Last Updated: Jun 19, 2022
Quick Links: Table of Contents
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Boxer: Introduction
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer: Overview
- German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer: Comparison Table
- The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer
- The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer
- Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer
- Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer
- Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer
- Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Boxer
- Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of Boxer
- The Intelligence of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Boxer
- The Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Popularity of Boxer
- Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Boxers?
- Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Boxer?
- Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Boxer?
- Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Boxers?
- Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Boxer?
- Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Boxer
- How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Boxers?
- Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boxer?
- Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Boxers?
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather?
- Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Boxer
- Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather?
- German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds
- Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer. Which One is a Better Pet?
German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Boxer: Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer? 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 Boxer 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 Boxer.
Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer 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 Boxer. 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 Boxer.
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 Boxer.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer: Overview
Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer are similar in size. The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer 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 Boxer belongs to the Working Dogs group. Working Dogs were developed to assist humans in some capacity – including pulling sleds and carts, guarding flocks, guarding homes, and protecting their families. Breeds in the Working Group are known for their imposing stature, strength, intelligence, and fearless. Because of their size and strength, working dogs require a structured home life and firm, fair, consistent training by someone who can provide leadership without resorting to anger or physical force.
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer: Comparison Table
The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer to the Boxer 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 Boxer
| Factor | German Shorthaired Pointer | Boxer |
|---|---|---|
| Adapts Well To Apartment Living | 1/5 | 4/5 |
| Tolerates Being Alone | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| Height | 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho | 21 to 25 inches 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 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Shed | 4/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Drool | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Friendly Toward Strangers | 3/5 | 4/5 |
| General Health | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Potential NOT to Gain Weight | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| Does NOT Bark or Howl | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Calmness/ Low Vigor | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Easygoing | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Tolerates Hot Weather | 4/5 | 1/5 |
| Dog Friendly | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| Does NOT chew on things | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Weight | 45 to 70 pounds | 60 to 70 pounds |
| Affectionate With Family | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Kid-Friendly | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Easy To Groom | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| Easy To Train | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Intelligence | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| Low Prey Drive | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| Tendency NOT to Wander | 1/5 | 3/5 |
| 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 | $1530 |
| Price Range | $800 – $1300 | $1000 – $1800 |
| Temperament Score | 78.1 percent | 83.9 percent |
| Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests | No Data | |
| Popularity out of 200 Dog Breeds | 10 | 11 |
| Intelligence Rank (out of 130 Dog Breeds) | 17 | 48 |
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 Boxer. 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 Boxer is 73 out of 125.
Based on their Better-Pet scores, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Boxer. So, you should get a German Shorthaired Pointer!
The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer
Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer are most different:
The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer
The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer are most similar:
Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer
Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer.
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 Boxer weighs 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The Boxer is 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.
Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer
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
Boxer Colors
The Boxer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:
- White / Cream
- Brindle
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Black
- Bicolor
- Brown / Chocolate
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Red / Chestnut / Orange
The Boxer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:
- Black
- White / Cream
- Brown / Chocolate
- Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
- Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
- Brindle
Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer
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 Boxer is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of the Boxer is 11.0 years.
The German Shorthaired Pointer lives longer than the Boxer.
Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Boxer
The Boxer has a better temperament than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
This is because the temperament score for the Boxer is 83.9 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 83.9 percent, the Boxer has an above-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.
The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Boxer by measuring the temperaments of 137 German Shorthaired Pointers and 472 Boxers.
Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of Boxer
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 Boxer puppy is $1530. The price of the Boxer typically ranges from $1000 – $1800. However, the price of the Boxer can be as low as $100 and as high as $5000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 1292 Boxer puppies listed for sale from various sources.
The Boxer is more expensive than the German Shorthaired Pointer.
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Boxer | |
|---|---|---|
| Average Price | $1140 | $1530 |
| Price Range | $800 to $1300 | $1000 to $1800 |
The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shorthaired Pointer and Boxer. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shorthaired Pointer puppies or how many Boxer 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 Boxers
Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy or the Boxer 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 Intelligence of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus the Intelligence of the Boxer
| German Shorthaired Pointer | Boxer | |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence Rank | 17 out of 130 dog breeds | 48 out of 130 dog breeds |
| Trainability | Tend To Learn New Commands After 5 To 15 Repetitions | Tend To Learn New Commands After 25 To 40 Repetitions |
Professor Stanley Coren, the famous psychology/neuropsychological professor and, dog lover/trainer measured and ranked the intelligence of about 130 different dog breeds.
According to Prof. Stanley Coren, the total intelligence that a dog demonstrates is the addition of three types of intelligence. These intelligence types are:
Prof. Coren showed that the Working/Obedience Intelligence of different dog breeds can be measured reliably. Thus, he was able to rank different dog breeds based on their Working/Obedience Intelligence.
This is important because according to Prof. Coren, 51 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from its genes while 49 percent of a dog`s intelligence comes from the dog`s environmental circumstances.
To rank the intelligence of dog breeds, Prof. Coren employed the help of 208 dog obedience judges in North America to fill out a detailed survey on dog obedience. This number represented more than half of all of these judges in North America at the time. He also employed 63 veterinarians and 14 guard dog experts to collect data on the personality of different dog breeds.
Prof. Coren found that the German Shorthaired Pointer has an obedience intelligence rank of 17 out of 130 dog breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to the `Excellent Working Dogs` category. This means that German Shorthaired Pointers tend to learn new commands after 5 to 15 repetitions.
The Boxer has an obedience intelligence rank of 48 out of 130 dog breeds. The Boxer belongs to the `Average Working/Obedience Intelligence Dogs` category. This means that Boxers tend to learn new commands after 25 to 40 repetitions.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is more intelligent than the Boxer.
However, Prof. Coren noted that a dog should not be judged based on its intelligence alone, that other factors such as sociability, adorability, and compatibility with the owner are other very important factors that new dog owners need to consider when deciding on a new dog.
The Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Popularity of Boxer
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 Boxer over the years.
Based on the AKC popularity data over the years, the German Shorthaired Pointer is more popular with dog owners than the Boxer. 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 Boxer is 11 out of about 200 dog breeds.
Popularity of German Shorthaired Pointer
Popularity of Boxer
| Year | German Shorthaired Pointer Popularity Rank | Boxer Popularity Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 13 | 7 |
| 2014 | 12 | 8 |
| 2015 | 11 | 10 |
| 2016 | 11 | 10 |
| 2017 | 10 | 11 |
| 2018 | 9 | 11 |
| 2019 | 9 | 14 |
| 2020 | 9 | 14 |
| 2021 | 9 | 14 |
Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer
German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.
Boxers do not like to be left alone.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Boxers?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
Boxers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Boxer?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.
Boxers are very easy to groom.
Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Boxer?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.
Boxers get along fairly well with other dogs.
Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Boxers?
German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Boxers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Boxer?
German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.
Boxers are very easy to train.
Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Boxer
German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.
Boxers do have a very low tendency to drool.
How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Boxers?
German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Boxers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Boxer?
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.
Boxers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Boxers?
German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.
Boxers bark and howl, but not very much.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Boxers Tolerate Cold Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Boxers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Boxer
German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
Boxers have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.
Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Boxers Tolerate Hot Weather?
German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.
Boxers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.
Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Boxer?
German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.
Boxers adapt very well to apartment living.
Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Boxer?
German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
Boxers are OK 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 Boxer. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:
German Shorthaired Pointer versus Leonberger German Shorthaired Pointer versus Rhodesian Ridgeback German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres German Shorthaired Pointer versus Great Dane German Shorthaired Pointer versus Keeshond German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bullmastiff German Shorthaired Pointer versus Briard German Shorthaired Pointer versus Dachshund German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle German Shorthaired Pointer versus Lagotto Romagnolo German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bolognese German Shorthaired Pointer versus Brittany German Shorthaired Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boykin Spaniel German Shorthaired Pointer versus Swedish Vallhund German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer German Shorthaired Pointer versus Great Pyrenees
Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxer. 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 Boxer better suits you and your family.