A Detailed Comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and the West Highland White Terrier.

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German Longhaired Pointer Versus West Highland White Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Longhaired Pointer and the West Highland White Terrier? 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 West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Longhaired Pointer and the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier.

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 West Highland White Terrier.

German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier

German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier: Overview

A very important difference between the German Longhaired Pointer and the West Highland White Terrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the West Highland White Terrier is a small-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 West Highland White Terrier belongs to the Terrier Dogs group. Terrier Dogs were originally bred to go underground to hunt rodents and other small wild animals (vermin). Terriers come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, but all terriers are energetic, highly intelligent, and territorial. Terries also have the tendency to escape. They require a securely fenced yard.

German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier

Factor German Longhaired Pointer West Highland White Terrier
Life Span 11 to 14 years 12 to 16 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 4/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
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 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 4/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 3/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
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 2/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 60 to 71 pounds 13 to 22 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 14.0 years
Price Range No Data $1600 – $2700
Average Price No Data $2220
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data
  • Eye Examination- Recommend annual exams until at least age 8yrs (96mo)
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • 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 West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier is 80 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the West Highland White Terrier is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get the West Highland White Terrier!

    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 West Highland White Terrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier

    The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the West Highland White Terrier

    The German Longhaired Pointer and the West Highland White Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the West Highland White Terrier are most similar:

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

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Longhaired Pointer and the West Highland White Terrier.

    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, West Highland White Terriers weigh 13 to 22 pounds when fully grown. West Highland White Terriers are 10 to 11 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier

    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 West Highland White Terriers is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of West Highland White Terriers is 14.0 years.

    West Highland White Terriers live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

    German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier
    German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the West Highland White Terrier

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    West Highland White Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Longhaired Pointer or the West Highland White Terrier?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    West Highland White Terriers are moderately easy to groom.

    Does the German Longhaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the West Highland White Terrier?

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

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    West Highland White Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. West Highland White Terrier

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

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

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

    West Highland White Terriers 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 West Highland White Terrier?

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    West Highland White Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and West Highland White Terriers?

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

    West Highland White Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the West Highland White Terrier?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    West Highland White Terriers are very easy to train.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the West Highland White Terrier?

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    West Highland White Terriers adapt very well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Longhaired Pointer or the West Highland White Terrier?

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

    West Highland White Terriers 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:

  • Aussiedoodle (78 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the West Highland White Terrier vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the West Highland White Terrier

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the West Highland White Terrier 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 West Highland White Terrier:

  • Bearded Collie (82 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Bearded Collie.
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi (84 percent match with West Highland White Terrier). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Alaskan Klee Kai     German Longhaired Pointer versus Akbash     German Longhaired Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cockalier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Brussels Griffon     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     German Longhaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken     German Longhaired Pointer versus Frenchton     German Longhaired Pointer versus Peek A Poo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cane Corso     German Longhaired Pointer versus Sloughi     German Longhaired Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bolognese     German Longhaired Pointer versus Greyhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cavalier King Charles Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bloodhound     German Longhaired Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus King Shepherd     German Longhaired Pointer versus Dachshund     German Longhaired Pointer versus Neapolitan Mastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Boston Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus English Setter     German Longhaired Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     

    West Highland White Terrier Versus Other Dog Breeds

    West Highland White Terrier versus Berger Picard     West Highland White Terrier versus Korean Jindo Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus German Longhaired Pointer     West Highland White Terrier versus Goldador     West Highland White Terrier versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     West Highland White Terrier versus American Staffordshire Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Golden Cocker Retriever     West Highland White Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Welsh Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Bichon Frise     West Highland White Terrier versus Miniature Poodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Doberman Pinscher     West Highland White Terrier versus Lakeland Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Jack Russell Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Peek A Poo     West Highland White Terrier versus Plott     West Highland White Terrier versus Chinook     West Highland White Terrier versus Shih Tzu     West Highland White Terrier versus Border Collie     West Highland White Terrier versus Labradoodle     West Highland White Terrier versus Tibetan Spaniel     West Highland White Terrier versus Shihpoo     West Highland White Terrier versus Maremma Sheepdog     West Highland White Terrier versus Toy Fox Terrier     West Highland White Terrier versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     

    Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier. 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 West Highland White Terrier better suits you and your family.