DogMatchUp

German Wirehaired Pointer vs Hanoverian Scenthound

Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.

German Wirehaired Pointer
Medium

German Wirehaired Pointer

Sporting Group

Hanoverian Scenthound
Medium

Hanoverian Scenthound

Foundation Stock Service

Quick Comparison

Size

German Wirehaired Pointer Medium
Hanoverian Scenthound Medium

Lifespan

German Wirehaired Pointer 14-16 years
Hanoverian Scenthound 10-14 years

Exercise Needs

German Wirehaired Pointer 5/5
Hanoverian Scenthound 3/5

Grooming Needs

German Wirehaired Pointer 3/5
Hanoverian Scenthound 2/5

Breed Overview

German Wirehaired Pointer Overview

German Wirehaired Pointers feature a distinctive weather-resistant double coat with a wiry outer layer and dense undercoat. Their athletic build combines strength with agility, sporting a noble head, strong muzzle, and intelligent expression. Standing proudly with a muscular frame, these versatile hunters display remarkable stamina and enthusiasm in the field while maintaining an affectionate, eager-to-please demeanor at home.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 14-16 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Affectionate, Eager, Enthusiastic

Hanoverian Scenthound Overview

Hanoverian Scenthounds possess a robust, muscular build with a distinctive red-fawn coat and black mask. Their strong limbs and deep chest reflect their hunting heritage, while their balanced proportions create an elegant yet powerful appearance. These dogs exhibit remarkable stamina and tracking abilities, complemented by their keen sense of smell and intelligent expression.

Origin: Unknown
Life Expectancy: 10-14 years
Size: Medium
Temperament: Loyal, Independent, Calm

Key Differences

  • Energy Level: German Wirehaired Pointers are more energetic than Hanoverian Scenthounds, requiring more daily exercise.
  • Grooming: German Wirehaired Pointers require more grooming attention compared to Hanoverian Scenthounds.
  • Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, German Wirehaired Pointers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than Hanoverian Scenthounds.
  • Trainability: Hanoverian Scenthounds may be slightly easier to train due to their Hanoverian Scenthound's higher intelligence ranking.
  • Living Situation: Hanoverian Scenthounds adapt better to apartment living, while German Wirehaired Pointers typically prefer homes with more space.

Detailed Comparison

Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer and Hanoverian Scenthound, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.

Basic Information

Feature German Wirehaired Pointer Hanoverian Scenthound
Size Medium Medium
Life Expectancy 14-16 years 10-14 years
Country of Origin Unknown Unknown
Breed Group Sporting Group Foundation Stock Service

Physical Characteristics

Feature German Wirehaired Pointer Hanoverian Scenthound
Height
22-26 inches
56-66 cm
19-21 inches
48-53 cm
Weight
50-70 lbs
23-32 kg
79-99 lbs
36-45 kg
Coat Type Short, dense coat Short, dense coat
Coat Length Short Short
Shedding Regularly Infrequent

Temperament & Behavior

Feature German Wirehaired Pointer Hanoverian Scenthound
Temperament Affectionate, Eager, Enthusiastic Loyal, Independent, Calm
Energy Level
5/5
3/5
Intelligence
1/5
2/5

Compatibility

Feature German Wirehaired Pointer Hanoverian Scenthound
Good with Children
3/5
3/5
Good with Other Dogs
3/5
5/5
Apartment Friendly
2/5
2/5

Temperament & Personality

German Wirehaired Pointer Temperament

Affectionate Eager Enthusiastic

The German Wirehaired Pointer is known for being affectionate, eager, enthusiastic, making them better suited for homes without young children. 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.

Hanoverian Scenthound Temperament

Loyal Independent Calm

The Hanoverian Scenthound is characterized by being loyal, independent, calm, 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 Wirehaired Pointer and Hanoverian Scenthound, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:

Sociability with Strangers

German Wirehaired Pointer
4/5
Hanoverian Scenthound
3/5

Good with Children

German Wirehaired Pointer
3/5
Hanoverian Scenthound
3/5

Side-by-Side Trait Ratings

GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN

German Wirehaired Pointer

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

Hanoverian Scenthound

Not Recommended Good With Children

Rating: 3/5

GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS

German Wirehaired Pointer

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 3/5

Hanoverian Scenthound

Not Recommended Good With Other Dogs

Rating: 5/5

ENERGY LEVEL

German Wirehaired Pointer

Low High

Rating: 5/5

Hanoverian Scenthound

Low High

Rating: 3/5

TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE

German Wirehaired Pointer

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 1/5

Hanoverian Scenthound

Challenging Easy to Train

Rating: 2/5

GROOMING NEEDS

German Wirehaired Pointer

Low High

Rating: 3/5

Hanoverian Scenthound

Low High

Rating: 2/5

Care & Maintenance

German Wirehaired Pointer Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

5/5

German Wirehaired 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

3/5

With their short, dense coat coat, German Wirehaired Pointers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.

Hanoverian Scenthound Care Requirements

Exercise Needs

3/5

Hanoverian Scenthounds 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

2/5

With their short, dense coat coat, Hanoverian Scenthounds require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.

Health & Lifespan

German Wirehaired Pointer Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 14-16 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Problems
  • Von Willebrand's
  • Thyroid Issues
  • Entropion

Hanoverian Scenthound Health Profile

Average Lifespan: 10-14 years

Common Health Issues:

  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye Problems
  • Ear Infections
  • Heart Issues

Pros & Cons

German Wirehaired Pointer

Pros

  • Excellent hunting companion
  • Versatile working ability
  • Strong tracking skills
  • Loyal family dog

Cons

  • High exercise needs
  • Regular grooming required
  • Can be stubborn
  • Strong prey drive

Hanoverian Scenthound

Pros

  • Excellent tracking abilities
  • Loyal companion
  • Good with other dogs
  • Low grooming needs

Cons

  • Independent nature
  • High exercise needs
  • Not suited for city living
  • Strong prey drive

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Now that you've compared the German Wirehaired Pointer and Hanoverian Scenthound, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.