The key difference between English and German Pointer is that English pointer is larger in size and exhibits a broader range of colors compared to the German Shorthaired Pointer.
English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers are famous breeds with exceptional hunting abilities and friendly temperaments. Both medium to large in size, these pointers have distinctive traits that make them popular choices for active individuals and families.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. English Pointer
3. German Pointer
4. Similarities – English and German Pointer
5. English vs. German Pointer in Tabular Form
6. FAQ – English and German Pointer
7. Summary – English vs. German Pointer
English Pointer
The English Pointer, originating in 17th-century England, is a valued sporting companion. Initially bred for hunting and retrieving game birds in open areas, it played a vital role in aiding hunters. This medium-sized breed has a height ranging from 23 to 28 inches and weighs between 40 to 75 pounds. Its short coat comes in colors like black, brown/chocolate/liver, and white, often with bicolor and flecked/ticked/speckled patterns.
Known for their friendly and playful nature, English Pointers are highly intelligent, making them easy to train. Their strong loyalty makes them suitable family pets, compatible with children and other animals. With infrequent shedding and low drool, grooming is relatively straightforward. However, they have high exercise needs, making them ideal for active families and serving as excellent hiking companions.
Apart from their hunting skills, English Pointers are recognized for their high prey drive and a tendency to chew. They are generally not vocal, contributing to a calm living environment. In essence, the English Pointer offers a practical blend of utility and companionship suited for families with an active lifestyle.
German Pointer
Developed in Germany during the mid-1800s, the German Shorthaired Pointer was the result of crossbreeding various hunting dogs, including pointers, hounds, and retrieving breeds. The goal was to create a multipurpose hunting dog that excelled in both pointing and retrieving game.
This medium to large-sized breed typically stands between 21 to 25 inches in height and weighs between 45 to 70 pounds. The distinctive short coat is dense and water-resistant, providing protection in various weather conditions. Common coat colors include liver, black, and liver and white combinations.
German Shorthaired Pointers are known for their friendly and affectionate nature. They are highly intelligent, quick learners, and adaptable, which makes them excellent companions for various activities. Their strong work ethic and versatility extend beyond hunting, as they often participate in canine sports and excel in obedience training.
Grooming the German Shorthaired Pointer is relatively straightforward. Their short coat requires minimal maintenance, with occasional brushing to remove loose hair. Due to their natural inclination to stay clean, they don’t require frequent baths.
Overall, German Shorthaired Pointers are a robust and healthy breed with a lifespan ranging from 10 to 14 years. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and sufficient exercise contribute to their overall well-being.
What are the Similarities Between English and German Pointer?
- Both breeds have a strong hunting heritage, originally developed for pointing and retrieving game.
- They display friendly and affectionate temperaments, making them suitable as family companions.
- Both possess short coats that are relatively low maintenance.
- Both breeds are highly intelligent, making them quick learners and adaptable to training.
- They get along well with children and other pets.
- Pointers may suffer from health conditions like hip dysplasia, gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, entropion, Wobbler syndrome, and cataracts.
What is the Difference Between English and German Pointer?
The key difference between English and German Pointer is that the English pointer is larger in size and exhibits a broader range of colors compared to the German Shorthaired Pointer. In addition, the muzzle of the English Pointer is slightly longer compared to the muzzle of the German Shorthaired Pointer.
When comparing their behavior, the English Pointer is more easily distracted during training sessions than the German Shorthaired Pointer. Moreover, the German Shorthaired Pointer tends to struggle more with separation from their family compared to the English Pointer.
Below is a summary of the difference between English and German Pointer in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
FAQ: English and German Pointer
How can you tell if your dog is an English Pointer?
To identify if your dog is an English Pointer, look for medium to large size, a slightly longer muzzle, a short coat with various color patterns (black, brown/chocolate/liver, and white, often with bicolor and flecked/ticked/speckled patterns), and distinctive friendly and playful behavior.
What are German Pointers used for?
German Shorthaired Pointers are utilized for hunting purposes. They excel in pointing and retrieving game, making them versatile hunting companions for various types of terrain and game birds. Additionally, they’re valued for their abilities in tracking, pointing, and retrieving both on land and in water.
Are German pointers friendly?
Yes, German Shorthaired Pointers are known for their friendly and affectionate temperaments. They often form strong bonds with their families, making them excellent companions.
Summary – English vs. German Pointer
English Pointers and German Shorthaired Pointers are two related dog breeds with exceptional hunting abilities and friendly temperaments. The key difference between English and German Pointer is that the English pointer is larger in size and exhibits a broader range of colors compared to the German Shorthaired Pointer.
Reference:
1. “English Pointer.” Daily Paws.
2. “German Shorthaired Pointer.” Daily Paws.
Image Courtesy:
1. “English Pointer 001” By Anne Hornyak – originally posted to Flickr as Daisy (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Duitse staande korthaar 10-10-2” By Bonnie van den Born – Transferred from nl.wikipedia to Commons. (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia