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German Longhaired Pointer
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Read more on German Longhaired Pointers.
German Shorthaired Pointer
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Read more on German Shorthaired Pointers.
German Wirehaired Pointer
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Read more on German Wirehaired Pointers.
German Longhaired Pointer vs. German Shorthaired Pointer vs. German Wirehaired Pointer
Classification, Lifespan, And Appearance
| GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER | |
| AKC Classification | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group | Sporting Group |
| Alternative Classification | Bird Dog – Pointer | Bird Dog – Pointer | Bird Dog – Pointer |
| Lifespan | 12-14 years | 10-12 years | 14-16 years |
| Height | 22-28 inches | 21-25 inches | 22-26 inches |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs | 45-70 lbs | 50-70 lbs |
| Coat Length | Medium to long | Very short | Short (longer on belly) |
| Coat Characteristics | Sleek with undercoat | Thick and coarse on body; thinner and softer on head and ears | Straight, harsh, and wiry; undercoat is dense in winter and thin in summer |
| Feathering | Moderate; on ears, back of all legs, and tail | None | Little to none |
| Hypoallergenic Coat | No | No | No |
| Ears | Hang down; medium to long; feathered | Hang down; medium to long; un-feathered | Hang down; short to medium; un-feathered |
Grooming Requirements
| GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER | |
| Maintenance Intensity | Moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Brushing | Weekly | Occasional | Weekly |
| Bathing | Occasional | Occasional | Occasional |
| Shedding | Infrequent | Regular | Regular |
| Ears | Checked daily; cleaned weekly; brushed 2-3 time a week | Checked and cleaned weekly | Checked and cleaned weekly |
Temperament
| GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER | |
| General Temperament (AKC) | Versatile; calm; family-oriented | Friendly; smart; willing to please | Affectionate; eager; enthusiastic |
| Affectionate (to family) | Yes; often prefers one person | Yes; often prefers one person | Yes; often prefers one person |
| Independence | Low | Moderate | Moderate |
| Intensity | Moderate | Moderate to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Sensitivity | Moderate | Moderate to moderate | Moderate to high |
| Stubborn | Unlikely | Possible | Possible |
| Aggression Level | Low | Low | Moderate (dog aggression) |
| Timid | Unlikely | No | No |
| Energy Level | High | High | High |
| Attention Requirements | High | High | High |
| One-Person Dog | Likely | Likely | Likely |
| General Friendliness | High | Moderate | High |
| Child Friendliness | High | Moderate to high; better with older children | High (can be too boisterous) |
| Stranger Friendliness | Friendly | Reserved to friendly | Reserved |
| Dog Friendliness | Moderate to high | Low | Low |
| Cat Friendliness | Low | Low | Low |
| Protectiveness | Low to moderate | Moderate to high | High |
| Prey Drive | High | High | High |
| Barking Potential | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
Exercise And Training Requirements
| GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER | |
| Socialization | Required | Required | Required |
| Intelligence Level | High | High | High |
| Endurance | High | High | High |
| Eager to Please | High | High | High |
| Exercise Needs | High | High | High |
| Exercise Frequency | 2-3 times a day | 2-3 times a day | 2-3 times a day |
| Exercise Duration | 30-60 minutes per session | 30-60 minutes per session | 30-60 minutes per session |
| Exercise Intensity | Moderate to high | Moderate to high | High |
| Owner Requirements | Active | Active | Active |
| Exercise Companion | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Training Methods | Positive preferred | Positive yields best results; shorter duration is better | Positive preferred |
| Mandatory Training | Obedience | Obedience | Obedience |
| Canine Sport Training | Eligible | Encouraged | Encouraged |
| Affinity for Water | High | Moderate to high | High |
Adaptability And Living Environment
| GERMAN LONGHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER | GERMAN WIREHAIRED POINTER | |
| Good for First-Time Owners | Possibly | No | No |
| Good for Single-Person Homes | Yes | Yes (if person can meet their exercise requirements) | Yes |
| Good for Multi-Person Homes | Yes | Very | Yes |
| Alone Time | Intolerant | Intolerant | Intolerant of extended periods of isolation |
| Indoor Living | Should be allowed indoors with family; not suitable for apartment living | Should be allowed indoors with family; not suitable for apartment living | Should be allowed indoors with family; not suitable for apartment living |
| Outdoor Requirements | Should have access to a secure yard; should be taken outside each day | Should have access to a secure yard; should be taken outside each day | Should have access to a secure yard; should be taken outside each day |
| Toleration of Cold Weather | Moderate | Low | Moderate to high |
| Toleration of Hot Weather | Low to moderate | Moderate to high | Moderate to high |
Can a German Shorthaired Pointer track deer?
