Breed Comparison: German Longhaired Pointer Versus Irish Setter

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German Longhaired Pointer Versus Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish 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 Irish Setter.

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

German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Setter

German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Setter: Overview

Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Irish Setter are similar in size. The German Longhaired Pointer and the Irish Setter are both large-sized dogs.

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

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

Factor German Longhaired Pointer Irish Setter
Life Span 11 to 14 years 11 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 1/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
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 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Weight 60 to 71 pounds 60 to 70 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.0 years
Price Range No Data $1200 – $2200
Average Price No Data $1680
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy
    		•

    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 Irish 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 Irish Setter is 73 out of 125.

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

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Setter

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

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

  • German Longhaired Pointers are not prone to nip and chew at things. However, Irish Setters are prone to nip and chew at things.

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

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

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

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Irish 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, Irish Setters weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. Irish Setters are 2 feet, 1 inch to 2 feet, 3 inches tall at the sho when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish 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 Irish Setters is between 11 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Irish Setters is 13.0 years.

    Irish Setters live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Setter
    German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Setter

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Setter

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

    Irish Setters do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Irish Setters?

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

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

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

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Irish Setters do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Irish Setters are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setters?

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

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

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

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Setters can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Irish Setter

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

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

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

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

    Irish 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 Irish Setter?

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Setters get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

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

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

    Irish Setters get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Irish Setters are very easy to train.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Setters do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Setter

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

  • Curly-Coated Retriever (82 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Curly-Coated Retriever.
  • English Setter (83 percent match with Irish Setter). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs English Setter.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bordoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Komondor     German Longhaired Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Goldador     German Longhaired Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     German Longhaired Pointer versus Great Dane     German Longhaired Pointer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     German Longhaired Pointer versus Aussiedoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Australian Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Dutch Shepherd     German Longhaired Pointer versus Puggle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Skye Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Scottish Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Field Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Berger Picard     German Longhaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Toy Poodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cavapoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pomchi     

    Irish Setter Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Setter versus Pharaoh Hound     Irish Setter versus French Bulldog     Irish Setter versus Portuguese Pointer     Irish Setter versus Bracco Italiano     Irish Setter versus Estrela Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus Pomchi     Irish Setter versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Irish Setter versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Irish Setter versus Golden Retriever     Irish Setter versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Irish Setter versus Entlebucher Mountain Dog     Irish Setter versus Miniature Pinscher     Irish Setter versus Shih Tzu     Irish Setter versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Irish Setter versus Kai Ken     Irish Setter versus Biewer Terrier     Irish Setter versus Lancashire Heeler     Irish Setter versus Norwegian Lundehund     Irish Setter versus Shih Tzu     Irish Setter versus Beagle     Irish Setter versus Pomeranian     Irish Setter versus Pointer     Irish Setter versus Komondor     Irish Setter versus Standard Schnauzer     Irish Setter versus Hovawart     

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