Australian Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

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Australian Shepherd Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd or the German Longhaired Pointer.

Australian Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Australian Shepherd is a medium-sized dog while the German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Australian Shepherd belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

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.

Australian Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer

Factor Australian Shepherd German Longhaired Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 1/5 5/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 18 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 40 to 65 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1210 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd is 70 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 Australian Shepherd. 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 Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

    • Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    The Similarities Between the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to train.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    Size Comparison of Australian Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer

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

    Australian Shepherds weigh 40 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Australian Shepherds are 18 to 23 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 Australian Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The lifespan of Australian Shepherds is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Australian Shepherds is 13.5 years.

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

    Australian Shepherds live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Australian Shepherd versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Australian Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Australian Shepherds shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

    Australian Shepherds shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Australian Shepherd or the German Longhaired Pointer

    Australian Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

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

    Australian Shepherds require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Australian Shepherds have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

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

    Do Australian Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Australian Shepherds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Australian Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Australian Shepherd vs. German Longhaired Pointer

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Australian Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

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

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

    Australian Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Australian Shepherds good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherds and German Longhaired Pointers?

    Australian Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Australian Shepherd Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Australian Shepherds are very easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Australian Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Australian Shepherds 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 Australian Shepherd or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Australian Shepherds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Australian Shepherd 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 Australian Shepherd and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.