German Longhaired Pointer vs Cairn Terrier
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
German Longhaired Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
Cairn Terrier
Terrier Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
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.
Cairn Terrier Overview
Cairn Terriers are compact, well-muscled dogs with a shaggy, weather-resistant double coat. Their distinctive features include a broad head, pointed ears, and alert, dark-colored eyes that reflect their intelligent nature. Standing 10 inches at the shoulder, these sturdy terriers possess a bold, confident stance and move with agile determination.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: German Longhaired Pointers are more energetic than Cairn Terriers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Longhaired Pointers require less grooming attention compared to Cairn Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Longhaired Pointers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Cairn Terriers.
- Trainability: Cairn Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Cairn Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Cairn Terriers adapt better to apartment living, while German Longhaired Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and Cairn Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 13-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-28 inches 56-71 cm | 10-10 inches 24-25 cm |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg | 13-14 lbs 6-6 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Versatile, Calm, Family-Oriented | Alert, Cheerful, Busy |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Cairn Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
German Longhaired Pointer Temperament
The German Longhaired Pointer is known for being versatile, calm, family-oriented, 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. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Cairn Terrier Temperament
The Cairn Terrier is characterized by being alert, cheerful, busy, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the German Longhaired Pointer and Cairn Terrier, 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
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 2/5
Cairn Terrier
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
German Longhaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Longhaired Pointers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Longhaired Pointers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Cairn Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Cairn Terriers need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Cairn Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
German Longhaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Von Willebrand's
Cairn Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Craniomandibular Osteopathy
- Globoid Cell Leukodystrophy
- Ocular Melanosis
- Portosystemic Shunt
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Pros & Cons
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
Cairn Terrier
Pros
- Excellent vermin hunter
- Adaptable to various homes
- Affectionate with family
- Low maintenance grooming
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- May chase small animals
- Tends to bark
- Can be independent
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the German Longhaired Pointer and Cairn Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.