Breed Comparison: German Longhaired Pointer Versus Irish Wolfhound

by

Quick Links: Table of Contents

German Longhaired Pointer Versus Irish Wolfhound: 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 Wolfhound? 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 Wolfhound 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 Wolfhound.

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

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 Wolfhound.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound

German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound: Overview

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

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 Irish Wolfhound belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound: Comparison Table

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

Factor German Longhaired Pointer Irish Wolfhound
Life Span 11 to 14 years 6 to 8 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 2/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 3/5
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 1/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 5/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 5/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 1/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 3/5
Easy To Train 4/5 3/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 3/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 4/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 60 to 71 pounds 115 to 180 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 7.0 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2400
Average Price No Data $1930
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Serum Bile Acid Test
    		•

    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 Wolfhound. 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 Wolfhound is 82 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Irish Wolfhound is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get the Irish Wolfhound!

    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 Wolfhound 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 Irish Wolfhound

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

  • German Longhaired Pointers are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds However, Irish Wolfhounds have the tendency to develop certain health problems.
  • German Longhaired Pointers have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy. However, Irish Wolfhounds have low energy levels. They do not require a lot exercise time.

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

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

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

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

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

    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 Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Irish Wolfhounds are 32 to 35 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound

    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 Wolfhounds is between 6 to 8 years. The average lifespan of Irish Wolfhounds is 7.0 years.

    German Longhaired Pointers live longer than Irish Wolfhounds.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Wolfhound

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

    Irish Wolfhounds do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Irish Wolfhounds?

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

    Irish Wolfhounds shed moderately.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Irish Wolfhounds do have a very low tendency to drool.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Irish Wolfhounds are moderately easy to groom.

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

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

    Irish Wolfhounds 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 Wolfhounds?

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

    Irish Wolfhounds are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Irish Wolfhounds can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Irish Wolfhound

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

    Irish Wolfhounds have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

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

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

    Irish Wolfhounds cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Irish Wolfhounds get along very well with other dogs.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Irish Wolfhounds are fairly easy to train.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Irish Wolfhounds do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Irish Wolfhound

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

  • Bracco Italiano (74 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Bracco Italiano.
  • Cavapoo (72 percent match with Irish Wolfhound). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Cavapoo.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus American Eskimo Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Fila Brasileiro     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cavachon     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pug     German Longhaired Pointer versus Frenchton     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Harrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cavapoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Boxerdoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pug     German Longhaired Pointer versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Stabyhoun     German Longhaired Pointer versus Sussex Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bullmastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Australian Kelpie     German Longhaired Pointer versus Siberian Husky     German Longhaired Pointer versus Giant Schnauzer     German Longhaired Pointer versus Samoyed     German Longhaired Pointer versus Norwich Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     German Longhaired Pointer versus Doberman Pinscher     German Longhaired Pointer versus Great Dane     German Longhaired Pointer versus Swedish Vallhund     

    Irish Wolfhound Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Irish Wolfhound versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Irish Wolfhound versus Saluki     Irish Wolfhound versus Maltipoo     Irish Wolfhound versus Goldendoodle     Irish Wolfhound versus Alaskan Klee Kai     Irish Wolfhound versus Ibizan Hound     Irish Wolfhound versus Finnish Lapphund     Irish Wolfhound versus Bluetick Coonhound     Irish Wolfhound versus Xoloitzcuintli     Irish Wolfhound versus German Shorthaired Pointer     Irish Wolfhound versus Samoyed     Irish Wolfhound versus Jack Russell Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Field Spaniel     Irish Wolfhound versus Biewer Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Bich Poo     Irish Wolfhound versus Beagle     Irish Wolfhound versus Komondor     Irish Wolfhound versus Golden Cocker Retriever     Irish Wolfhound versus Australian Shepherd     Irish Wolfhound versus Glen of Imaal Terrier     Irish Wolfhound versus Pomchi     Irish Wolfhound versus Vizsla     Irish Wolfhound versus Spanish Mastiff     Irish Wolfhound versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     Irish Wolfhound versus Black Mouth Cur     

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