German Pointer Vs. Brittany: What’s The Difference?

German Pointers and Brittanys are amazing sporting dogs, ideal for active owners and especially for practicing hunters. As bird dogs, German Pointers and Brittanys are undoubtedly high maintenance, but their differences beyond this introduce other home and ownership requirements.

German Pointers shed more than Brittanys. German Pointers are more intense and stubborn than a Brittany. Brittanys are better with strangers, children, other dogs, and cats than German Pointers. German Pointers and Brittanys are well-matched in energy, exercise requirements, and living requirements.

There are three different German Pointer types: German Longhaired Pointer, German Shorthaired Pointer, and German Wirehaired Pointer. They share some similarities but are different enough to be classified as separate breeds. This article will compare each of these German Pointers to the Brittany.

Please note that the below details are the breed standards and most commonly seen behaviors and characteristics. However, there are individual differences. Temperament particularly is influenced by other factors, such as personality, age, quality of breeding, socialization, training, history, and living environment.


German LONGHAIRED Pointer Vs. Brittany

Classification, Lifespan, And Appearance

 GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
AKC ClassificationFoundation Stock ServiceSporting Group
Alternative ClassificationBird Dog – PointerBird dog – Versatile
Lifespan12-14 years12-14 Years
Height22-28 inches17.5-20.5 inches
Weight55-80 lbs30-40 lbs
Coat LengthMedium to longMedium
Coat CharacteristicsSleek with undercoatNot wiry or silky
FeatheringModerate; on ears, back of all legs, and tailModerate; on legs
Hypoallergenic CoatNoNo
EarsHang down; medium to long; featheredHang down; short to medium; hair but not feathered

Summary:

German Longhaired Pointers are pointing bird dogs, bred to locate game and use their bodies to indicate this position to their human hunting companions without disturbing the game. They do retrieve as well, but more as a convenience to the hunter. The Brittany used to be classified as a Spaniel (flushing bird dog), but their versatility and ability to point and retrieve as well led the AKC to drop the ‘Spaniel’.

German Longhaired Pointers are taller and approximately double the weight of the Brittany. Brittanys do not have an undercoat like the German Longhaired Pointers and are less feathered.

Grooming Requirements

 GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
Maintenance IntensityModerateLow to moderate
BrushingWeekly2-3 times a week
BathingOccasionalAs needed
SheddingInfrequentSeasonal
EarsChecked daily; cleaned weekly; brushed 2-3 time a weekChecked daily; cleaned weekly; brushed 2-3 time a week

Summary:

German Longhaired Pointers are infrequent shedders, whereas Brittanys go through seasonal shedding, during which time their brushing requirements will be at their highest.

Temperament

 GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
General Temperament (AKC)Versatile; calm; family-orientedBright; fun-loving; upbeat
Affectionate (to family)Yes; often prefers one personYes
IndependenceLowLow to moderate
IntensityModerateModerate
SensitivityModerateHigh
StubbornUnlikelyUnlikely
Aggression LevelLowLow
TimidUnlikelyUnlikely
Energy LevelHighHigh
Attention RequirementsHighHigh
One-Person DogLikelyPossible
General FriendlinessHighHigh
Child FriendlinessHighHigh
Stranger FriendlinessFriendlyFriendly
Dog FriendlinessModerate to highHigh
Cat FriendlinessLowModerate (when raised with them)
ProtectivenessLow to moderateLow to moderate
Prey DriveHighHigh
Barking PotentialModerateModerate to high

Summary:

Brittanys are less likely to be one-person dogs than German Longhaired Pointers, although both breeds are still appropriate for multi-person homes. In fact, multi-person homes may be more ideal as there are more people to help meet these breeds’ high exercise requirements. German Longhaired Pointers are less sensitive than Brittanys and less prone to nuisance barking.

Brittanys are better with other dogs and cats than German Longhaired Pointers, but they do need to be raised with cats and their prey drive is still high.  

