German Shorthaired Pointer vs German Spitz
Breed Compatibility
86% Compatible
Energy Level
German Shorthaired Pointer: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
German Spitz: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
German Shorthaired Pointer: Eager to Please1.0
German Spitz: Eager to Please1.0
Very Compatible
Grooming Needs
German Shorthaired Pointer: Weekly Brushing0.4
German Spitz: 2-3 Times a Week Brushing0.6
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Moderate
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
German Shorthaired Pointer5/5
German Spitz3/5
Good with Other Dogs
German Shorthaired Pointer4/5
German Spitz4/5
Good with Strangers
German Shorthaired Pointer4/5
German Spitz4/5
Living Requirements
Health & Care Comparison
German Shorthaired Pointer
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation risk
Von Willebrand's Disease: Blood clotting
Entropion: Eyelid rolls inward issue
Bloat: Gastric torsion condition
Epilepsy: Neurological disorder risk
Lymphedema: Tissue swelling concern
German Spitz
Patellar Luxation: Kneecap displacement
Eye Problems: Progressive retinal atrophy
Dental Issues: Tooth decay and loss
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Heart Murmurs: Cardiac abnormalities
Tracheal Collapse: Airway weakness
Pros & Cons Comparison
German Shorthaired Pointer
Pros
Excellent hunting companion
Highly trainable
Versatile athlete
Great family dog
Cons
High exercise needs
Strong prey drive
Requires consistent training
May be too energetic for some
German Spitz
Pros
Highly adaptable
Excellent watchdog
Affectionate with family
Low maintenance cost
Cons
Can be vocal
Suspicious of strangers
Regular grooming needed
Strong prey drive
German Shorthaired Pointer Fun Fact
Can maintain speeds of up to 35 mph while running and are excellent swimmers due to their webbed feet.
German Spitz Fun Fact
Despite their small size, German Spitz were historically used as effective watchdogs on farms throughout Germany.
Heritage & Purpose
German Shorthaired Pointer
Origin:
Developed in Germany during the 1800s as a versatile hunting companion, excelling in both pointing and retrieving game birds across varied terrain types.
German Spitz
Origin:
Developed in Germany during the 18th century as versatile farm dogs and watchdogs. These alert companions served as effective alarm systems while providing companionship to rural families.
Special Considerations
German Shorthaired Pointer
Needs extensive daily exercise, regular grooming despite short coat, and monitoring for breed-specific health issues like hip dysplasia.
German Spitz
Regular brushing needed to maintain coat condition. Moderate exercise requirements must be met daily. Early socialization important for balanced temperament.