German Longhaired Pointer vs Giant Schnauzer
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
Giant Schnauzer
Working 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.
Giant Schnauzer Overview
Giant Schnauzers are powerful, muscular dogs with distinctive bearded faces and a robust, square-built frame. Their dense, harsh double coat comes in solid black or pepper-and-salt. Standing proudly with an aristocratic bearing, these dogs showcase a blend of strength and agility in their movement. Their alert expression and confident stance reflect their heritage as capable working dogs.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: German Longhaired Pointers are less energetic than Giant Schnauzers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: German Longhaired Pointers require less grooming attention compared to Giant Schnauzers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Longhaired Pointers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Giant Schnauzers.
- Trainability: Giant Schnauzers may be slightly easier to train due to their Giant Schnauzer's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Giant Schnauzers 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 Giant Schnauzer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Foundation Stock Service | Working Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-28 inches 56-71 cm | 24-27 inches 60-70 cm |
| Weight | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg | 55-85 lbs 25-39 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Unknown | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Versatile, Calm, Family-Oriented | Loyal, Alert, Trainable |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | German Longhaired Pointer | Giant Schnauzer |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Giant Schnauzer Temperament
The Giant Schnauzer is characterized by being loyal, alert, trainable, 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 high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the German Longhaired Pointer and Giant Schnauzer, 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
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 2/5
Giant Schnauzer
Rating: 5/5
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.
Giant Schnauzer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Giant Schnauzers 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, Giant Schnauzers 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
Giant Schnauzer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Thyroid Issues
- Cancer
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
Giant Schnauzer
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent guard dog
- Loyal to family
- Good with children
- Trainable
- Athletic
Cons
- High grooming needs
- Strong-willed
- Needs lots of exercise
- Can be stubborn
- May be aggressive with other dogs
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the German Longhaired Pointer and Giant Schnauzer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.