Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better than the German Longhaired Pointer as a Pet? Our Answer.

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

American Pit Bull Terrier Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The American Pit Bull Terrier is a medium-sized dog while the German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the American Pit Bull Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer

Factor American Pit Bull Terrier German Longhaired Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 1/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 16 years 11 to 14 years
Height 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 85 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Does NOT chew on things 1/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1160 No Data
Price Range $450 – $1200 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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 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 German Longhaired Pointer is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, you should get the German Longhaired Pointer!

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 American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer

Below is a list of where the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are most different:

  • American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs. However, German Longhaired Pointers get along well with other dogs.
  • American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, German Longhaired Pointers are not prone to nip and chew at things.

The Similarities Between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to groom.

Size Comparison of American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer.

American Pit Bull Terriers weigh 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. American Pit Bull Terriers are 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder 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 American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

The lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of American Pit Bull Terriers is 14.0 years.

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

American Pit Bull Terriers live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

Tolerates Being Alone: American Pit Bull Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

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

Do American Pit Bull Terriers shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer

American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

Which is Easier to Groom, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer?

American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

Does the American Pit Bull Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Longhaired Pointer?

American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

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

Do American Pit Bull Terriers Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

Wanderlust Potential: American Pit Bull Terrier vs. German Longhaired Pointer

American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

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

Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer?

American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

Are American Pit Bull Terriers good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

American Pit Bull Terriers 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 American Pit Bull Terriers and German Longhaired Pointers?

American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

Is the American Pit Bull Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the American Pit Bull Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer?

American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

Conclusion: American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.