Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Longhaired Pointer Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
- German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu: Overview
- German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu
- The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu
- Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu
- Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Shih Tzus?
- Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Shih Tzu
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Shih Tzu?
- Does the German Longhaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Shih Tzu?
- Do German Longhaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Shih Tzus?
- Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Shih Tzu
- Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Shih Tzu?
- Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
- How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and Shih Tzus?
- Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Longhaired Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Longhaired Pointer Versus Shih Tzu: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu? 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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu.
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 Shih Tzu.
German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu: Overview
A very important difference between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Shih Tzu is a tiny-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 Shih Tzu belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.
German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
| Factor | German Longhaired Pointer | Shih Tzu |
|---|---|---|
| Life Span | 11 to 14 years | 10 to 16 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Height | 23 to 28 inches | 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Easygoing | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 60 to 71 pounds | 9 to 16 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 12.5 years | 13.0 years |
| Price Range | No Data | $1200 – $2300 |
| Average Price | No Data | $1820 |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | No Data |
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 Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu is 86 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Shih Tzu is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get the Shih Tzu!
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 Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu
Below is a list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu
The German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Shih Tzu.
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, Shih Tzus weigh 9 to 16 pounds when fully grown. Shih Tzus are 9 to 10 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu
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 Shih Tzus is between 10 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Shih Tzus is 13.0 years.
Shih Tzus live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.
Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu
German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.
Shih Tzus can be left alone only for a short time.
Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Shih Tzus?
German Longhaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Shih Tzus shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Shih Tzu
German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.
Shih Tzus do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Shih Tzu?
German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzu?
German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus?
German Longhaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Shih Tzus are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.
Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Shih Tzus Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Shih Tzus can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Shih Tzu
German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Shih Tzus 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 Shih Tzus Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Shih Tzus cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Shih Tzu?
German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Shih Tzus get along very well with other dogs.
Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Shih Tzus?
German Longhaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Shih Tzus are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and Shih Tzus?
German Longhaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Shih Tzus get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Shih Tzu?
German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Shih Tzus are fairly easy to train.
Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Shih Tzu?
German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Shih Tzus adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Shih Tzu?
German Longhaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Shih Tzus are very good 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:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Shih Tzu
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Shih Tzu 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 Shih Tzu:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the German Longhaired Pointer and how the Shih Tzu compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and of the Shih Tzu to other breeds:
German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Longhaired Pointer versus Biewer Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Puli German Longhaired Pointer versus Bull Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer versus Keeshond German Longhaired Pointer versus Komondor German Longhaired Pointer versus Bernedoodle German Longhaired Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel German Longhaired Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog German Longhaired Pointer versus Jack Russell Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Sloughi German Longhaired Pointer versus Frenchton German Longhaired Pointer versus Basset Hound German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu German Longhaired Pointer versus Catahoula Leopard Dog German Longhaired Pointer versus Bearded Collie German Longhaired Pointer versus Alaskan Klee Kai German Longhaired Pointer versus Stabyhoun German Longhaired Pointer versus Puggle German Longhaired Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier German Longhaired Pointer versus Bluetick Coonhound German Longhaired Pointer versus Boxerdoodle German Longhaired Pointer versus Weimaraner German Longhaired Pointer versus Dogo Argentino German Longhaired Pointer versus Papipoo
Shih Tzu Versus Other Dog Breeds
Shih Tzu versus Chow Chow Shih Tzu versus Pyredoodle Shih Tzu versus Cesky Terrier Shih Tzu versus Silky Terrier Shih Tzu versus English Setter Shih Tzu versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde Shih Tzu versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever Shih Tzu versus Newfoundland Shih Tzu versus Belgian Malinois Shih Tzu versus Great Pyrenees Shih Tzu versus Australian Cattle Dog Shih Tzu versus Boykin Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu versus American Hairless Terrier Shih Tzu versus Bolognese Shih Tzu versus Plott Shih Tzu versus Boxer Shih Tzu versus Shetland Sheepdog Shih Tzu versus Bordoodle Shih Tzu versus Irish Water Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Dalmatian Shih Tzu versus English Springer Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Welsh Springer Spaniel Shih Tzu versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Shih Tzu versus Saint Berdoodle
Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu. 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 Shih Tzu better suits you and your family.