Bearded Collie vs German Longhaired Pointer
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Bearded Collie
Herding Group
German Longhaired Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Bearded Collie Overview
Bearded Collies captivate with their shaggy, flowing coats and bright, inquisitive expressions. Their medium-sized, lean bodies carry them with agile grace, while their distinctive beard and long eyebrows frame expressive eyes. Known for their bouncy, charismatic personalities, these herding dogs combine intelligence with a playful spirit, making them both capable workers and affectionate companions.
German Longhaired Pointer Overview
German Longhaired Pointers embody versatility with their athletic build and distinctive medium-length coat. Their balanced proportions combine strength with elegance, featuring a noble head, expressive eyes, and well-feathered tail. These dogs display a harmonious blend of power and grace in their movement, with their coat typically showing liver-colored patches on a white background.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Bearded Collies are less energetic than German Longhaired Pointers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Bearded Collies require more grooming attention compared to German Longhaired Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Bearded Collies tend to be more reserved with strangers than German Longhaired Pointers.
- Trainability: Bearded Collies may be slightly easier to train due to their Bearded Collie's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: German Longhaired Pointers adapt better to apartment living, while Bearded Collies typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Bearded Collie and German Longhaired Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Bearded Collie | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Bearded Collie | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 20-22 inches 51-56 cm | 22-28 inches 56-71 cm |
| Weight | 45-55 lbs 20-25 kg | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Bearded Collie | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Smart, Bouncy, Charismatic | Versatile, Calm, Family-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Bearded Collie | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Bearded Collie Temperament
The Bearded Collie is known for being smart, bouncy, charismatic, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
German Longhaired Pointer Temperament
The German Longhaired Pointer is characterized by being versatile, calm, family-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Bearded Collie and German Longhaired Pointer, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Bearded Collie
Rating: 3/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Bearded Collie
Rating: 2/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Bearded Collie
Rating: 5/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Bearded Collie Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Bearded Collies require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Bearded Collies require frequent grooming. This includes brushing several times per week to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is recommended.
German Longhaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Longhaired Pointers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Longhaired Pointers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Bearded Collie Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Allergies
German Longhaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Von Willebrand's
Pros & Cons
Bearded Collie
Pros
- Intelligent and trainable
- Excellent family companion
- Good with children
- Weather-resistant coat
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Requires extensive exercise
- Can be stubborn
- Frequent barking
German Longhaired Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Highly trainable
- Good family dog
- Versatile worker
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Not suited for apartment living
- Strong hunting instincts
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Bearded Collie and German Longhaired Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.