Breed Comparison: German Longhaired Pointer Versus Saint Bernard

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German Longhaired Pointer Versus Saint Bernard: Introduction

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

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

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 Saint Bernard.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard

German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard: Overview

A very important difference between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard

Factor German Longhaired Pointer Saint Bernard
Life Span 11 to 14 years 8 to 10 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 3/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 1/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 1/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 5/5
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 2/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 3/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 4/5
Weight 60 to 71 pounds 120 to 180 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 9.0 years
Price Range No Data $875 – $1525
Average Price No Data $1320
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – Min Age 24 Months
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Elbow Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
  • Eye Examination – Min Age 22 Months
  • Hip Dysplasia – Min Age 24 Months
    		•

    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 Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard is 81 out of 125.

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

    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 Saint Bernard so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard

    Below is a list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard are most different:

  • German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom. However, Saint Bernards require a lot of grooming and are not very easy to groom.
  • German Longhaired Pointers require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise. However, Saint Bernards have low exercise needs.

    • The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard

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

  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Saint Bernard are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    • Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard

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

    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, Saint Bernards weigh 120 to 180 pounds when fully grown. Saint Bernards are 2 feet, 2 inches to 2 feet, 6 inches tall at the s when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard

    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 Saint Bernards is between 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of Saint Bernards is 9.0 years.

    German Longhaired Pointers live longer than Saint Bernards.

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard
    German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard

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

    Saint Bernards do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Saint Bernard

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Saint Bernards have a very high tendency to drool.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernard?

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

    Saint Bernards have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Saint Bernards Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Saint Bernards can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Saint Bernard

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

    Saint Bernards 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 Saint Bernards Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    Saint Bernards cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

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

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Saint Bernards get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and Saint Bernards?

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

    Saint Bernards get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Saint Bernard?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Saint Bernards are not easy to train.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Saint Bernard?

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Saint Bernards adapt moderately well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Saint Bernard

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Saint Bernard 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 Saint Bernard:

  • Newfoundland (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Newfoundland.
  • King Shepherd (71 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs King Shepherd.
  • Spinone Italiano (68 percent match with Saint Bernard). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Spinone Italiano.

    • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Scottish Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Japanese Spitz     German Longhaired Pointer versus Leonberger     German Longhaired Pointer versus Dalmatian     German Longhaired Pointer versus Rottweiler     German Longhaired Pointer versus Belgian Malinois     German Longhaired Pointer versus Lhasa Apso     German Longhaired Pointer versus Black Mouth Cur     German Longhaired Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     German Longhaired Pointer versus Whoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Irish Setter     German Longhaired Pointer versus Peek A Poo     German Longhaired Pointer versus French Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Papillon     German Longhaired Pointer versus Treeing Tennessee Brindle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cane Corso     German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Labrador Retriever     German Longhaired Pointer versus Skye Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bernedoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Collie     German Longhaired Pointer versus German Shepherd Dog     

    Saint Bernard Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Saint Bernard versus Portuguese Water Dog     Saint Bernard versus Rhodesian Ridgeback     Saint Bernard versus Lowchen     Saint Bernard versus Neapolitan Mastiff     Saint Bernard versus Whoodle     Saint Bernard versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     Saint Bernard versus Pomeranian     Saint Bernard versus Whippet     Saint Bernard versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     Saint Bernard versus Dandie Dinmont Terrier     Saint Bernard versus Jack Russell Terrier     Saint Bernard versus German Pinscher     Saint Bernard versus American Foxhound     Saint Bernard versus Pekingese     Saint Bernard versus Bluetick Coonhound     Saint Bernard versus Collie     Saint Bernard versus Belgian Malinois     Saint Bernard versus Bernese Mountain Dog     Saint Bernard versus Saluki     Saint Bernard versus Keeshond     Saint Bernard versus Dutch Shepherd     Saint Bernard versus Giant Schnauzer     Saint Bernard versus Xoloitzcuintli     Saint Bernard versus Borzoi     Saint Bernard versus Border Terrier     

    Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer versus Saint Bernard. 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 Saint Bernard better suits you and your family.