Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Longhaired Pointer Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction
- German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview
- German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog
- The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog
- Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog
- Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?
- Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the German Shepherd Dog
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Longhaired Pointer or the German Shepherd Dog?
- Does the German Longhaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?
- Do German Longhaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
- Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. German Shepherd Dog
- Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Longhaired Pointer or the German Shepherd Dog?
- Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
- How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and German Shepherd Dogs?
- Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Longhaired Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Longhaired Pointer Versus German Shepherd Dog: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog? 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Longhaired Pointer and for the German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the German Longhaired Pointer or the German Shepherd Dog.
German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog: Overview
Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog are similar in size. The German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog are both large-sized dogs.
Furthermore, 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.
On the other hand, the German Shepherd Dog 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.
German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer to the German Shepherd Dog 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog
| Factor | German Longhaired Pointer | German Shepherd Dog |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 11 to 14 years | 10 to 14 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Intelligence | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 71 pounds | 75 to 95 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 12.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $800 – $1500 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1280 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data |
|
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Longhaired Pointer 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 Shepherd Dog. 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 German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Shepherd Dog is 77 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Longhaired Pointer is a better pet than the German Shepherd Dog. So, you should get the German Longhaired Pointer!
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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog
Below is a list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog
The German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog.
German Longhaired Pointers weigh 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. German Longhaired Pointers are 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.
On the other hand, German Shepherd Dogs weigh 75 to 95 pounds when fully grown. German Shepherd Dogs are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall when fully grown.
Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog
The lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is 12.5 years.
The lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is between 10 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Shepherd Dogs is 12.0 years.
German Longhaired Pointers live longer than German Shepherd Dogs.
Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog
German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.
German Shepherd Dogs do not like to be left alone.
Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than German Shepherd Dogs?
German Longhaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
German Shepherd Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the German Shepherd Dog
German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.
German Shepherd Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Longhaired Pointer or the German Shepherd Dog?
German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to groom.
Does the German Longhaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Shepherd Dog?
German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
German Shepherd Dogs 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.
Do German Longhaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
German Longhaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
German Shepherd Dogs are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
German Shepherd Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. German Shepherd Dog
German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
German Shepherd Dogs do not have the potential to wander after things that capture their attention. They tend to stay around where you leave them.
Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Shepherd Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
German Shepherd Dogs can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Longhaired Pointer or the German Shepherd Dog?
German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
German Shepherd Dogs do not get along well with other dogs.
Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about German Shepherd Dogs?
German Longhaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
German Shepherd Dogs are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and German Shepherd Dogs?
German Longhaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
German Shepherd Dogs get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the German Shepherd Dog?
German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.
German Shepherd Dogs are very easy to train.
Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the German Shepherd Dog?
German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
German Shepherd Dogs adapt moderately well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Longhaired Pointer or the German Shepherd Dog?
German Longhaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
German Shepherd Dogs are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shepherd Dog
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shepherd Dog 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 Shepherd Dog:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the German Longhaired Pointer and how the German Shepherd Dog compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and of the German Shepherd Dog to other breeds:
German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Longhaired Pointer versus Black Mouth Cur German Longhaired Pointer versus Maltese German Longhaired Pointer versus Saluki German Longhaired Pointer versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog German Longhaired Pointer versus Puli German Longhaired Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Silky Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff German Longhaired Pointer versus Norwegian Lundehund German Longhaired Pointer versus Standard Schnauzer German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Vizsla German Longhaired Pointer versus Skye Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound German Longhaired Pointer versus Pug German Longhaired Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Borzoi German Longhaired Pointer versus Finnish Spitz German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Bulldog German Longhaired Pointer versus Glen of Imaal Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Lakeland Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Barbet German Longhaired Pointer versus Japanese Spitz German Longhaired Pointer versus Bergamasco Sheepdog
German Shepherd Dog Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shepherd Dog versus Papillon German Shepherd Dog versus Icelandic Sheepdog German Shepherd Dog versus Shichon German Shepherd Dog versus Cesky Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Spaniel German Shepherd Dog versus Catahoula Bulldog German Shepherd Dog versus Golden Retriever German Shepherd Dog versus Lhasa Apso German Shepherd Dog versus Akita German Shepherd Dog versus Bouvier des Flandres German Shepherd Dog versus Flat-Coated Retriever German Shepherd Dog versus Braque du Bourbonnais German Shepherd Dog versus Plott German Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Mastiff German Shepherd Dog versus Aussiedoodle German Shepherd Dog versus Coton de Tulear German Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Lagotto Romagnolo German Shepherd Dog versus Tibetan Terrier German Shepherd Dog versus Akbash German Shepherd Dog versus Keeshond German Shepherd Dog versus Bergamasco Sheepdog German Shepherd Dog versus Papillon German Shepherd Dog versus Kuvasz German Shepherd Dog versus Keeshond
Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog. 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shepherd Dog better suits you and your family.