German Longhaired Pointer vs English Setter
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
English Setter
Sporting 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.
English Setter Overview
English Setters showcase an elegant and athletic build with distinctive speckled coat patterns known as 'belton.' Their graceful movement and medium-sized, well-proportioned frame exemplify sporting dog refinement. Distinguished by their gentle expression, long neck, and deep chest, these dogs combine beauty with functionality. Their silky, flat coat features unique feathering on legs, chest, and tail.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: German Longhaired Pointers are less energetic than English Setters, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Longhaired Pointers require less grooming attention compared to English Setters.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Longhaired Pointers tend to be more reserved with strangers than English Setters.
- Trainability: English Setters may be slightly easier to train due to their English Setter's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: English Setters 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 English Setter, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-12 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Sporting Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-28 inches 56-71 cm | 23-27 inches 58-69 cm |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg | 45-80 lbs 20-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Regularly |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Versatile, Calm, Family-Oriented | Friendly, Mellow, Merry |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | English Setter |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
English Setter Temperament
The English Setter is characterized by being friendly, mellow, merry, 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 German Longhaired Pointer and English Setter, 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
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
English Setter
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 2/5
English Setter
Rating: 4/5
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.
English Setter Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
English Setters 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, English Setters require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
German Longhaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Von Willebrand's
English Setter Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Deafness
- Hypothyroidism
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
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
English Setter
Pros
- Gentle and friendly temperament
- Excellent with children
- Athletic and versatile
- Good hunting companion
Cons
- Regular grooming required
- High exercise needs
- Can be stubborn
- Moderate shedding
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the German Longhaired Pointer and English Setter, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.