Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Harrier: Introduction
- German Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier: Overview
- German Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier
- The Similarities Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier
- Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier
- Lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier
- Adopting the German Wirehaired Pointer versus Adopting the Harrier
- The Popularity of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Popularity of Harrier
- Health Problems of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Health Problems of Harrier
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier
- Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Harriers?
- Which one drools more, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Harrier
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Harrier?
- Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
- Do German Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
- Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Harrier
- Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Harrier?
- Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Harriers?
- How Kid-friendly are German Wirehaired Pointers and Harriers?
- Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Harrier?
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer
- Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Harrier
- Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You
- Conclusion: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Harrier: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Harrier.
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier: Overview
A very important difference between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.
Furthermore, the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier
| Factor | German Wirehaired Pointer | Harrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the | 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder |
| Life Span | 12 to 14 years | 10 to 12 years |
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 2/5 | 5/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Good For Novice Owners | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Tolerates Cold Weather | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| General Health | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 3/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 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 |
| Weight | 60 to 70 pounds | 45 to 60 pounds |
| Average Lifespan | 13.0 years | 11.0 years |
| Average Price | $990 | No Data |
| Price Range | $800 – $1200 | No Data |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests |
|
|
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 65 | 183 |
Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer is 74 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier
Below is a list of where the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier
The German Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier are most similar:
Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier.
German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Wirehaired Pointers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the 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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier
The lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is 13.0 years.
The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.
German Wirehaired Pointers live longer than Harriers.
Adopting the German Wirehaired Pointer versus Adopting the Harrier
You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer named Gunner that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Wirehaired Pointers like Gunner on pefinder.com.
Also, like German Wirehaired Pointers, Harriers are also available for adoption. For example, Pilot is a Male Harrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Harriers like Pilot that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.
Whistler Nocats! is the name of another German Wirehaired Pointer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.
Also, Bailey is an adorable Male Harrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.
You can find more German Wirehaired Pointers and Harriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.
The Popularity of German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the German Wirehaired Pointer is more popular with dog owners than the Harrier. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the German Wirehaired Pointer is 65 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Harrier is 183 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of German Wirehaired Pointer
Popularity of Harrier
| Year | German Wirehaired Pointer Popularity Rank | Harrier Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 71 | 173 |
| 2014 | 71 | 181 |
| 2015 | 68 | 183 |
| 2016 | 64 | 186 |
| 2017 | 62 | 183 |
| 2018 | 63 | 189 |
| 2019 | 63 | 186 |
| 2020 | 60 | 190 |
Health Problems of German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.
This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the German Wirehaired Pointer than for the Harrier.
6 health tests are recommended for German Wirehaired Pointer while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.
Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in German Wirehaired Pointers and in Harriers.
German Wirehaired Pointer Health Problems
German Wirehaired Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointers for:
You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer Breed is Thyroid problems.
This is because the German Wirehaired Pointer ranks 14 out of 115 dog breeds for Thyroid problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 1161 German Wirehaired Pointers, 107 of them had Thyroid problems.
The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in German Wirehaired Pointers, and how common these diseases are in German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and in Harrier and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier:
| Disease | German Wirehaired Pointer Rank | Harrier Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Thyroid problems | 14 out of 115 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Congenital Cardiac problems | 35 out of 159 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Advanced Cardiac problems | 37 out of 71 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Elbow problems | 87 out of 144 dog breeds | Not Common |
| Hips problems | 126 out of 198 dog breeds | 76 out of 198 dog breeds |
| Eyes problems | 128 out of 182 dog breeds | Not Common |
*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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Harrier
German Wirehaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.
Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Harriers?
German Wirehaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Harriers shed moderately.
Which one drools more, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Harrier
German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Harrier?
German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Harriers are very easy to groom.
Does the German Wirehaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?
German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?
German Wirehaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
Can German Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Wirehaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.
Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Harrier
German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Wirehaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Harriers can tolerate hot weather.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Wirehaired Pointer or the Harrier?
German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Harriers get along very well with other dogs.
Are German Wirehaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Harriers?
German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointers and Harriers?
German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.
Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Harrier?
German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Harriers are not easy to train.
Is the German Wirehaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?
German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Harrier?
German Wirehaired Pointers are OK for new dog owners.
Harriers are OK for new dog owners.
Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer
Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and how the Harrier compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer and of the Harrier to other breeds:
German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
German Wirehaired Pointer versus Cockapoo German Wirehaired Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff German Wirehaired Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi German Wirehaired Pointer versus Tibetan Spaniel German Wirehaired Pointer versus Affenpinscher German Wirehaired Pointer versus Boerboel German Wirehaired Pointer versus Pug German Wirehaired Pointer versus King Shepherd German Wirehaired Pointer versus Gordon Setter German Wirehaired Pointer versus Boerboel German Wirehaired Pointer versus French Bulldog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Portuguese Water Dog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo German Wirehaired Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever German Wirehaired Pointer versus Barbet German Wirehaired Pointer versus Peek A Poo German Wirehaired Pointer versus Irish Setter German Wirehaired Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel German Wirehaired Pointer versus American Eskimo Dog German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bullmastiff German Wirehaired Pointer versus American Hairless Terrier German Wirehaired Pointer versus Norwich Terrier German Wirehaired Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne German Wirehaired Pointer versus Fila Brasileiro German Wirehaired Pointer versus Whippet
Harrier Versus Other Dog Breeds
Harrier versus Doberman Pinscher Harrier versus Brussels Griffon Harrier versus Canaan Dog Harrier versus Dachshund Harrier versus Black and Tan Coonhound Harrier versus Afador Harrier versus Japanese Chin Harrier versus Bearded Collie Harrier versus Redbone Coonhound Harrier versus Boston Terrier Harrier versus Belgian Malinois Harrier versus Bedlington Terrier Harrier versus Standard Schnauzer Harrier versus Norfolk Terrier Harrier versus Bracco Italiano Harrier versus American Pit Bull Terrier Harrier versus Jack Russell Terrier Harrier versus Border Collie Harrier versus Maremma Sheepdog Harrier versus Mudi Harrier versus Cockalier Harrier versus Chorkie Harrier versus Miniature Schnauzer Harrier versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever Harrier versus Cavapoo
Conclusion: German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Harrier better suits you and your family.