Differences and Similarities between the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer.

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Collie Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

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

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

Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, the Collie 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 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.

Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Collie 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 Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer

Factor Collie German Longhaired Pointer
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 5/5 2/5
Life Span 10 to 14 years 11 to 14 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 2/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 3/5
Height 22 to 26 inches all at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 3/5 2/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 3/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 1/5 4/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1480 No Data
Price Range $1000 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Dermatomyositis
  • Multiple Drug Sensitivity
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) DNA Test
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Collie 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 Collie is 83 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 Collie is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get the Collie!

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

    Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

  • Collies do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Collies require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom. However, German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
  • Collies shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies. However, German Longhaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • The Similarities Between the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer do the things they do with very low vigor. They are not forceful.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

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

    Collies weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Collies are 22 to 26 inches all 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 Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The lifespan of Collies is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of Collies is 12.0 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 Collies.

    Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer
    Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Tolerates Being Alone: Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Collies do not like to be left alone.

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

    Do Collies shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

    Collies 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 Collie or the German Longhaired Pointer

    Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

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

    Collies require a lot of grooming and they are not very easy to groom.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    Collies 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 Collies Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

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

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

    Can Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Collie vs. German Longhaired Pointer

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

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

    Can Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Collies can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Collie or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Collies get along very well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Collies good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Collies 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 Collies and German Longhaired Pointers?

    Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Collie Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Collies are very easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Collies adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

    Collies 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 Collie

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Collie 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 Collie:

  • Keeshond (84 percent match with Collie). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Keeshond.
  • 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 Collie vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Collie vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Collie vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Collie versus American Eskimo Dog     Collie versus Shihpoo     Collie versus Komondor     Collie versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Collie versus Sealyham Terrier     Collie versus Scottish Terrier     Collie versus Tibetan Spaniel     Collie versus Canaan Dog     Collie versus Fila Brasileiro     Collie versus Belgian Sheepdog     Collie versus Chi-Poo     Collie versus German Shepherd Dog     Collie versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Collie versus Cavachon     Collie versus Saluki     Collie versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     Collie versus Brussels Griffon     Collie versus Belgian Sheepdog     Collie versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Collie versus Curly-Coated Retriever     Collie versus Pomapoo     Collie versus Berger Picard     Collie versus Beaglier     Collie versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Collie versus Shiba Inu     

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Toy Poodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     German Longhaired Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pekingese     German Longhaired Pointer versus Lakeland Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Morkie     German Longhaired Pointer versus Keeshond     German Longhaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Kuvasz     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Aussiedoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus German Pinscher     German Longhaired Pointer versus German Wirehaired Pointer     German Longhaired Pointer versus Australian Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Dogo Argentino     German Longhaired Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Dutch Shepherd     German Longhaired Pointer versus Boykin Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pyredoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Dachshund     German Longhaired Pointer versus Maltipoo     

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