Guide on Deciding Betweeen the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer.

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Boston Terrier Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Boston Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Boston Terrier is a small-sized dog while the German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Boston Terrier belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

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.

Boston Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer

Factor Boston Terrier German Longhaired Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Weight 10 to 25 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Height 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches
Life Span 13 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 1/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1670 No Data
Price Range $1200 – $1999 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Boston 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 Boston Terrier is 87 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 Boston Terrier is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get the Boston Terrier!

    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 Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

    • Boston Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    The Similarities Between the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
    • Both the Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to train.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with other dogs.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Size Comparison of Boston Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

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

    Boston Terriers weigh 10 to 25 pounds when fully grown. Boston Terriers are 12 to 15 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 Boston Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The lifespan of Boston Terriers is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Boston 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.

    Boston Terriers live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Boston Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Boston Terriers can be left alone only for a short time.

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

    Do Boston Terriers shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

    Boston Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good 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 Boston Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer

    Boston Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Boston Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Boston Terriers are very easy to groom.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Boston Terrier Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Boston Terriers have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

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

    Do Boston Terriers Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Boston Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

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

    Can Boston Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Boston Terriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Boston Terrier vs. German Longhaired Pointer

    Boston 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 Boston Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Boston Terriers 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 Boston Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Boston Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Boston Terriers good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Boston 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 Boston Terriers and German Longhaired Pointers?

    Boston Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Boston Terrier Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Boston Terriers are very easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Boston Terrier Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Boston Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Boston Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Boston Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Conclusion: Boston 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 Boston Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.