Breed Comparison: Cairn Terrier Versus German Longhaired Pointer

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Cairn Terrier Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Cairn Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

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.

Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

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

Factor Cairn Terrier German Longhaired Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Weight 13 to 14 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Easy To Train 2/5 4/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 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
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 5/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Height 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1600 No Data
Price Range $1475 – $1750 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy (GCL)
  • Patellar Luxation
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier is 86 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 Cairn Terrier is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

  • Cairn Terriers adapt well to apartment living. However, German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Cairn Terrier and the German Longhaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

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

    Cairn Terriers weigh 13 to 14 pounds when fully grown. Cairn Terriers are 9 to 10 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 Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The lifespan of Cairn Terriers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Cairn Terriers 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.

    Cairn Terriers live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

    Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer
    Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Tolerates Being Alone: Cairn Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Cairn Terriers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Cairn Terriers shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

    Cairn Terriers shed moderately.

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

    Which one drools more, the Cairn Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer

    Cairn Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

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

    Cairn Terriers are very easy to groom.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terriers Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Cairn Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

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

    Cairn Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Cairn Terrier vs. German Longhaired Pointer

    Cairn Terriers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get 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 Cairn Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Cairn Terriers 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 Cairn Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Cairn Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    Cairn 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 Cairn Terriers and German Longhaired Pointers?

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

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

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

    Cairn Terriers are not easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    Cairn 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 Cairn Terrier or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Cairn Terriers are very good for new dog owners.

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

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Cairn Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Cairn Terrier that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Cairn Terrier:

  • Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (81 percent match with Cairn Terrier). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Longhaired Pointer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Longhaired Pointer that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the German Longhaired Pointer:

  • Aussiedoodle (78 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Cairn Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the Cairn Terrier and how the German Longhaired Pointer compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the Cairn Terrier and of the German Longhaired Pointer to other breeds:

    Cairn Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Cairn Terrier versus Black Russian Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Airedale Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Spitz     Cairn Terrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Cairn Terrier versus Valley Bulldog     Cairn Terrier versus Spanish Mastiff     Cairn Terrier versus Toy Poodle     Cairn Terrier versus Kai Ken     Cairn Terrier versus Gordon Setter     Cairn Terrier versus Azawakh     Cairn Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Cocker Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Pharaoh Hound     Cairn Terrier versus Irish Setter     Cairn Terrier versus English Springer Spaniel     Cairn Terrier versus Japanese Chin     Cairn Terrier versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Cairn Terrier versus Kai Ken     Cairn Terrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Cairn Terrier versus Shiranian     Cairn Terrier versus Harrier     Cairn Terrier versus Black Mouth Cur     Cairn Terrier versus Biewer Terrier     Cairn Terrier versus Chorkie     

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Borzoi     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pomsky     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bull Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Puli     German Longhaired Pointer versus Curly-Coated Retriever     German Longhaired Pointer versus Airedale Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     German Longhaired Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Newfoundland     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pekingese     German Longhaired Pointer versus Airedale Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Black and Tan Coonhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Giant Schnauzer     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus American Water Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Shiranian     German Longhaired Pointer versus English Springer Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei     German Longhaired Pointer versus Miniature Poodle     

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