A Canadian Pointer is a medium sized dogs with a muscular body and a coarse coat that is about 1 ½ inches in length. Bred and developed in United States, the Canadian Pointer belongs to the HPR group (hunting, pointing and retrieving. This gundog that is utilized to hunt, point, and retrieve foxes, rabbits and other upland small game was the result of a crossing Labrador Retrievers, English Pointers and Portuguese Pointers in 1880s.

This breed of pointer is about 30 inches tall and weighs from 48 to 60 pounds. The Canadian Pointer has inherited the physical features of its progenitor thus this breed that is also known as Adirondak Pointer is at times erroneously called English Pointer. People that have owned both breeds would know that the Canadian Pointer has shorter ears and a thicker coat. The thick coats of Canadian Pointers allows these dogs to hunt in the very cold temperatures of the mountains. The thick coat comes in three color combinations – light brown and white, black and white and dark brown and white.

The Canadian Pointer is less agile as compared to other pointing breeds. Compared to English Pointers, Canadian Pointers are not so agile as the front and hind quarters give this breed a rather restricted stance. This fairly healthy breed has a life expectancy of about 15 years.

Unlike other hunting breeds, a Canadian Pointer has an even temperament. These days, Canadian Pointers are commonly kept as home companions and weekend hunters as this breed is known to have the eagerness to please its human family. House breaking and obedience training will be a breeze as Canadian Pointers are intelligent, obedient and have the desire to please its human family. Aside from the ease of housebreaking, this dog easily learns tricks as well. Another plus factor in opting to have this dog for a pet is its low maintenance requirements.

This hunter is endowed with a heightened scenting ability. This breed can be a dependable guard dog as it has a well developed instinct to protect the family. This is not a ferocious breed, this dog is noted to have a calm temperament but it does not mean that the dog would not move with alacrity if the family is threatened. Being a hunter, a Canadian Pointer would do well in an outdoor setting but it can also adapt to the life of being a home companion. This even tempered dog makes a good family pet as it can be the gentle and tolerant playmate of the kids.