Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better than the Gordon Setter as a Pet? Answer…

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German Longhaired Pointer Versus Gordon Setter: Introduction

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

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

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 Gordon Setter.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter

German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter: Overview

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

Furthermore, both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter are Sporting Dogs. This means both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer to the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter

Factor German Longhaired Pointer Gordon Setter
Life Span 11 to 14 years 10 to 12 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 1/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 1/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 2/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
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 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Weight 60 to 71 pounds 45 to 80 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 11.0 years
Price Range No Data $1250 – $1500
Average Price No Data $1360
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • approved laboratory
  • DNA Repository (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • rcd4 PRA (new requirement effective 7/1/13)
    		•

    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 Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter is 70 out of 125.

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

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter

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

  • German Longhaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies. However, Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
  • German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom. However, Gordon Setters require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.

    • The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter

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

  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter 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 Gordon Setter gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter

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

    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, Gordon Setters weigh 45 to 80 pounds when fully grown. Gordon Setters are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter

    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 Gordon Setters is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Gordon Setters is 11.0 years.

    German Longhaired Pointers live longer than Gordon Setters.

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter

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

    Gordon Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Gordon Setters?

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

    Gordon Setters shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Gordon Setter

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Gordon Setters drool moderately.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

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

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

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setters?

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

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

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Gordon Setters Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Gordon Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Gordon Setter

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

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

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Gordon Setters Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Gordon Setters 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 Gordon Setter?

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Gordon Setters do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Gordon Setters?

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

    Gordon Setters are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and Gordon Setters?

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

    Gordon Setters get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Gordon Setter?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Gordon Setters are very easy to train.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Gordon Setter?

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Gordon Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    Gordon Setters are OK 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 Gordon Setter vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Gordon Setter vs Boxerdoodle.

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Gordon Setter

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

  • Belgian Tervuren (78 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Belgian Tervuren.
  • Giant Schnauzer (79 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Giant Schnauzer.
  • Mudi (75 percent match with Gordon Setter). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Mudi.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Cockapoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bolognese     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cockapoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Great Dane     German Longhaired Pointer versus Dogue de Bordeaux     German Longhaired Pointer versus Miniature Pinscher     German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Water Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Japanese Chin     German Longhaired Pointer versus Valley Bulldog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cairn Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bluetick Coonhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter     German Longhaired Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     German Longhaired Pointer versus Estrela Mountain Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Chinese Crested     German Longhaired Pointer versus Maltipoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     German Longhaired Pointer versus King Shepherd     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Mastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Akbash     

    Gordon Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Gordon Setter versus Plott     Gordon Setter versus Goldador     Gordon Setter versus Lhasa Apso     Gordon Setter versus Sloughi     Gordon Setter versus Cane Corso     Gordon Setter versus Greyhound     Gordon Setter versus Black Mouth Cur     Gordon Setter versus Norwegian Lundehund     Gordon Setter versus Ibizan Hound     Gordon Setter versus German Wirehaired Pointer     Gordon Setter versus Cane Corso     Gordon Setter versus Portuguese Pointer     Gordon Setter versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Gordon Setter versus Cane Corso     Gordon Setter versus Bichon Frise     Gordon Setter versus Akbash     Gordon Setter versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Gordon Setter versus Mudi     Gordon Setter versus Dachshund     Gordon Setter versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     Gordon Setter versus Shiloh Shepherd     Gordon Setter versus Pyrenean Shepherd     Gordon Setter versus Catahoula Bulldog     Gordon Setter versus Goldador     Gordon Setter versus Boerboel     

    Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter. 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 Gordon Setter better suits you and your family.