as the Cabecudo Boiadeiro are at a higher risk of getting this orthopaedic disorder.

You’ll see your dog battling to move around and he may not even be able to get up again after lying down. Sometimes a dog might even require surgery. Thankfully, there is testing for hip dysplasia in dogs, and you can ask to see a clearance certificate if you buy your puppy from a so-called reputable breeder.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disorder that can actually lead to blindness in your pet. Night blindness sets in and your dog becomes unsure how to walk in unfamiliar areas, You'll notice that his eyes become gray or cloudy-looking as though there is a film over the eyes. Parent dogs with this eye disease should be spayed or neutered.

Most German Shorthaired Pointers are healthy dogs, but even so, just like with any other dog breed, they can be subject to some hereditary disorders as well as some of the other common dog illnesses there are -

Chocolate poisoning:

Dogs are such devoted family members that you just want to give in to them and pop the chocolate treats you love into their mouths. But dog’s can’t eat chocolate! Just one piece can affect a small dog. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include diarrhea,vomiting, panting and shaking and even worse, a heart attack. If your dog has got hold of some chocolate, get him to the vet immediately.

Parvo:

Your German Shorthaired Pointer, as a puppy, should have his puppy vaccines. If your dog has this terrible disease, he will be lethargic, have diarrhea and almost seem out of it. Survival isn’t always guaranteed and the best way to avoid this killer disease, is to ensure your puppies vaccinations are up to date.

Bloat:

Check your pet for Bloat or an enlarged stomach which can twist because of trapped gas. This can be deadly for your pet. Get him immediately to the vet. He’ll be restless, lethargic and trying to vomit.

Exercise:

The Cabecudo Boiadeiro is a large breed dog. In spite of his size though, he is surprisingly an active dog. He will need regular exercise such as a brisk walk very day. You can also put aside time to give him some exciting ball games. He is a breed used to working so he will be most unhappy lying around doing nothing.

Diet:

If you are going to be feeding your Cabecudo Boiadeiro commercially manufactured good, make sure it is the best quality food. Always go for dog foods which have all the nutrients your large dog requires.

You get wet, dry and raw complete foods and you can give your pet a mix of these. Always make sure that your pet gets some raw meat in from time to time too, otherwise he could battle with skin diseases.

If you aren’t sure how to feed such a large dog, your veterinarian will help you decide which category of food would suit your pet. Clean, cool water is to be provided constantly.

Grooming:

The German Shorthaired Pointer isn’t a heavy shedder. He has a short coat which requires brushing at least twice a week to remove loose hairs and keep it shiny and sleek.

Also check in- and outside the ears, clip his nails and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Only the highest grade kibble will do. Mix in some of your own home-made cooked brown rice, vegetables and chicken from time to time and also ensure your pet gets in some raw meat as well. Cool, fresh water should be constantly available.