Himalayan Mastiff vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison

Canadian Pointer is originated from United States but Himalayan Mastiff is originated from India. Both Canadian Pointer and Himalayan Mastiff are having almost same height. Canadian Pointer may weigh 51 kg / 112 pounds lesser than Himalayan Mastiff. Both Canadian Pointer and Himalayan Mastiff has almost same life span. Both Canadian Pointer and Himalayan Mastiff has almost same litter size. Canadian Pointer requires Low Maintenance. But Himalayan Mastiff requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Gun dog
Working dog
undefined
United States
India
Height Male:
56 - 76 cm
22 - 30 inches
61 - 71 cm
24 - 28 inches
Height Female:
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
59 - 70 cm
23 - 28 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 27 kg
48 - 60 pounds
64 - 78 kg
141 - 172 pounds
Weight Female:
20 - 27 kg
44 - 60 pounds
61 - 75 kg
134 - 166 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Adirondak Pointing Dog
Do-Khyi Tsang-khyi Tibetan Mastiff
Colors Available:
Dark brown and white, black and white or a fawn color and white.
brown, sable with white markings, blue, red, black, gray, gold
Coat:
Short and smooth
double coated, with a heavy, wooly undercoat and coarse guard hair.
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Responsive, Social
Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

himalayan mastiffThe Himalayan Mastiff or Tibetan Mastiff is an ancient breed. Bred to be guardians of the flock, they could take care of leopards and wolves or anything else that tied to hurt the flock. The Himalaya Mastiff is found in the Himalayan area of Tibet. They are descendants of the Tibetan dogs that developed almost any Mastiff or Molosser on earth. They may have been in the mountains since the early 1100 BC. and have been fairly isolated. It was in this isolation that the Himalayan Mastiff developed.

Their function at that time was mostly to guard property. In some circumstances an entire village is guarded by one dog. It was also during this period that the breed was taught to be aggressive by tying them up as puppies. They guarded families while the men moved the village flock higher up in the mountains. They stayed in isolation until the mid-1800’s when the Queen of England was given a Himalayan Mastiff. For thousands of years, this dog was a nomad.

Soon the breed was being exported to England. A standard was developed, and the British began to breed them. Next, they were exported to Nepal, Afghanistan, India and the United States. They are rare in Tibet these days but more popular than ever in England and the United States. The first American Himalaya Tibetan Mastiff Association came into being in 1974 and in 2006 it was recognized by the AKC.

Today in the West, the Himalayan is a domesticated, family dog. It hardly fits in an apartment of course. These new western Himalayan Mastiffs are more easy- going than the Tibetan ones, but they are still wary of strangers and somewhat aloof. They are also still very protective and nocturnal. They are smart, independent and stubborn. They are not easy to train but socialization and obedience training is essential.

A study done in 2011 showed that it is very likely that many large breed dogs were descended from this Mastiff. This includes the St. Bernard, the Rottweiler, Bernese Mountain Dog and the Great Pyrenees. Later studies showed that the Mastiff’s ability to survive in the rare air of the Himalayans was due to interbreeding with Tibetan wolves in ancient, prehistoric times. Now they are competing in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

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.

himalayan mastiff puppy - descriptionThe Himalayan Mastiff is a giant, massive dog longer than it is tall. The breed has a heavy, broad head and square muzzle. They have black noses, a level bite and almond shaped, slanted, deep set eyes. They are brown, and the ears hang close to the head. They are heavy, muscular and sturdy. They have a feathered tail curving over their back. With a heavy, thick double coat and mane they resemble a lion at times. The coat can be brown, black, and gray-blue with gold or tan markings. These are impressive and noble dogs, athletic, with cat like feet. They are agile and light on their feet.

According to some breeders there are two different kinds or types of Himalayan Mastiff. These are the Tsang-khyi or the monastery mastiff type and the Do-khyi or the nomad mastiff type. The monastery is a heavier, taller dog who face is very wrinkled while the nomad is a leaner dog with less facial wrinkles. In any litter there can be both kinds. The kind of work that was given to each dog was dependent on their type. The Monastery kind is given stationary jobs and the nomad kind got the active jobs.

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.

Children friendliness

himalayan mastiff dog - characteristicsyes, they are if properly socialized.

Special talents

Their athletic ability

Adaptability

They cannot live in an apartment. They need a large yard.

Learning ability

They are intelligent, but difficult to train. They are stubborn and independent.

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.

himalayan mastiff puppies - health problemsBeing a large breed of canine, the Himalayan Mastiff has some of the typical health issues of large dogs. However, they also face a serious genetic disorder as well.

Canine Inherited Demyelinative Neuropathy (CIDN) – a fatal disorder seen in puppies by seven weeks of age. Puppies die before they are 5 months old.

  • Hip dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • Thyroid Issues – hypothyroidism or low thyroid test results.
  • Ear Infections – clean ears regularly to avoid these.

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.

Feeding the puppy

himalayan mastiff dogs - caringThis breed will eat less than you think they should but don’t overfeed. Puppies need a solid dry food for large dogs. You can free feed 1 cup three times per day.

Feeding the adult

For dogs over a year old you can free feed anywhere from two to four cups of dry food per day. Unlike many other breeds, the Himalaya Mastiff will only eat when hungry and they may not eat more than once a day. They will not overeat. The males might not eat at all when females are in season if they are around them.

Points for Good Health

They have good strength and athletic ability.

Games and Exercises

The Himalayan Mastiff needs regular, routine walks. It is important during these walks that the human leads the way, or the dog heals. Do not overwork a young Himalayan Mastiff. They need work related jobs like structured play time, walking the boundary of their territory, playing frisbee or catch. They work and play in short bursts then rest.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Himalayan Mastiff vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Himalayan Mastiff vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Himalayan Mastiff vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Himalayan Mastiff vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Himalayan Mastiff vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Himalayan Mastiff vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Himalayan Mastiff vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Himalayan Mastiff vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Himalayan Mastiff vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Himalayan Mastiff vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Himalayan Mastiff vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Himalayan Mastiff vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Himalayan Mastiff vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Himalayan Mastiff vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Himalayan Mastiff vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Himalayan Mastiff vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Himalayan Mastiff vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Himalayan Mastiff vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Himalayan Mastiff vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Himalayan Mastiff vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Himalayan Mastiff vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Himalayan Mastiff vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Himalayan Mastiff vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Himalayan Mastiff vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Himalayan Mastiff 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