Exercise And Training Requirements

 GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
SocializationRequiredRequired
Intelligence LevelHighHigh
EnduranceHighHigh
Eager to PleaseHighHigh
Exercise NeedsHighHigh
Exercise Frequency2-3 times a day2-3 times a day
Exercise Duration30-60 minutes per session30-60 minutes per session
Exercise IntensityModerate to highHigh
Owner RequirementsActiveActive
Exercise CompanionGoodExcellent
Training MethodsPositive preferredPositive preferred
Mandatory TrainingObedienceObedience
Canine Sport TrainingEligibleEligible
Affinity for WaterHighHigh

Summary:

German Longhaired Pointers and Brittanys are very evenly matched when it comes to exercise and training requirements.

Adaptability And Living Environment

 GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
Good for First-Time OwnersPossiblyNo
Good for Single-Person HomesYesYes (if person can meet their exercise requirements)
Good for Multi-Person HomesYesYes
Alone TimeIntolerantTolerate short amounts of alone time
Indoor LivingShould be allowed indoors with family; not suitable for apartment livingShould be allowed indoors with family; not suitable for apartment living
Outdoor RequirementsShould have access to a secure yard; should be taken outside each dayShould have access to a secure yard; should be taken outside each day
Toleration of Cold WeatherModerateModerate to high
Toleration of Hot WeatherLow to moderateModerate

Summary:

German Longhaired Pointers would be more appropriate for a certain kind of novice owner than a Brittany. German Longhaired Pointers are less tolerant of alone time than Brittanys. However, you should not leave a Brittany alone for long periods as they can become distressed and destructive.


German SHORTHAIRED Pointer Vs. Brittany

Classification, Lifespan, And Appearance

 GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
AKC ClassificationSporting GroupSporting Group
Alternative ClassificationBird Dog – PointerBird dog – Versatile
Lifespan10-12 years12-14 Years
Height21-25 inches17.5-20.5 inches
Weight45-70 lbs30-40 lbs
Coat LengthVery shortMedium
Coat CharacteristicsThick and coarse on body; thinner and softer on head and earsNot wiry or silky
FeatheringNoneModerate; on legs
Hypoallergenic CoatNoNo
EarsHang down; medium to long; un-featheredHang down; short to medium; hair but not feathered

Summary:

German Shorthaired Pointers are pointing bird dogs. Brittanys are versatile and able to point, flush, and retrieve.

German Shorthaired Pointers are larger than the Brittany, and they have thicker, coarser, and shorter coats than Brittanys. Brittanys have more feathering than German Shorthaired Pointers.

Grooming Requirements

 GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
Maintenance IntensityModerateLow to moderate
BrushingOccasional2-3 times a week
BathingOccasionalAs needed
SheddingRegularSeasonal
EarsChecked and cleaned weeklyChecked daily; cleaned weekly; brushed 2-3 time a week

Summary:

German Shorthaired Pointers require less regular brushing but are more likely to shed than Brittanys. A Brittany’s ears require more attention than the German Shorthaired Pointer’s.

Temperament

 GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
General Temperament (AKC)Friendly; smart; willing to pleaseBright; fun-loving; upbeat
Affectionate (to family)Yes; often prefers one personYes
IndependenceModerateLow to moderate
IntensityModerate to highModerate
SensitivityModerate to highHigh
StubbornPossibleUnlikely
Aggression LevelLowLow
TimidNoUnlikely
Energy LevelHighHigh
Attention RequirementsHighHigh
One-Person DogLikelyPossible
General FriendlinessModerateHigh
Child FriendlinessModerate to high; better with older childrenHigh
Stranger FriendlinessReserved to friendlyFriendly
Dog FriendlinessLowHigh
Cat FriendlinessLowModerate (when raised with them)
ProtectivenessModerate to highLow to moderate
Prey DriveHighHigh
Barking PotentialModerateModerate to high

Summary:

Brittanys are less likely to be one-person dogs than German Shorthaired Pointers, although both breeds are still appropriate for multi-person homes. In fact, multi-person homes may be more ideal as there are more people to help meet these breeds’ high exercise requirements.