A German Shorthaired Pointer can track deer. Although they are often used as bird dogs, GSPs are versatile gundogs. The breed was created to locate furred and feathered quarry of all sizes. They are reliable, hardy, tireless, and intelligent. GSPs excel at pointing, retrieving, and tracking.
Read our full article on “Can a German Shorthaired Pointer track deer?“
Do German shorthair pointers retrieve?
German Shorthaired Pointers are dogs capable of performing various roles in hunting. They can hunt, and point as well as retrieve. Retrieving can be done on both land and water. They are regarded as all-purpose hunting dogs used to hunt birds, raccoons, possums, and deer.
Read our full article on “Do German shorthair pointers retrieve?“
Can a German Pointer be happy in an apartment?
German Pointers are very high-energy dogs who are not ideally suited for apartment living. However, some factors can increase their chances of happily living in an apartment:
- Owners staying at home
- Going with when their owner goes out
- Diligent exercise
- Active owners
- Mental stimulation
Read our full article on “Can a German Pointer be happy in an apartment?“
Do German shorthaired pointers need coats?
German Shorthair Pointers do not need coats. They are a hardy breed of working dog and are known to be continuously active. Their short, single-haired coat is water repellant and helps keep the dog’s body temperature even when working in the field.
Read our full article on “Do German shorthaired pointers need coats?“
How does a German Pointer do in water?
The German Shorthair Pointer does well in water with his webbed feet and short water-resistant coat. His athletic and muscular build makes him a strong swimmer and his mixed gundog abilities allow him to quite happily retrieve a waterfowl in shallow or deeper water.
Read our full article on “How does a German Pointer do in water?“
German Shorthaired Pointer won’t eat?
If your German Shorthaired Pointer won’t eat, you need to figure out the underlying reason so you can find the best solution. These solutions may include retraining, a visit to the vet, additions to their diet, appetite stimulants, reducing treats, or increasing interactive eating.
Read our full article on “German Shorthaired Pointer won’t eat?“
How long can a German Pointer be left alone?
| Age | Acceptable time without toilet | Tolerable alone time | Crate time (once trained) |
| 8-10 weeks | 1 hour | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| 10-12 weeks | 2 hours | 2 hours | 1 hour |
| 3 months | 3 hours | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| 4 months | 4 hours | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| 5 months | 5 hours | 3 hours | 3 hours |
| 6 months + | 6 hours | 4 hours | 4 hours |
Read our full article on “How long can a German Pointer be left alone?“
How to pick a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy?
Picking a German shorthaired puppy starts with choosing the correct breeder who is breeding with dogs talented in any discipline in which you wish to compete. Health issues of the parents are vital to consider. The puppy’s temperament should be suited to you, your family, and your level of experience.
Read our full article on “How to pick a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy?”
How to exercise a German Pointer?
Puppies and senior German Pointers need less exercise than adults. Condition your German Pointer; don’t just start at maximum intensity. Take safety precautions before, during, and after exercise (high-visibility vests, water, drying off, etc.). Pick a form of exercise that you will also be motivated for.
Read our full article on “How to exercise a German Pointer?“
Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs. German Pointer: What’s the difference?
Chesapeake Bay Retrievers are adapted to cold climes. German Pointers are pointing bird dogs and less adapted to cold. Chesapeakes are more stubborn, independent, and aggressive than German Pointers. German Pointers require more exercise than Chesapeakes. German Longhaired Pointers differ most from Chesapeakes.
Read our full article on “Chesapeake Bay Retriever vs. German Pointer: What’s the difference?“
German pointer vs Brittany: What’s the difference?
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.
Read our full article on “German pointer vs Brittany: What’s the difference?“
German pointer vs English Setter: What’s the difference?
English Setters have longer, more feathered coats than German Pointers. Setters are friendlier overall than Pointers but less protective. They are more prone to barking than Pointers. Setters require less exercise than Pointers. Setters are better in families, while Pointers are one-person dogs.
Read our full article on “German pointer vs English Setter: What’s the difference?“
