Teddy Roosevelt Terrier vs German Shorthaired Pointer - Breed Comparison

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers (Teddy, American Teddy) are American hunting terriers related to American Rat Terriers and a host of other working, farm, hunting dogs initially brought by working-class immigrants from England and Europe. Largely due to the working nature of these dogs early the cross breeding was to reinforce useful traits like a superior ability to scent prey. It also bequeathed the breed with superior intelligence. While they take a while to warm up to new people, to their human family they like to be close all the time, and are eager to be with them and please them. Teddy's share their early history with American Rat Terriers, Fox Paulistinha, Tenterfield Terrier and Beagles. They also are related to Feist (dog), and Turnspit dogs, English White Terrier and Wry-legged terrier (all now extinct), as well as Bull, Smooth Fox, Manchester Terriers with Beagles, Italian Greyhound and Whippets in the mix.

Only since 1996 have Teddy Roosevelt Terriers had standards set for the breed. The major difference between Teddys and the related American Rat Terrier is Teddys are closer to the ground (bench-legged), have greater bone density and more muscle. Teddys are medium to small sized. It was in the mid 1990's that the effort began to breed only the shorter legged phenotype into the Teddy lineage and allow the rat Terrier to be the longer legged variety. The UKC (United Kennel Club) and AKC (American Kennel Club) both recognize Teddys, the UKC since 1999.

The Rat Terrier Club of America separated the long legged and short legged varieties, the short legged ones were named in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. It is rather interesting that President Theodore Roosevelt, while being very fond of his family dogs did not own any Rat Terriers, and did not help develop the breed that bears his name. He mentions dogs in several of his letters, Skip who rode with the president on his horse while hunting and belonged to a friend, Scamp who lived with the Roosevelt's in the White House and hunted and caught rats and their dog Jack.

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.

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are hunting terriers that are short legged, well muscled and very active. They have proportionate wide, sightly rounded heads cuneus (wedge) shaped on which the V shaped ears are set on the outside edge. Their ears may be button or erect, and breed standards prefer a docked tail, but it is not necessary. Ideally Teddy's have length/height ratio is 10/7 or 10/8. The Teddy Roosevelt Terriers coats may be solid white, other colors with patches and markings. Their coats are short and rough. Because they are working dogs, what is termed as “honorable” scars from work are not deducted from the dogs points. If the dog is not proportionate to breed standards (for example long legs or square body) it may be disqualified, but exaggerations and faults are marked only is in as much as it interferes with the ability to work. They are very pleasant looking and have a lively manner.

Teddy Roosevelt Terriers are happy when they are the constant companion of their owner(s) and will shadow their master all day. Temperamentally they love to play, do well in obedience training and are territorial and protective and are exceptional watch dogs. Of course, they were bred as hunting dogs and have hunting instincts, a greater than median prey drive and will chase anything they consider prey such as rabbits, squirrels, birds, stray cats, (and if not trained poultry), as a working dog training is really important. With a heightened sense of smell and superior prey drive, Teddy's have been observed to follow and dig along mole trails (adding further damage to what the moles may have already inflicted), as well as ferret out edible mushrooms.

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.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness yes Teddy's love to play and enjoy children. Enjoys spending time with family and interacting with their human family taking part in the everyday routines.

2.Special talents The breed has high prey drive and an very intense sense of smell One of their talents is to be trained to find, by scent, Black Truffles (a type of edible mushroom) found close to the roots of some trees in the Western half of North America.

3.Adaptability Teddy's are very versatile and adaptable.

4.Learning ability breed is smart and learns very well.

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.

Health Problems

• Basically very healthy

• Ectopia lentis a congenital problem where the lens of the eye is displaced. Eye disease

• Patellar Luxation or subluxating patella (kneecap dislocation.
• Allergies

• bite problems (malocclusions -teeth that are incorrectly aligned when jaw is closed.),

• Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, (hip or elbow socket that does not fully cover the ball which increases the risk of displacement.

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.

Caring for Pet

1 Feeding the puppy Puppies should eat a minimum of a cup and max of a cup and three quarters each day. 1-13/4

2.Feeding the adult Adult Teddy Roosevelt Terriers should eat three-fourth to one-and-a-half cups per day.

3.Points for Good Health - fairly healthy The Teddy Roosevelt Terriers displays some common joint issues that are shared by Rat Terriers.

4. Games and Exercises Having descended from hunting/working dogs Teddy Roosevelt's are able to learn and work conformation rings, and agility trials. They like to play and take part in swims, hikes and playing fetch or Frisbee. They take well to obedience training.

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.