Breed Comparison: German Shorthaired Pointer Versus American Pit Bull Terrier

Last Updated: Jun 19, 2022

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German Shorthaired Pointer Versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull 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 Shorthaired Pointer and for the American Pit Bull 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull 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 Shorthaired Pointer or the American Pit Bull Terrier.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier

German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Overview

Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are similar in size. The German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier 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 American Pit Bull 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 Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer to the American Pit Bull 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier

FactorGerman Shorthaired PointerAmerican Pit Bull Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/53/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Height1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 16 years
Good For Novice Owners2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/52/5
Does NOT Shed4/52/5
Does NOT Drool4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/55/5
General Health3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/51/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Dog Friendly4/51/5
Does NOT chew on things2/51/5
Weight45 to 70 pounds30 to 85 pounds
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/55/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Low Prey Drive1/53/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years14.0 years
Average Price$1140$1140
Price Range$800 – $1300$400 – $1200
Temperament Score78.1 percent87.4 percent
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – min age 24 months
  • Cone Degeneration
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exams until age 6 recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    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 American Pit Bull 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 Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 75 out of 125.

    Despite the equal Better-Pet score of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier, we still think that the German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    This is because German Shorthaired Pointers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the German Shorthaired Pointer will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the German Shorthaired Pointer :-). We are for the German Shorthaired Pointer. So get a German Shorthaired Pointer!

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most different:

  • German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with other dogs. However, American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.
  • The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    The German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are most similar:

  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The German Shorthaired Pointer is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the American Pit Bull Terrier weighs 30 to 85 pounds when fully grown. The American Pit Bull Terrier is 17 to 19 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Size of American Pit Bull Terrier

    Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier

    German Shorthaired Pointer Colors

    The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Bicolor
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    American Pit Bull Terrier Colors

    The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Bicolor
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Brindle
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Golden
    • Merle (Red)
    • Merle (Blue)

    The American Pit Bull Terrier comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • White / Cream
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Brindle
    • Black
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Golden

    Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    The lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of the American Pit Bull Terrier is 14.0 years.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier lives longer than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Temperament of the American Pit Bull Terrier Versus the German Shorthaired Pointer

    The American Pit Bull Terrier has a better temperament than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    This is because the temperament score for the American Pit Bull Terrier is 87.4 percent while the temperament score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 78.1 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 78.1 percent, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    With its temperament score of 87.4 percent, the American Pit Bull Terrier has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 137 German Shorthaired Pointers and 931 American Pit Bull Terriers.

    Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of American Pit Bull Terrier

    The average price of the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is $1140. The price of the German Shorthaired Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of a German Shorthaired Pointer can be as low as $350 and as high as $2695. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 453 German Shorthaired Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is $1140. The price of the American Pit Bull Terrier typically ranges from $400 – $1200. However, the price of the American Pit Bull Terrier can be as low as $100 and as high as $15000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 877 American Pit Bull Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The American Pit Bull Terrier and the German Shorthaired Pointer are sold for about the same price.

    German Shorthaired Pointer American Pit Bull Terrier
    Average Price $1140 $1140
    Price Range $800 to $1300 $400 to $1200

    The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shorthaired Pointer and American Pit Bull Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shorthaired Pointer puppies or how many American Pit Bull Terrier puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of American Pit Bull Terriers

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy or the American Pit Bull Terrier 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.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    Adopting the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Adopting the American Pit Bull Terrier

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shorthaired Pointers and many American Pit Bull Terriers 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 Blue that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Shorthaired Pointers like Blue on pefinder.com.

    Also, like German Shorthaired Pointers, American Pit Bull Terriers are also available for adoption. For example, Marty is a Male American Pit Bull Terrier that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more American Pit Bull Terriers like Marty that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Rodney is the name of another German Shorthaired Pointer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Baker is an adorable Male American Pit Bull Terrier on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    German Shorthaired Pointers and American Pit Bull Terriers are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more German Shorthaired Pointers and American Pit Bull Terriers that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull Terrier

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than American Pit Bull Terriers?

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do not get along well with other dogs.

    Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    American Pit Bull Terriers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the American Pit Bull Terrier

    German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    American Pit Bull Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and American Pit Bull Terriers?

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    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.

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about American Pit Bull Terriers?

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. American Pit Bull Terrier

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can American Pit Bull Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    American Pit Bull Terriers can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the American Pit Bull Terrier?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    American Pit Bull Terriers adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the American Pit Bull Terrier?

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

    American Pit Bull Terriers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the German Shorthaired Pointer compares to other breeds aside from the American Pit Bull Terrier. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Curly-Coated Retriever     German Shorthaired Pointer versus King Shepherd     German Shorthaired Pointer versus West Highland White Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Stabyhoun     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bluetick Coonhound     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Australian Cattle Dog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Briard     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Spinone Italiano     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Canaan Dog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Afghan Hound     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Sheepadoodle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pomchi     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bolognese     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Schipperke     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever     

    Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Pit Bull 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 Shorthaired Pointer and the American Pit Bull Terrier better suits you and your family.