Differences and Similarities between the Lowchen and the Pointer.

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Lowchen Versus Pointer: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Lowchen and the Pointer 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 Lowchen and for the Pointer. 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 Lowchen and the Pointer.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Lowchen or the Pointer.

Lowchen versus Pointer

Lowchen versus Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Lowchen and the Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Lowchen is a tiny-sized dog while the Pointer is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Lowchen 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.

On the other hand, the 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.

Lowchen versus Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Lowchen to the Pointer 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 Lowchen and the Pointer

FactorLowchenPointer
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Does NOT Drool5/55/5
Height12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the
Life Span13 to 15 years12 to 15 years
Easygoing3/53/5
Tolerates Cold Weather3/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather3/54/5
Does NOT Shed3/53/5
Easy To Groom3/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT chew on things3/51/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/51/5
Good For Novice Owners4/51/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers4/55/5
Intelligence4/55/5
Low Prey Drive2/51/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl2/53/5
NOT Rambunctious2/51/5
Minimal Exercise Needs2/51/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living5/51/5
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
General Health5/53/5
Easy To Train5/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Weight9 to 18 pounds45 to 75 pounds
Average Lifespan14.0 years13.5 years
Average Price$2870$1080
Price Range$1642 – $4500$800 – $1300
Temperament Score75.0 percent90.0 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds163115

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Lowchen 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 Pointer. 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 Lowchen is 85 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Pointer is 75 out of 125.

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

    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 Lowchen and the Pointer so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Lowchen and the Pointer

    Below is a list of where the Lowchen and the Pointer are most different:

  • Lowchens are good for new dog owners. However, Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Lowchens adapt well to apartment living. However, Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • The Similarities Between the Lowchen and the Pointer

    The Lowchen and the Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Lowchen and the Pointer are most similar:

  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the Lowchen and the Pointer are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Lowchen versus Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Lowchen and the Pointer.

    Lowchens weigh 9 to 18 pounds when fully grown. Lowchens are 12 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Pointers weigh 45 to 75 pounds when fully grown. Pointers are 1 foot, 11 inches to 2 feet, 4 inches tall at the when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Lowchen versus Pointer

    The lifespan of Lowchens is between 13 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Lowchens is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Pointers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Pointers is 13.5 years.

    Lowchens live longer than Pointers.

    Temperament of the Lowchen Versus the Pointer

    The Pointer has a better temperament than the Lowchen.

    This is because the temperament score for the Pointer is 90.0 percent while the temperament score for the Lowchen is 75.0 percent, according to the American Temperament Test Society (ATTS).

    The American Temperament Test Society (ATTS) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide fair and objective evaluations of the temperaments of dog breeds.

    Dog breeds with low temperament scores tend to show unprovoked aggression, they easily panic without quickly recovering from the panic, and they tend to avoid people. However, dog breeds with high temperament scores are not aggressive and are not shy. Also, these dogs are generally friendly and are protective of their owners.

    The average temperament score across all dog breeds (over 250 breeds) is 83.7 percent.

    With its temperament score of 75.0 percent, the Lowchen has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 90.0 percent, the Pointer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the Lowchen and the Pointer by measuring the temperaments of 12 Lowchens and 20 Pointers.

    Price of Lowchen versus Price of Pointer

    The average price of the Lowchen puppy is $2870. The price of the Lowchen typically ranges from $1642 – $4500. However, the price of a Lowchen can be as low as $300 and as high as $4500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 7 Lowchen puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Pointer puppy is $1080. The price of the Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of the Pointer can be as low as $300 and as high as $1700. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 16 Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Lowchen is more expensive than the Pointer.

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    Lowchen Pointer
    Average Price $2870 $1080
    Price Range $1642 to $4500 $800 to $1300

    The charts below show the price distribution for the Lowchen and Pointer. For different price points, the charts show how many Lowchen puppies or how many Pointer puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Lowchens. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Pointers

    A breakdown of the prices of Pointers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the Lowchen puppy or the Pointer puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    The Popularity of Lowchen versus Popularity of Pointer

    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 Lowchen and the Pointer over the years.

    Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the Pointer is more popular with dog owners than the Lowchen. This is because, over the years, the average popularity of the Pointer is 115 out of about 200 dog breeds while the average popularity of the Lowchen is 163 out of about 200 dog breeds.

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Lowchen

    Popularity of Pointer

    Popularity of Pointer

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    Year Lowchen Popularity Rank Pointer Popularity Rank
    2013 154 114
    2014 165 119
    2015 161 114
    2016 171 117
    2017 169 113
    2018 168 114
    2019 158 115
    2020 161 116

    Health Problems of Lowchen versus Health Problems of Pointer

    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 Lowchen and the Pointer 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 Pointer is prone to more genetic health problems than the Lowchen.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Pointer than for the Lowchen.

    3 health tests are recommended for Lowchen while 5 tests are recommended for the Pointer.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Lowchens and in Pointers.

    Lowchen Health Problems

    Lowchens are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Lowchen 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 Lowchen puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Lowchen 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 Lowchens for:

  • Eye Examination- after the age of 12 months, with repeat evaluations recommended every two years.
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Patellar Luxation

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Lowchens here.

