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

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

Basset Hound Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Basset Hound versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Basset Hound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

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.

Basset Hound versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer

Factor Basset Hound German Longhaired Pointer
General Health 1/5 4/5
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 4/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 4/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 2/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 1/5 2/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Weight 50 to 65 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Height Up to 14 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1410 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1500 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Thrombopathia
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound is 76 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 Basset Hound. 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 Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

    • Basset Hounds have the tendency to develop certain health problems. However, German Longhaired Pointers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Basset Hounds 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.
    • Basset Hounds have low exercise needs. However, German Longhaired Pointers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Basset Hounds adapt well to apartment living. However, German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer not very playful.
    • Both the Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer have a very high tendency to drool.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
    • Both the Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Size Comparison of Basset Hound versus German Longhaired Pointer

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

    Basset Hounds weigh 50 to 65 pounds when fully grown. Basset Hounds are Up to 14 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 Basset Hound versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The lifespan of Basset Hounds is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hounds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Basset Hound versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Basset Hounds can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Basset Hounds shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

    Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hound or the German Longhaired Pointer

    Basset Hounds have a very high tendency to drool.

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

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

    Basset Hounds are very easy to groom.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hounds Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Basset Hounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Basset Hounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Basset Hounds cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Basset Hound vs. German Longhaired Pointer

    Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hound or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Basset Hounds get along very well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Basset Hounds good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Basset Hounds 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 Basset Hounds and German Longhaired Pointers?

    Basset Hounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Basset Hound Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Basset Hounds are not easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Basset Hound Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Basset Hounds adapt very well to apartment living.

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Basset Hounds are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Basset Hound 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 Basset Hound and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.