Toy Bulldog vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison

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.

The Toy Bulldog hails from England, but it is now extinct.

It is believed that the reason for this is that there were different breeding groups working in different directions. One of the groups wanted a smaller dog and there was also an attempt to cross French Bulldogs with Bulldogs to decrease their weight, but this breed was also not developed.

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.

The Toy Bulldog was a medium sized dog standing at between 25 to 35cm in height and weighing between 11 and 18kg.

The coat of the dog was short and smooth and came in colors such as white and fawn, red or brindle. He had quite a bit of soft skin around the face and neck.

He was a small dog with a large body, short legs, broad muzzle, small ears and a docked tail.

The coat was glossy and short and they had soft skin and hair around the neck and head. They come in a variety of different colors ranging from pale yellow, light fawn to solid red.

Temperament:

The Toy Bulldog was a loyal and affectionate dog towards his human family It’s a pity he became extinct because he was amusing and entertaining, a great friend and companion.

They were calm dogs and didn’t require a lot of space and would have adapted well to life in the city or the countryside.

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.

The Toy Bulldog was friendly, docile, calm and gentle although tending to be a little bit stubborn.

He no doubt made a wonderful pet and would have been ideal for single people, families as well as older people. He would have made a splendid pet, and would have been an indoor kind of pet.

Not particularly high in energy, he would have enjoyed some exercise just to ensure he didn’t put on weight. He’s extinct now, but there are other popular bull dog breeds, and something of him lives on in these modern bulldogs.

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.

It is believed that that these dogs were healthy in their day but were no doubt prone to some canine illness issues just like any other dogs.

They would likely have battled with eye issues such as cherry eye, as well as joint problems.

Cherry Eye:

Cherry eye in dogs may not mean your dog’s life is in danger, but left untreated it can cause bigger eye problems later on.

Unlike a human being, a dog has 3 eyelids, with the 3rd one giving added protection to the dog’s eyes. It’s job is to keep dirt from entering the eyes.

There is a gland in the 3rd eyelid which can move out of place and then it bulges. This is what cherry eye is. The eye becomes irritated and the gland produces discharge. It is best to get your dog to the vet who has the skills and know-how to push the gland back into place.

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.

Diet:

The Toy Bulldog would have needed healthy, quality food to remain healthy. It is believed he became extinct in the early 1900s. Maybe there weren't commercially manufactured dog foods then. Their owners possibly tossed them scraps from the table.

Any dog would have to receive a good quota of vitamins and minerals in their food to stay healthy. If the dog was around today, you would read on the packaging label to see what to give him and definitely include some tasty home-made food too.

Nothing spicy and exotic – just plain, boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes and spinach. Simple foods like this ensure a dog remains free of stomach ailments.

Every dog requires a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

The Toy Bulldog with his short coat would have been easy to groom. He would have required a brush twice a week.

He would have needed a little bit of exercise, preferably a longish walk.

You had to be careful with a dog like this. He didn’t tolerate the heat well. He was not suited for running or jogging and could have developed heat stroke and weakness with his excessive panting. All the huffing and puffing and sweating would have irritated his skin as well.

He would have needed a warm, dry place to sleep indoors. If he went outside, he would have required shade and sunshine to lie in.