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

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022

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German Shorthaired Pointer Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

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

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

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 German Longhaired Pointer.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer

German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer are Sporting Dogs. This means both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer 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.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer to the German Longhaired 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer

Factor German Shorthaired Pointer German Longhaired Pointer
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 1/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Height 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho 23 to 28 inches
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 3/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 3/5 4/5
General Health 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Weight 45 to 70 pounds 60 to 71 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 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1140 No Data
Price Range $800 – $1300 No Data
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 German Longhaired 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 German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the German Longhaired Pointer, we still believe that the German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer.

    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 German Longhaired Pointer

    The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer

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

  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer 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 German Longhaired Pointer get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer

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

    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 German Longhaired Pointer weighs 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. The German Longhaired Pointer is 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Size of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Size of German Longhaired Pointer

    Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer

    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 German Longhaired Pointer is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the German Longhaired Pointer is 12.5 years.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer lives longer than the German Longhaired Pointer.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer
    German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

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

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

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

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

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

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

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

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

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the German Longhaired Pointer

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

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and German Longhaired Pointers?

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

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

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

    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.

    German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

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

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

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. German Longhaired Pointer

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

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

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

    German Longhaired Pointers 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 German Longhaired Pointer. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Border Collie     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Black Mouth Cur     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shiranian     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Giant Schnauzer     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Lowchen     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Saint Berdoodle     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Beaglier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Icelandic Sheepdog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Karelian Bear Dog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chow Chow     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Plott     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chorkie     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Welsh Springer Spaniel     German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired Pointer     

    Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus German Longhaired 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 German Shorthaired Pointer and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.