German Shorthaired Pointers are more intense but less sensitive than Brittanys.

German Shorthaired Pointers have a higher likelihood of being stubborn than Brittanys, but they are less prone to nuisance barking.  

Brittanys are generally more friendly than German Shorthaired Pointers and are better with strangers, children, other dogs, and cats (if raised with them).

Exercise And Training Requirements

 GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
SocializationRequiredRequired
Intelligence LevelHighHigh
EnduranceHighHigh
Eager to PleaseHighHigh
Exercise NeedsHighHigh
Exercise Frequency2-3 times a day2-3 times a day
Exercise Duration30-60 minutes per session30-60 minutes per session
Exercise IntensityModerate to highHigh
Owner RequirementsActiveActive
Exercise CompanionExcellentExcellent
Training MethodsPositive yields best results; shorter duration is betterPositive preferred
Mandatory TrainingObedienceObedience
Canine Sport TrainingEncouragedEligible
Affinity for WaterModerate to highHigh

Summary:

German Shorthaired Pointers and Brittanys are very evenly matched when it comes to exercise and training requirements, although the German Shorthaired Pointer requires more task-based exercise. The Brittany does well with tasks but can also be satisfied with park and yard play.

Adaptability And Living Environment

 GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
Good for First-Time OwnersNoNo
Good for Single-Person HomesYes (if person can meet their exercise requirements)Yes (if person can meet their exercise requirements)
Good for Multi-Person HomesYesYes
Alone TimeIntolerantTolerate short amounts of alone time
Indoor LivingShould be allowed indoors with family; not suitable for apartment livingShould be allowed indoors with family; not suitable for apartment living
Outdoor RequirementsShould have access to a secure yard; should be taken outside each dayShould have access to a secure yard; should be taken outside each day
Toleration of Cold WeatherLowModerate to high
Toleration of Hot WeatherModerate to highModerate

Summary:

With their short coats, German Shorthaired Pointers are less tolerant of the cold but more tolerant of heat than the Brittany. German Shorthaired Pointers are less tolerant of alone time than Brittanys. However, you should not leave a Brittany alone for long periods as they can become distressed and destructive.


German WIREHAIRED Pointer Vs. Brittany

Classification, Lifespan, And Appearance

 GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
AKC ClassificationSporting GroupSporting Group
Alternative ClassificationBird Dog – PointerBird dog – Versatile
Lifespan14-16 years12-14 Years
Height22-26 inches17.5-20.5 inches
Weight50-70 lbs30-40 lbs
Coat LengthShort (longer on belly)Medium
Coat CharacteristicsStraight, harsh, and wiry;  undercoat is dense in winter and thin in summerNot wiry or silky
FeatheringLittle to noneModerate; on legs
Hypoallergenic CoatNoNo
EarsHang down; short to medium; un-featheredHang down; short to medium; hair but not feathered

Summary:

German Wirehaired Pointers are pointing bird dogs. Brittanys are versatile and able to point, flush, and retrieve.

German Wirehaired Pointers are bigger than Brittanys and have wirier coats with an undercoat. Brittanys have no undercoat but have more feathering than German Wirehaired Pointers.

Grooming Requirements

 GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
Maintenance IntensityLowLow to moderate
BrushingWeekly2-3 times a week
BathingOccasionalAs needed
SheddingRegularSeasonal
EarsChecked and cleaned weeklyChecked daily; cleaned weekly; brushed 2-3 time a week

Summary:

German Wirehaired Pointers require less regular brushing but are more likely to shed than Brittanys. A Brittany’s ears require more attention than the German Wirehaired Pointer’s.

