Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Harrier: Introduction
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier: Overview
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier
- Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier
- Adopting the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Adopting the Harrier
- The Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Harrier?
- Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Harrier
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Harrier?
- Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Harriers?
- Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shorthaired Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier? 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier 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 Shorthaired Pointer and for the Harrier. 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier.
Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Harrier.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier: Overview
Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier are similar in size. The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier are both medium-sized dogs.
Furthermore, the German Shorthaired 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 Harrier 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 Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer to the Harrier 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier
| Factor | German Shorthaired Pointer | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Good For Novice Owners | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 70 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 2/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| NOT Rambunctious | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Minimal Exercise Needs | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Potential For Playfulness | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Average Lifespan | 13.5 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $1140 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1300 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 10 | 183 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shorthaired 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 Harrier. 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 Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the German Shorthaired Pointer. So, you should get the Harrier!
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 Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier
Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier
The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier.
German Shorthaired Pointers weigh 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Shorthaired Pointers are 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.
On the other hand, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.
Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier
The lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointers is 13.5 years.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
German Shorthaired Pointers live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Adopting the Harrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shorthaired Pointers and many Harriers are currently available for adoption.
These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.
Below is an adorable Male German Shorthaired Pointer named Watson – Local that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Shorthaired Pointers like Watson – Local on pefinder.com.
Also, like German Shorthaired Pointers, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Bailey is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Bailey that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Pongo is the name of another German Shorthaired Pointer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Pilot is an adorable Male Harrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more German Shorthaired Pointers and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Popularity of Harrier
Every year, the American Kennel Club (AKC) publishes information on how popular a dog breed is in that particular year. The AKC gets the popularity information of a breed from how many dogs of that breed the owners register with the AKC every year. The AKC collects this data for about 200 dog breeds. The AKC collects this data for purebred dogs only(no mixed or hybrid dogs).
The graphs and the table below show the popularity of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the German Shorthaired Pointer is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 10 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | German Shorthaired Pointer Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 173 |
| 2014 | 12 | 181 |
| 2015 | 11 | 183 |
| 2016 | 11 | 186 |
| 2017 | 10 | 183 |
| 2018 | 9 | 189 |
| 2019 | 9 | 186 |
| 2020 | 9 | 190 |
Health Problems of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Health Problems of Harrier
Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.
Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.
The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.
Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the German Shorthaired Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Shorthaired Pointer than for the Harrier.
7 health tests are recommended for German Shorthaired Pointer while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Shorthaired Pointers and in Harriers.
German Shorthaired Pointer Health Problems
German Shorthaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Shorthaired Pointer puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Shorthaired Pointer breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen German Shorthaired Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Shorthaired Pointers here.
Harrier Health Problems
Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.
More Discussions on Health Problems in German Shorthaired Pointers and Harriers
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the German Shorthaired Pointer Breed is Cone Degeneration problems.
This is because the German Shorthaired Pointer ranks 1 out of 1 dog breeds for Cone Degeneration problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1475 German Shorthaired Pointers, 1 of them had Cone Degeneration problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Shorthaired Pointers, and how common these diseases are in German Shorthaired Pointers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
Based on our analysis of data from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, of all known genetic health problems in dogs, the health problem that is most commonly seen in the Harrier Breed is Hips problems.
This is because the Harrier ranks 76 out of 198 dog breeds for Hips problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 375 Harriers, 58 of them had Hips problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Harriers, and how common these diseases are in Harriers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:
The table below lists the common health problems in German Shorthaired Pointer and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier:
| Disease | German Shorthaired Pointer Rank | Harrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Cone Degeneration problems | 1 out of 1 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Shoulder problems | 12 out of 22 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 42 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Degenerative Myelopathy problems | 55 out of 70 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Thyroid problems | 68 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 69 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Eyes problems | 118 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 121 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 174 out of 198 dog breeds | 76 out of 198 dog breeds |
*To learn more about each of these diseases, go to OFA.org and search for the disease.
Again, most of these health problems can be prevented through health screening. Responsible breeders screen male and female dog parents for genetic problems. These breeders will only breed dogs that are free of genetic defects. That way, there is little or no chance that their puppies will grow up to have genetic health problems. Always ask a breeder for the list of health tests the breeder screens their dogs for before buying a puppy from such a breeder.
Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier
German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Harriers?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Harrier
German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Harrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers 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.
Harriers 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 Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Harrier
German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Harrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Harriers?
German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Harriers?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Harrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Harrier?
German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Shorthaired Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Shorthaired 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 Shorthaired Pointer:
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Harrier 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 Harrier:
Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
You may also be interested in how the German Shorthaired Pointer and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer and of the Harrier to other breeds:
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Plott German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever German Shorthaired Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus King Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer versus Australian Kelpie German Shorthaired Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Manchester Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer versus Aussiedoodle German Shorthaired Pointer versus Collie German Shorthaired Pointer versus Maltipoo German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shih Tzu German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shetland Sheepdog German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Airedale Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Akbash German Shorthaired Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli German Shorthaired Pointer versus Aussiedoodle German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier German Shorthaired Pointer versus Braque du Bourbonnais German Shorthaired Pointer versus Finnish Spitz German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bluetick Coonhound German Shorthaired Pointer versus Japanese Spitz German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Pinscher German Shorthaired Pointer versus Belgian Sheepdog
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Scottish Deerhound Harrier versus American Hairless Terrier Harrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Harrier versus Mastiff Harrier versus Treeing Walker Coonhound Harrier versus Beaglier Harrier versus Dogue de Bordeaux Harrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Harrier versus Tibetan Mastiff Harrier versus Norwich Terrier Harrier versus Xoloitzcuintli Harrier versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier Harrier versus Chinese Crested Harrier versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi Harrier versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Harrier versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog Harrier versus German Shepherd Dog Harrier versus Cocker Spaniel Harrier versus Bracco Italiano Harrier versus Rottweiler Harrier versus Standard Schnauzer Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier Harrier versus Labradoodle Harrier versus Cesky Terrier Harrier versus Icelandic Sheepdog
Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Harrier. 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the Harrier better suits you and your family.