German Shorthaired Pointer vs Saint Bernard
Breed Compatibility
91% Compatible
Energy Level
German Shorthaired Pointer: Needs Lots of Activity1.0
Saint Bernard: Regular Exercise0.6
Moderately Compatible
Trainability
German Shorthaired Pointer: Eager to Please1.0
Saint Bernard: Agreeable0.6
Moderately Compatible
Grooming Needs
German Shorthaired Pointer: Weekly Brushing0.4
Saint Bernard: Weekly Brushing0.4
Very Compatible
Cost Category
Premium
Luxury
Very Compatible
Compatibility with Others
Good with Children
German Shorthaired Pointer5/5
Saint Bernard5/5
Good with Other Dogs
German Shorthaired Pointer4/5
Saint Bernard3/5
Good with Strangers
German Shorthaired Pointer4/5
Saint Bernard3/5
Living Requirements
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
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
Saint Bernard
Hip Dysplasia: Joint malformation
Bloat: Stomach twisting condition
Heart Issues: Cardiac concerns
Eye Problems: Various disorders
Elbow Dysplasia: Joint problems
Bone Cancer: Higher risk breed
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
Saint Bernard
Pros
Gentle and patient with children
Loyal and protective
Good-natured temperament
Excellent cold weather tolerance
Cons
Heavy drooling
Expensive to feed and maintain
Short lifespan
Not suited for hot climates
German Shorthaired Pointer Fun Fact
Can maintain speeds of up to 35 mph while running and are excellent swimmers due to their webbed feet.
Saint Bernard Fun Fact
The iconic barrel around their neck was never actually used in rescues - it's a popular myth from paintings!
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.
Saint Bernard
Origin:
Mountain rescue dogs in the Swiss Alps during the 17th-19th centuries, saving countless lives at the Saint Bernard Pass hospice. Renowned for locating and reviving stranded travelers.
Special Considerations
German Shorthaired Pointer
Needs extensive daily exercise, regular grooming despite short coat, and monitoring for breed-specific health issues like hip dysplasia.
Saint Bernard
Heavy shedding requires regular grooming. Drooling management needed. Exercise moderation in warm weather essential. Joint health supplements often recommended.