Why the German Shorthaired Pointer is Better than the Patterdale Terrier as a Pet

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022

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German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Patterdale 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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier.

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

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier: Overview

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

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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer to the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier

FactorGerman Shorthaired PointerPatterdale Terrier
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/51/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/51/5
Height1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho12 to 15 inches
Life Span12 to 15 years11 to 14 years
Good For Novice Owners2/52/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/54/5
Does NOT Shed4/54/5
Does NOT Drool4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
General Health3/54/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/54/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/52/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/54/5
Dog Friendly4/54/5
Does NOT chew on things2/52/5
Weight45 to 70 pounds11 to 13 pounds
Affectionate With Family5/54/5
Kid-Friendly5/54/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Easy To Train5/53/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Low Prey Drive1/51/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/52/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/52/5
Potential For Playfulness5/54/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years12.5 years
Average Price$1140$640
Price Range$800 – $1300$500 – $688
Temperament Score78.1 percent80.0 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 Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier is 77 out of 125.

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

    The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier

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

  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier are prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier weighs 11 to 13 pounds when fully grown. The Patterdale Terrier is 12 to 15 inches when fully grown.

    Size of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Size of Patterdale Terrier

    Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of the Patterdale Terrier is 12.5 years.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer lives longer than the Patterdale Terrier.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier

    Temperament of the Patterdale Terrier Versus the German Shorthaired Pointer

    The Patterdale Terrier has a better temperament than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    This is because the temperament score for the Patterdale Terrier is 80.0 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 80.0 percent, the Patterdale Terrier has a below-average temperament compared to other dog breeds.

    The ATTS obtained the temperament scores of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Patterdale Terrier by measuring the temperaments of 137 German Shorthaired Pointers and 5 Patterdale Terriers.

    Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier puppy is $640. The price of the Patterdale Terrier typically ranges from $500 – $688. However, the price of the Patterdale Terrier can be as low as $300 and as high as $1200. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 24 Patterdale Terrier puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer is more expensive than the Patterdale Terrier.

    German Shorthaired Pointer Patterdale Terrier
    Average Price $1140 $640
    Price Range $800 to $1300 $500 to $688

    The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shorthaired Pointer and Patterdale Terrier. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shorthaired Pointer puppies or how many Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terriers

    A breakdown of the prices of Patterdale Terriers

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

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Patterdale Terrier

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Patterdale Terriers do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

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

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Patterdale Terriers are very easy to groom.

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

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Patterdale Terriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Patterdale Terrier?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Patterdale Terriers are fairly easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Patterdale Terrier

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

    Patterdale Terriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Patterdale 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.

    Patterdale Terriers 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 Patterdale Terriers?

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

    Patterdale Terriers are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

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

    Patterdale Terriers can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Patterdale Terrier

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

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

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Patterdale Terriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    Patterdale Terriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Patterdale Terrier?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Patterdale Terriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

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

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

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

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pyrenean Shepherd     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Shiloh Shepherd     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chi-Poo     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Norwegian Lundehund     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Scottish Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Cairn Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Saluki     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chinese Crested     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Keeshond     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Irish Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Redbone Coonhound     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Beaglier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Cane Corso     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Scottish Deerhound     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Bedlington Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Siberian Husky     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Boston Terrier     

    Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Patterdale 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 Patterdale Terrier better suits you and your family.