Is the Akbash Better than the German Longhaired Pointer as a Pet? Our Answer.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Akbash Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Akbash and for the German Longhaired Pointer. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Akbash or the German Longhaired Pointer.

Akbash versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer are similar in size. The Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Akbash belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

On the other hand, the German Longhaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Akbash versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Akbash to the German Longhaired Pointer based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer

Factor Akbash German Longhaired Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Height 27 to 34 inches 23 to 28 inches
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Easy To Train 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Weight 75 to 140 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $610 No Data
Price Range $500 – $800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Akbash in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the German Longhaired Pointer. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

The Better-Pet score for the Akbash is 83 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Akbash is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get the Akbash!

Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer

Below is a list of where the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer are most different:

  • Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Akbashs have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time. However, German Longhaired Pointers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Akbashs have low exercise needs. However, German Longhaired Pointers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

The Similarities Between the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer

The Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer are most similar:

  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer can be left alone for some time without problems.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

Size Comparison of Akbash versus German Longhaired Pointer

Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer.

Akbashs weigh 75 to 140 pounds when fully grown. Akbashs are 27 to 34 inches when fully grown.

On the other hand, German Longhaired Pointers weigh 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. German Longhaired Pointers are 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.

Lifespan of Akbash versus German Longhaired Pointer

The lifespan of Akbashs is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Akbashs is 11.0 years.

The lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is 12.5 years.

German Longhaired Pointers live longer than Akbashs.

Tolerates Being Alone: Akbash versus German Longhaired Pointer

Akbashs can be left alone for some time without problems.

German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.

Do Akbashs shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

Akbashs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

German Longhaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

Which one drools more, the Akbash or the German Longhaired Pointer

Akbashs do have a very low tendency to drool.

German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

Which is Easier to Groom, the Akbash or the German Longhaired Pointer?

Akbashs are moderately easy to groom.

German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

Does the Akbash Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Longhaired Pointer?

Akbashs have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

Do Akbashs Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

Akbashs bark and howl, but not very much.

German Longhaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

Can Akbashs Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

Akbashs can very well tolerate cold weather.

German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

Wanderlust Potential: Akbash vs. German Longhaired Pointer

Akbashs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.

German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

Can Akbashs Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

Akbashs cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Akbash or the German Longhaired Pointer?

Akbashs get along fairly well with other dogs.

German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

Are Akbashs good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

Akbashs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

German Longhaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

How Kid-friendly are Akbashs and German Longhaired Pointers?

Akbashs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

German Longhaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

Is the Akbash Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

Akbashs are fairly easy to train.

German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

Is the Akbash Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

Akbashs do not adapt well to apartment living.

German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Akbash or the German Longhaired Pointer?

Akbashs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

German Longhaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

Conclusion: Akbash versus German Longhaired Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?

In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Akbash and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.