Last Updated on September 1, 2021 by Fumipets

The German Shorthaired Pointer and the English Pointer are both excellent hunters and wonderful family companions.

However, whether you’re searching for a hunting partner, a family pet, or both, there are significant distinctions between these breeds.

What makes a German Shorthaired Pointer different from an English Pointer? 

In almost every aspect, German Shorthaired Pointers are more intense than English Pointers. GSPs are more active, need more training, and shed more than other breeds. The GSP is a more hardworking dog in general, while the English Pointer may be a better family companion.

If you’re trying to figure out which of these breeds is best for you and your family, it’s critical that you grasp the main distinctions between them so you don’t end up with a dog you can’t manage.

Key Differences Between German Shorthaired Pointers And English Pointers

Trait	German Shorthaired Pointer	English Pointer
Size	Male: 23 – 25 inchesFemale: 21 – 23 inches	Male: 25 – 28 inchesFemale 23 – 26 inches
Weight	Male: 55 – 70 poundsFemale: 45 – 60 pounds	Male: 55 – 75 poundsFemale: 45 – 65 pounds
Life expectancy	10 – 12 years	12 – 17 years
Acceptable colors	black, black and white, black roan, liver, liver and white, liver roan, white and liver	black, black and white, lemon, lemon and white, liver, liver and white, orange, orange and white
Acceptable markings	patched, patched and ticked, ticked	black points, liver point, self-colored points, ticked
Shedding	Lots of shedding year round, especially during seasonal shedding	Moderate shedding year round. May have slight increase seasonally, but won’t be dramatic
Exercise	Extremely high exercise needs, requiring structured activity most days	Needs exercise everyday but can be entertained in a fenced yard or with a jog
Training	Training is mandatory but not difficult with this eager-to-please breed	Needs some basic training but may resist extensive training that doesn’t involve human interaction

Subtle Differences Between Pointers

The German Shorthaired Pointer and the English Pointer are both strong, motivated hunting dogs that have been around for a long time.

Both types are excellent companion dogs. So, how do these two breeds vary from one another?

History

Although both of these dogs were bred to point, they come from quite diverse backgrounds and are very distinct dogs in many respects.

German hunters have bred the German Shorthaired Pointer for centuries in search of the ideal multipurpose bird dog.

Many would say that they were successful since the GSP is still a top hunter.

From the sensitive nose to the athletic and flexible body shape, this dog was bred to perfection. They also have webbed feet that help them recover ducks.

Since far before guns were created, English Pointers have been bred.

They were employed to chase hares with coursing hounds. The hares were tracked down by pointers and pursued by hounds.

The Pointer developed into a gun dog as firearms became more popular for hunting.

The development of the Pointer was more organic, while the German Shorthaired Pointer was more purposefully developed.

Appearance

The English Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are comparable in size, although the English Pointer stands a little higher and weighs a little more than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Both are available in a variety of colours, although the shades differ somewhat.

The markings on German Shorthaired Pointers are typically black or liver, while solid patterns are more common on English Pointers.

Shedding

Both of these Pointers are short-haired, but their shed levels differ.

The German Shorthaired Pointer sheds all year, but particularly severely at specific periods of the year.

Brush your dog regularly and vacuum often to prevent these small, stiff hairs from being trapped in textiles around your house.

English Pointers, on the other hand, shed much less.

Throughout most of the year, weekly brushing with a soft brush is adequate to prevent hair from collecting in your home.

Seasonal shedding may occur, but it will not be nearly as noticeable as it would be with a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Exercise

The German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the few canines that need more activity than others. This active breed thrives when it can run at a rapid pace all day.

They thrive in a variety of dog activities and continue to outperform all other breeds in competitive hunting.

It doesn’t matter what you want to do with a German Shorthaired Pointer as long as you do it often.

To be happy, English Pointers need a lot of activity on a daily basis. They aren’t as activity-obsessed or work-obsessed as German Shorthaired Pointers.

English Pointers can thrive in a fenced yard where they may burn off excess energy and go for a daily run.

These clever dogs like training as well, but many prefer to burn off energy on their own without the need for a lot of intensive training-based activity.

However, the more self-control training you offer your English Pointer, the better behaved he will be at home.

Training

German Shorthaired Pointers are very trainable dogs.

Much of their success in hunting is due to their ability to tune in to and follow their handler, rather than their natural hunting skill.

As a result, they are eager to acquire a broad range of talents. Training is very essential for the GSP. It’s tough to live with a GSP who hasn’t been properly trained.

These dogs, particularly between the ages of 6 months and 3 years, are prone to challenge their owners.

They have a strong prey drive that may be difficult to manage without a lot of self-control training.

English Pointers are cheerful dogs that love satisfying their owners, although they aren’t as dedicated as GSPs.

Your English Pointer may be a little more prone to distraction or laziness, rather than being completely dedicated to following you.

Many English Pointers, on the other hand, thrive at training activities that keep them linked to their humans, such as therapeutic work and search and rescue.

It is essential that your English Pointer get some basic training in order to learn to regulate themselves, but they do not need daily instruction to be happy.

Behaviour With New People

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a powerful bark, but that’s about it when it comes to home protection.

These dogs are outgoing and sociable, and they like meeting new people and establishing new friends.

Most GSPs get along well with everyone they encounter and are eager to welcome newcomers into their homes.

When meeting new individuals, English Pointers are a little more reticent than GSPs.

They may take longer to warm up to your friends, and when outsiders come to the home, they are more inclined to put up a show.

These attentive and sensitive canines are great security dogs if they are allowed to reside with you in your home and are only alerted when someone approaches the gate or door.

Health 

German Shorthaired Pointers are more susceptible to a variety of hereditary problems. Their lifespan is somewhat shorter than that of English Pointers.

Recommended Health Tests For German Shorthaired Pointers

• Hip and elbow evaluation.
• Ophthalmologist evaluation.
• Cone degeneration DNA test.
• Cardiac exam.

Recommended Health Tests For English Pointers

• Hip evaluation.
• Ophthalmologist evaluation.
• Thyroid evaluation.

Related Questions:

Which Is A Better Family Dog, The GSP Or The English Pointer?

Both of these dogs may become great family companions if they receive enough exercise, training, and interaction.

The English Pointer is a better option than the GSP if you’re not sure whether your household is busy enough for this breed of dog.

Unless you have a task for the GSP, the English Pointer is a better choice. It is somewhat less intense and more laid-back. The English Pointer has the additional benefit of shedding less.

Which Is The Better Hunter, The English Pointer Or The GSP?

Hunting aficionados will debate whether the English Pointer or the German Shorthaired Pointer is the better dog.

Regardless of personal preferences, the German Shorthaired Pointer thrives in competitive hunting activities, according to field findings.