German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog. Final Verdict on Which one is a Better Pet.

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022

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German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Carolina Dog: Introduction

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

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog.

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 Carolina Dog.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog: Overview

Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog are similar in size. The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer to the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog

FactorGerman Shorthaired PointerCarolina Dog
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/52/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Height1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho18 to 20 inches at the shoulder
Life Span12 to 15 years12 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Does NOT Shed4/52/5
Does NOT Drool4/54/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/52/5
General Health3/55/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/52/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/55/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/51/5
Easygoing2/54/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Does NOT chew on things2/54/5
Weight45 to 70 pounds33 to 55 pounds
Affectionate With Family5/52/5
Kid-Friendly5/53/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Easy To Train5/52/5
Intelligence5/54/5
Low Prey Drive1/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/53/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years13.5 years
Average Price$1140$500
Price Range$800 – $1300$500 – $500
Temperament Score78.1 percent66.7 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 Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog is 73 out of 125.

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

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog

    Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog are most different:

  • German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family. However, Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train. However, Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.
  • The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog

    The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog are most similar:

  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog.

    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 Carolina Dog weighs 33 to 55 pounds when fully grown. The Carolina Dog is 18 to 20 inches at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Size of Carolina Dog

    Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog

    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

    Carolina Dog Colors

    The Carolina Dog comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Golden
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Black
    • Apricot / Beige
    • White / Cream

    The Carolina Dog comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Black

    Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog

    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 Carolina Dog is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Carolina Dog is 13.5 years.

    The Carolina Dog lives as long as the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog

    Temperament of the German Shorthaired Pointer Versus the Carolina Dog

    The German Shorthaired Pointer has a better temperament than the Carolina Dog.

    This is because the temperament score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 78.1 percent while the temperament score for the Carolina Dog is 66.7 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 66.7 percent, the Carolina Dog has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog by measuring the temperaments of 137 German Shorthaired Pointers and 3 Carolina Dogs.

    Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of Carolina Dog

    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 Carolina Dog puppy is $500. The price of the Carolina Dog typically ranges from $500 – $500. However, the price of the Carolina Dog can be as low as $500 and as high as $500. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 19 Carolina Dog puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer is more expensive than the Carolina Dog.

    German Shorthaired Pointer Carolina Dog
    Average Price $1140 $500
    Price Range $800 to $1300 $500 to $500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shorthaired Pointer and Carolina Dog. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shorthaired Pointer puppies or how many Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dogs

    A breakdown of the prices of Carolina Dogs

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy or the Carolina Dog 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 Carolina Dog

    Adopting the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Adopting the Carolina Dog

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shorthaired Pointers and many Carolina Dogs 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, Carolina Dogs are also available for adoption. For example, 22-095 Available 6-15-22 is a Male Carolina Dog that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Carolina Dogs like 22-095 Available 6-15-22 that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Carolina Dog 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.

    You can find more German Shorthaired Pointers and Carolina Dogs that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Carolina Dogs do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Carolina Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Carolina Dogs are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Carolina Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Carolina Dogs get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs are not affectionate with family. They are not good family dogs.

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Carolina Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Carolina Dogs are not easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Carolina Dog

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

    Carolina Dogs do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Carolina Dog?

    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.

    Carolina Dogs have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Carolina Dogs?

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

    Carolina Dogs are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Carolina Dogs Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Carolina Dogs can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Carolina Dog

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

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dogs Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    Carolina Dogs can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Carolina Dog?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Carolina Dogs do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Carolina Dog?

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

    Carolina Dogs 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 Carolina Dog. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Saint Berdoodle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Plott     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Lhasa Apso     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Westiepoo     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Finnish Lapphund     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyredoodle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Irish Setter     German Shorthaired Pointer versus American Bulldog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Newfoundland     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boerboel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boxerdoodle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pug     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Dutch Shepherd     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Norfolk Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bull Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Border Collie     

    Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Carolina Dog. 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 Carolina Dog better suits you and your family.