Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

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Bluetick Coonhound Versus German Shorthaired Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound and for the German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

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

Bluetick Coonhound versus German Shorthaired Pointer: Overview

Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are similar in size. The Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Bluetick Coonhound 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 Shorthaired 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.

Bluetick Coonhound versus German Shorthaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Bluetick Coonhound to the German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer

Factor Bluetick Coonhound German Shorthaired Pointer
Life Span 10 to 12 years 12 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 2/5 5/5
Height 23 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 2/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Weight 45 to 100 pounds 45 to 70 pounds
Easygoing 1/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $830 $1140
Price Range $465 – $1200 $800 – $1300
Temperament Score 100.0 percent 78.1 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – min age 24 months
  • Cone Degeneration
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exams until age 6 recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Bluetick Coonhound 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 Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound is 72 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Bluetick Coonhound. So, you should get the German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are most different:

    • Bluetick Coonhounds are not easy to train. However, German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    The Similarities Between the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer

    The Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are most similar:

    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer are very playful.

    Size Comparison of Bluetick Coonhound versus German Shorthaired Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    Bluetick Coonhounds weigh 45 to 100 pounds when fully grown. Bluetick Coonhounds are 23 to 30 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, German Shorthaired Pointers weigh 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Shorthaired Pointers are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Bluetick Coonhound versus German Shorthaired Pointer

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

    The lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointers is 13.5 years.

    German Shorthaired Pointers live longer than Bluetick Coonhounds.

    Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Bluetick Coonhound

    The Bluetick Coonhound has a better temperament than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Bluetick Coonhound is 100.0 percent while the temperament score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 78.1 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 100.0 percent, the Bluetick Coonhound has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 78.1 percent, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer by measuring the temperaments of 2 Bluetick Coonhounds and 137 German Shorthaired Pointers.

    Price of Bluetick Coonhound versus Price of German Shorthaired Pointer

    The average price of the Bluetick Coonhound puppy is $830. The price of the Bluetick Coonhound typically ranges from $465 – $1200. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 55 Bluetick Coonhound puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is $1140. The price of the German Shorthaired Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 453 German Shorthaired Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer is more expensive than the Bluetick Coonhound.

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Bluetick Coonhounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Bluetick Coonhounds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Bluetick Coonhound puppy or the German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound versus Health Problems of German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired 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 Shorthaired Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Bluetick Coonhound.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Shorthaired Pointer than for the Bluetick Coonhound.

    1 health tests are recommended for Bluetick Coonhound while 7 tests are recommended for the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Bluetick Coonhounds and in German Shorthaired Pointers.

    Bluetick Coonhound Health Problems

    Bluetick Coonhounds are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Bluetick Coonhound 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 Bluetick Coonhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Bluetick Coonhound 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 Bluetick Coonhounds for:

  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Bluetick Coonhounds here.

    German Shorthaired Pointer Health Problems

    German Shorthaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shorthaired 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 Shorthaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shorthaired 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 Shorthaired Pointers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – min age 24 months
  • Cone Degeneration
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exams until age 6 recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: Bluetick Coonhound versus German Shorthaired Pointer

    Bluetick Coonhounds do not like to be left alone.

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Bluetick Coonhounds shed more than German Shorthaired Pointers?

    Bluetick Coonhounds do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    Which one drools more, the Bluetick Coonhound or the German Shorthaired Pointer

    Bluetick Coonhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Bluetick Coonhound or the German Shorthaired Pointer?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are very easy to groom.

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Bluetick Coonhound Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shorthaired Pointer?

    Bluetick Coonhounds 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 Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhounds Bark and Howl? What about German Shorthaired Pointers?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Can Bluetick Coonhounds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Bluetick Coonhounds can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Bluetick Coonhound vs. German Shorthaired Pointer

    Bluetick Coonhounds have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

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

    Can Bluetick Coonhounds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Bluetick Coonhounds can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Bluetick Coonhound or the German Shorthaired Pointer?

    Bluetick Coonhounds get along fairly well with other dogs.

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Bluetick Coonhounds good family dogs? What about German Shorthaired Pointers?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Bluetick Coonhounds and German Shorthaired Pointers?

    Bluetick Coonhounds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Bluetick Coonhound Easier to Train than the German Shorthaired Pointer?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are not easy to train.

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Bluetick Coonhound Better for Apartment Owners than the German Shorthaired Pointer?

    Bluetick Coonhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Bluetick Coonhound or the German Shorthaired Pointer?

    Bluetick Coonhounds are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Bluetick Coonhound versus German Shorthaired 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 Bluetick Coonhound and the German Shorthaired Pointer better suits you and your family.