Temperament

 GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
General Temperament (AKC)Affectionate; eager; enthusiasticBright; fun-loving; upbeat
Affectionate (to family)Yes; often prefers one personYes
IndependenceModerateLow to moderate
IntensityModerate to highModerate
SensitivityModerate to highHigh
StubbornPossibleUnlikely
Aggression LevelModerate (dog aggression)Low
TimidNoUnlikely
Energy LevelHighHigh
Attention RequirementsHighHigh
One-Person DogLikelyPossible
General FriendlinessHighHigh
Child FriendlinessHigh (can be too boisterous)High
Stranger FriendlinessReservedModerate to high
Dog FriendlinessLowHigh
Cat FriendlinessLowModerate (when raised with them)
ProtectivenessHighLow to moderate
Prey DriveHighHigh
Barking PotentialModerateModerate to high

Summary:

German Wirehaired Pointers are more intense but less independent and sensitive than Brittanys.

German Wirehaired Pointers are more likely to be stubborn and aggressive (mostly limited to dog-dog aggression) than Brittanys, but they are less prone to nuisance barking.

Brittanys are less likely to be one-person dogs than German Wirehaired Pointers, although both breeds are still appropriate for multi-person homes. In fact, multi-person homes may be more ideal as there are more people to help meet these breeds’ high exercise requirements.

Brittanys are friendlier overall and more appropriate for children and multi-pet homes than German Wirehaired Pointers, but you cannot say that German Wirehaired Pointers are unfriendly.

Exercise And Training Requirements

 GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
SocializationRequiredRequired
Intelligence LevelHighHigh
EnduranceHighHigh
Eager to PleaseHighHigh
Exercise NeedsHighHigh
Exercise Frequency2-3 times a day2-3 times a day
Exercise Duration30-60 minutes per session30-60 minutes per session
Exercise IntensityHighHigh
Owner RequirementsActiveActive
Exercise CompanionExcellentExcellent
Training MethodsPositive preferredPositive preferred
Mandatory TrainingObedienceObedience
Canine Sport TrainingEncouragedEligible
Affinity for WaterHighHigh

Summary:

German Wirehaired Pointers and Brittanys are very evenly matched when it comes to exercise and training requirements, although the German Wirehaired Pointer requires more task-based exercise. The Brittany does well with tasks but can also be satisfied with park and yard play.

Adaptability And Living Environment

 GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTERBRITTANY
Good for First-Time OwnersNoNo
Good for Single-Person HomesYesYes (if person can meet their exercise requirements)
Good for Multi-Person HomesYesYes
Alone TimeIntolerant of extended periods of isolationTolerate short amounts of alone time
Indoor LivingShould be allowed indoors with family; not suitable for apartment livingShould be allowed indoors with family; not suitable for apartment living
Outdoor RequirementsShould have access to a secure yard; should be taken outside each dayShould have access to a secure yard; should be taken outside each day
Toleration of Cold WeatherModerate to highModerate to high
Toleration of Hot WeatherModerate to highModerate

Summary:

German Wirehaired Pointers and Brittanys are well-matched in terms of required living conditions and adaptability.

Conclusion

There are three different breeds of German Pointer. Brittanys are more friendly with strangers, children, other dogs, and cats than any of the German Pointer breeds.

German Pointers are more stubborn and intense than Brittanys. German Pointers can also be more aggressive than the Brittany, although they are not aggressive dogs overall.   

German Pointers and Brittanys are well-matched in terms of their energy levels, how much exercise they require, their required living environment, and their adaptability.

All of these breeds are not appropriate for novice owners. They require dedicated and extremely active owners who can and will invest lots of time and effort into training and exercising their dogs.


References

https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/german-longhaired-pointer#/slide/1

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-longhaired-pointer/

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer/

https://www.orvis.com/german-shorthaired-pointer

https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/german-shorthaired-pointer#/slide/1

https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/german-wirehaired-pointer#/slide/1

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/german-wirehaired-pointer/

https://www.orvis.com/german-wirehaired-pointer

https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/brittany#/slide/1

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/brittany/

https://www.orvis.com/brittany

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