Breed Comparison: German Longhaired Pointer Versus German Shorthaired Pointer

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German Longhaired Pointer Versus German Shorthaired Pointer: 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 Shorthaired 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired 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 German Longhaired Pointer and for the German Shorthaired 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer.

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 Shorthaired Pointer.

German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer

German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired 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.

German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer to the German Shorthaired 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 German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer

Factor German Longhaired Pointer German Shorthaired Pointer
Life Span 11 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 2/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 5/5
Intelligence 4/5 5/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
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 45 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $800 – $1300
Average Price No Data $1140
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – min age 24 months
  • Cone Degeneration
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exams until age 6 recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • 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 Shorthaired 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 German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Longhaired Pointer is a better pet than the German Shorthaired Pointer. 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 Shorthaired Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer

    The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer

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

  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer

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

    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 Shorthaired Pointers weigh 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Shorthaired Pointers are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer

    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 Shorthaired Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointers is 13.5 years.

    German Shorthaired Pointers live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

    German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer
    German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shorthaired Pointer

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

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than German Shorthaired Pointers?

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

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

    Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the German Shorthaired Pointer

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

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

    German Shorthaired 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.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about German Shorthaired Pointers?

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

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

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

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. German Shorthaired Pointer

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

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

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

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

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

    How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers?

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

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

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    German Shorthaired Pointers 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:

  • Aussiedoodle (78 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shorthaired Pointer

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

  • Field Spaniel (83 percent match with German Shorthaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Field Spaniel.
  • German Wirehaired Pointer (80 percent match with German Shorthaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs German Wirehaired Pointer.
  • Pointer (81 percent match with German Shorthaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Pointer.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Shiranian     German Longhaired Pointer versus Basset Hound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Kuvasz     German Longhaired Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     German Longhaired Pointer versus French Bulldog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Morkie     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bichon Frise     German Longhaired Pointer versus Briard     German Longhaired Pointer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     German Longhaired Pointer versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     German Longhaired Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli     German Longhaired Pointer versus Miniature Pinscher     German Longhaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bullmastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus French Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     German Longhaired Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     German Longhaired Pointer versus Kai Ken     German Longhaired Pointer versus Papipoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Boerboel     German Longhaired Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Plott     German Longhaired Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli     German Longhaired Pointer versus Kerry Blue Terrier     

    German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Irish Water Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Saint Berdoodle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bulldog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pug     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Vizsla     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Borzoi     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Valley Bulldog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Manchester Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Beagle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Berger Picard     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Australian Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Kerry Blue Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus King Shepherd     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Cairn Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Leonberger     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Aussiedoodle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     

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