Differences and Similarities between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer.

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Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer

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Flat-Coated Retriever Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever or the German Longhaired Pointer

Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer

Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer 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.

Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Flat-Coated Retriever 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.

Factor Flat-Coated Retriever German Longhaired Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches
Life Span 10 to 12 years 11 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 2/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 3/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 5/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 5/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Weight 55 to 70 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Average Lifespan 11.0 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1350 No Data
Price Range $1150 – $1800 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
    		•  No Data

    *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 Flat-Coated Retriever 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 a Flat-Coated Retriever is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for a German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Longhaired Pointer is not better or worse than the Flat-Coated Retriever. So, you can get the German Longhaired Pointer or the Flat-Coated Retriever!

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

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The Similarities Between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer do things with high intensity. They can be very forceful.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer.

    Flat-Coated Retrievers weigh 55 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Flat-Coated Retrievers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet 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.

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

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

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

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

    Which one drools more, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the German Longhaired Pointer

    Flat-Coated Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers shed moderately.

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

    Does the Flat-Coated Retriever Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

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

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Can Flat-Coated Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Is the Flat-Coated Retriever Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are very easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Do Flat-Coated Retrievers Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: Flat-Coated Retriever vs. German Longhaired Pointer

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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.

    Are Flat-Coated Retrievers good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers 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 Flat-Coated Retrievers and German Longhaired Pointers?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Flat-Coated Retriever or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Flat-Coated Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever:

  • Wirehaired Pointing Griffon (81 percent match with Flat-Coated Retriever). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Wirehaired Pointing Griffon.

    • 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 Flat-Coated Retriever vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Flat-Coated Retriever vs Boxerdoodle.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Flat-Coated Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Flat-Coated Retriever versus Cockapoo     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Lakeland Terrier     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Giant Schnauzer     Flat-Coated Retriever versus German Longhaired Pointer     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Lowchen     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Siberian Husky     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     Flat-Coated Retriever versus Beagle     

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Australian Shepherd     German Longhaired Pointer versus Manchester Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Swedish Vallhund     German Longhaired Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Akita Chow     German Longhaired Pointer versus Mal Shi     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bichon Frise     German Longhaired Pointer versus French Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound     

    Conclusion: Flat-Coated Retriever 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 Flat-Coated Retriever and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.