Differences and Similarities between the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer.

Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer

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Dutch Shepherd Versus Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer? Well, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will provide you a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Dutch Shepherd and the 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Dutch Shepherd and the 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 Dutch Shepherd and for the Pointer. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Dutch Shepherd or the Pointer

Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer

Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer: Overview

Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are similar in size. The Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are both medium-sized dogs.

Furthermore, the Dutch Shepherd 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 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.

Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Dutch Shepherd to the 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.

Factor Dutch Shepherd Pointer
Life Span 12 to 15 years 12 to 15 years
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 4/5 1/5
Height 21 to 25 inches 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 1/5
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 5/5 5/5
Weight 50 to 70 pounds 45 to 75 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 13.5 years
Average Price $1590 $1080
Price Range $900 – $2000 $800 – $1300
Temperament Score 96.2 percent 90.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • *Data from dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (the American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Dutch Shepherd 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 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 a Dutch Shepherd is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a Pointer is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Dutch Shepherd is a better pet than the Pointer. So, you should get the Dutch Shepherd!

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

    Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are most different:

  • Dutch Shepherds are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Pointers are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Dutch Shepherds are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Pointers are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Dutch Shepherds do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them. However, Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • The Similarities Between the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are most similar:

  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are not prone to gaining weight easily.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are very playful.
  • Both the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer.

    Dutch Shepherds weigh 50 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Dutch Shepherds are 21 to 25 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Temperament of the Pointer Versus the Dutch Shepherd

    The Dutch Shepherd has a better temperament than the Pointer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Dutch Shepherd is 96.2 percent while the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 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 they 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 96.2 percent, the Dutch Shepherd has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Pointer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer by measuring the temperaments of 26 Dutch Shepherds and 20 Pointers.

    Price of Dutch Shepherd versus Price of Pointer

    The average price of the Dutch Shepherd puppy is $1590. The price of the Dutch Shepherd typically ranges from $900 – $2000. However, the price of a Dutch Shepherd can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 116 Dutch Shepherd puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of a Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Dutch Shepherd is more expensive than the Pointer.

    Dutch Shepherd Pointer
    Average Price $1590 $1080
    Price Range $900 to $2000 $800 to $1300

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Dutch Shepherds. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pointers

    A breakdown of the prices of Pointers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Dutch Shepherd puppy or the 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 from 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 one of those puppy mills that mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

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

    Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer

    Adopting the Dutch Shepherd versus Adopting the Pointer

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many Dutch Shepherds and many Pointers are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male Dutch Shepherd named Saber that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable Dutch Shepherds like Saber on pefinder.com.

    Also, like Dutch Shepherds, Pointers are also available for adoption. For example, Preacher is a Male Pointer that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Pointers like Preacher that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Guiness – Located In North Carolina is the name of another Dutch Shepherd (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also Remy, an adorable Male Pointer on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    Dutch Shepherds and Pointers are always available for adoption. Images from petfinder.com

    You can find more Dutch Shepherds and Pointers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer

    Tolerates Being Alone: Dutch Shepherd versus Pointer

    Dutch Shepherds do not like to be left alone.

    Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Which one drools more, the Dutch Shepherd or the Pointer

    Dutch Shepherds do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Do Dutch Shepherds Bark and Howl? What about Pointers?

    Dutch Shepherds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Wanderlust Potential: Dutch Shepherd vs. Pointer

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

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

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Better for Apartment Owners than the Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Dutch Shepherd or the Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds are OK for new dog owners.

    Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Dutch Shepherd or the Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds are moderately easy to groom.

    Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Dutch Shepherd Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    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.

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can very well tolerate cold weather.

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

    Can Dutch Shepherds Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Dutch Shepherds can tolerate hot weather.

    Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    Are Dutch Shepherds good family dogs? What about Pointers?

    Dutch Shepherds are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Dutch Shepherds and Pointers?

    Dutch Shepherds get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Dutch Shepherd or the Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds get along very well with other dogs.

    Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Do Dutch Shepherds shed more than Pointers?

    Dutch Shepherds shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Pointers shed moderately.

    Is the Dutch Shepherd Easier to Train than the Pointer?

    Dutch Shepherds are very easy to train.

    Pointers are very easy to train.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Dutch Shepherd

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

  • French Spaniel (80 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Pointer vs French Spaniel.
  • Japanese Spitz (79 percent match with Dutch Shepherd). Here is our comparison of the Pointer vs Japanese Spitz.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (81 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (75 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Field Spaniel (77 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Dutch Shepherd vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Dutch Shepherd Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Dutch Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Dutch Shepherd versus Lhasa Apso     Dutch Shepherd versus Kai Ken     Dutch Shepherd versus Barbet     Dutch Shepherd versus Irish Setter     Dutch Shepherd versus Sealyham Terrier     Dutch Shepherd versus Barbet     Dutch Shepherd versus Papipoo     Dutch Shepherd versus Pomchi     Dutch Shepherd versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     

    Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pointer versus Australian Terrier     Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     Pointer versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Pointer versus Basset Hound     Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer     Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier     Pointer versus Bluetick Coonhound     Pointer versus Kai Ken     Pointer versus American Foxhound     

    Conclusion: Dutch Shepherd versus 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 Dutch Shepherd and the Pointer better suits you and your family.