A Detailed Comparison of the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer.

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Berger Picard Versus German Wirehaired Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired 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 Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired 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 Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired 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 Berger Picard and for the German Wirehaired 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 Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer.

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

Berger Picard versus German Wirehaired Pointer: Overview

Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are similar in size. The Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are both large-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Berger Picard 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 Wirehaired 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.

Berger Picard versus German Wirehaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Berger Picard to the German Wirehaired 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 Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer

Factor Berger Picard German Wirehaired Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 4/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the
Life Span 13 to 14 years 12 to 14 years
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
General Health 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.0 years
Average Price $2600 $1050
Price Range $2400 – $2800 $875 – $1200
Temperament Score 95.2 percent 77.8 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- any age, yearly if in a breeding program
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Berger Picard 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 Wirehaired 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 Berger Picard is 86 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Wirehaired Pointer is 74 out of 125.

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

    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 Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are most different:

    • Berger Picards do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, German Wirehaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    The Similarities Between the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer

    The Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are most similar:

    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are not very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are good for new dog owners.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are very easy to train.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired 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 Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Berger Picard versus German Wirehaired Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer.

    Berger Picards weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Berger Picards are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    On the other hand, German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Wirehaired Pointers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Berger Picard versus German Wirehaired Pointer

    The lifespan of Berger Picards is between 13 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Berger Picards is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is 13.0 years.

    Berger Picards live longer than German Wirehaired Pointers.

    Temperament of the German Wirehaired Pointer Versus the Berger Picard

    The Berger Picard has a better temperament than the German Wirehaired Pointer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Berger Picard is 95.2 percent while the temperament score for the German Wirehaired Pointer is 77.8 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 95.2 percent, the Berger Picard has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 77.8 percent, the German Wirehaired Pointer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer by measuring the temperaments of 21 Berger Picards and 18 German Wirehaired Pointers.

    Price of Berger Picard versus Price of German Wirehaired Pointer

    The average price of the Berger Picard puppy is $2600. The price of the Berger Picard typically ranges from $2400 – $2800. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 2 Berger Picard puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the German Wirehaired Pointer puppy is $1050. The price of the German Wirehaired Pointer typically ranges from $875 – $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 42 German Wirehaired Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Berger Picard is more expensive than the German Wirehaired Pointer.

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Berger Picard and German Wirehaired Pointer. For different price points, the charts show how many Berger Picard puppies or how many German Wirehaired Pointer puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Berger Picards. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Wirehaired Pointers

    A breakdown of the prices of German Wirehaired Pointers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Berger Picard puppy or the German Wirehaired Pointer puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    Health Problems of Berger Picard versus Health Problems of German Wirehaired Pointer

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the German Wirehaired Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Berger Picard.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Wirehaired Pointer than for the Berger Picard.

    3 health tests are recommended for Berger Picard while 6 tests are recommended for the German Wirehaired Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Berger Picards and in German Wirehaired Pointers.

    Berger Picard Health Problems

    Berger Picards are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Berger Picard puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Berger Picard puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Berger Picard breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Berger Picards for:

  • DNA Repository
  • Eye Examination (min age 24 months effective 9/1/17)
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Berger Picards here.

    German Wirehaired Pointer Health Problems

    German Wirehaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Wirehaired Pointer puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a German Wirehaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Wirehaired Pointer breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen German Wirehaired Pointers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- any age, yearly if in a breeding program
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Wirehaired Pointers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Berger Picard versus German Wirehaired Pointer

    Berger Picards can be left alone only for a short time.

    German Wirehaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Berger Picards shed more than German Wirehaired Pointers?

    Berger Picards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Berger Picard or the German Wirehaired Pointer

    Berger Picards do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Wirehaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Berger Picard or the German Wirehaired Pointer?

    Berger Picards are very easy to groom.

    German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Berger Picard Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Wirehaired Pointer?

    Berger Picards have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    German Wirehaired Pointers 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.

    Do Berger Picards Bark and Howl? What about German Wirehaired Pointers?

    Berger Picards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    Can Berger Picards Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Berger Picards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Wirehaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Berger Picard vs. German Wirehaired Pointer

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

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

    Can Berger Picards Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Berger Picards can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    German Wirehaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Berger Picard or the German Wirehaired Pointer?

    Berger Picards get along fairly well with other dogs.

    German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Are Berger Picards good family dogs? What about German Wirehaired Pointers?

    Berger Picards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Berger Picards and German Wirehaired Pointers?

    Berger Picards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the Berger Picard Easier to Train than the German Wirehaired Pointer?

    Berger Picards are very easy to train.

    German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Berger Picard Better for Apartment Owners than the German Wirehaired Pointer?

    Berger Picards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    German Wirehaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Berger Picard or the German Wirehaired Pointer?

    Berger Picards are very good for new dog owners.

    German Wirehaired Pointers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Berger Picard versus German Wirehaired 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 Berger Picard and the German Wirehaired Pointer better suits you and your family.