    Pointer Health Problems

    Pointers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing 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 Pointer puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your 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 Pointers for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Congenital Deafness
  • Eye Examination
  • Hip Dysplasia

  • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Pointers here.

    More Discussions on Health Problems in Lowchens and Pointers

    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 Lowchen Breed is Patella problems.

    This is because the Lowchen ranks 19 out of 145 dog breeds for Patella problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 149 Lowchens, 9 of them had Patella problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Lowchens, and how common these diseases are in Lowchens relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Patella problems: Rank 19 out of 145 Dog Breeds
  • Eyes problems: Rank 42 out of 182 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 163 out of 198 Dog Breeds
  • 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 Pointer Breed is Congenital Cardiac problems.

    This is because the Pointer ranks 17 out of 159 dog breeds for Congenital Cardiac problems. In fact, in a health test conducted on 78 Pointers, 1 of them had Congenital Cardiac problems.

    The genetic diseases that were found to commonly occur in Pointers, and how common these diseases are in Pointers relative to other dog breeds, are given below:

  • Congenital Cardiac problems: Rank 17 out of 159 Dog Breeds
  • Thyroid problems: Rank 44 out of 115 Dog Breeds
  • Elbow problems: Rank 66 out of 144 Dog Breeds
  • Hips problems: Rank 137 out of 198 Dog Breeds

  • The table below lists the common health problems in Lowchen and in Pointer and the rank (prevalence), compared to other dogs, of these health problems in the Lowchen and the Pointer:

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    Disease Lowchen Rank Pointer Rank
    Patella problems 19 out of 145 dog breeds Not Common
    Eyes problems 42 out of 182 dog breeds Not Common
    Hips problems 163 out of 198 dog breeds 137 out of 198 dog breeds
    Congenital Cardiac problems Not Common 17 out of 159 dog breeds
    Thyroid problems Not Common 44 out of 115 dog breeds
    Elbow problems Not Common 66 out of 144 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: Lowchen versus Pointer

    Lowchens do not like to be left alone.

    Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Do Lowchens shed more than Pointers?

    Lowchens shed moderately.

    Pointers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Lowchen or the Pointer

    Lowchens do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Lowchen or the Pointer?

    Lowchens are moderately easy to groom.

    Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Lowchen Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Pointer?

    Lowchens 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.

    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.

    Do Lowchens Bark and Howl? What about Pointers?

    Lowchens are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Lowchens Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Lowchens can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: Lowchen vs. Pointer

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

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

    Can Lowchens Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Lowchens can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Lowchen or the Pointer?

    Lowchens get along very well with other dogs.

    Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Lowchens good family dogs? What about Pointers?

    Lowchens are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

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

    How Kid-friendly are Lowchens and Pointers?

    Lowchens get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

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

    Is the Lowchen Easier to Train than the Pointer?

    Lowchens are very easy to train.

    Pointers are very easy to train.

    Is the Lowchen Better for Apartment Owners than the Pointer?

    Lowchens adapt very well to apartment living.

    Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Lowchen or the Pointer?

    Lowchens are very good for new dog owners.

    Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Lowchen

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

  • English Cocker Spaniel (79 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Pointer vs English Cocker Spaniel.
  • Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier (80 percent match with Lowchen). Here is our comparison of the Pointer vs Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Pointer

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

  • German Shorthaired Pointer (81 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • English Springer Spaniel (75 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs English Springer Spaniel.
  • Field Spaniel (77 percent match with Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Lowchen vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    Lowchen Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Lowchen versus Australian Terrier     Lowchen versus Bullmastiff     Lowchen versus Australian Shepherd     Lowchen versus Akita Chow     Lowchen versus Bracco Italiano     Lowchen versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     Lowchen versus Black Russian Terrier     Lowchen versus Shichon     Lowchen versus Toy Fox Terrier     Lowchen versus Gordon Setter     Lowchen versus Redbone Coonhound     Lowchen versus Pharaoh Hound     Lowchen versus Welsh Terrier     Lowchen versus Affenhuahua     Lowchen versus Borzoi     Lowchen versus American Bulldog     Lowchen versus Akita Chow     Lowchen versus Pyrenean Mastiff     Lowchen versus Whippet     Lowchen versus Schipperke     Lowchen versus Hovawart     Lowchen versus Bloodhound     Lowchen versus Mountain Cur     Lowchen versus Polish Lowland Sheepdog     Lowchen versus Bordoodle     

    Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Pointer versus Cavapoo     Pointer versus Azawakh     Pointer versus Bull Terrier     Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute     Pointer versus Chinese Crested     Pointer versus Caucasian Shepherd Dog     Pointer versus Afghan Hound     Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     Pointer versus Yorkshire Terrier     Pointer versus Belgian Tervuren     Pointer versus Japanese Spitz     Pointer versus English Cocker Spaniel     Pointer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     Pointer versus Giant Schnauzer     Pointer versus Papillon     Pointer versus Bichon Frise     Pointer versus Boston Terrier     Pointer versus Chinese Shar-Pei     Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier     Pointer versus Puli     Pointer versus Harrier     Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     Pointer versus Cardigan Welsh Corgi     

    Conclusion: Lowchen versus Pointer. 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 Lowchen and the Pointer better suits you and your family.