Is the Boxerdoodle or the German Wirehaired Pointer better for families with children?

The Boxerdoodle tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.

Which sheds more, the Boxerdoodle or the German Wirehaired Pointer?

The Boxerdoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer shed a similar amount (low).

Which is easier to train, the Boxerdoodle or the German Wirehaired Pointer?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Boxerdoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer bigger?

Boxerdoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Boxerdoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, Boxerdoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer?

For apartment or apartment living, Boxerdoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Boxerdoodle vs German Wirehaired Pointer: Which Is Friendlier?

Boxerdoodle vs German Wirehaired Pointer: full comparison

Trait	Boxerdoodle	German Wirehaired Pointer
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	Very High	Medium
Good with children	Very High	High
Grooming needs	Medium	Medium
Shedding	Low	Low
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	Medium
Adaptability	High	Medium
Typical lifespan	11 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	Yes	No

Key differences at a glance

The Boxerdoodle has noticeably higher friendliness than the German Wirehaired Pointer.

Size and living space

The Boxerdoodle is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the German Wirehaired Pointer is a large and powerful breed that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Boxerdoodle is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The German Wirehaired Pointer is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

The Boxerdoodle wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and drops very little hair. The German Wirehaired Pointer wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and drops very little hair. The Boxerdoodle is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The Boxerdoodle learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and has a reputation for being wonderfully tolerant with kids. The German Wirehaired Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, Boxerdoodle announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas German Wirehaired Pointer announces visitors but stops short of guarding.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Boxerdoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, Boxerdoodle has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
For first-time dog owners, Boxerdoodle has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, German Wirehaired Pointer has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Boxerdoodle has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Boxerdoodle if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want a more outgoing, sociable dog, or you want the more child-friendly companion.

Choose the German Wirehaired Pointer if you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Boxerdoodle or the German Wirehaired Pointer better for families with children?: The Boxerdoodle tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
Which sheds more, the Boxerdoodle or the German Wirehaired Pointer?: The Boxerdoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer shed a similar amount (low).
Which is easier to train, the Boxerdoodle or the German Wirehaired Pointer?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Boxerdoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer bigger?: Boxerdoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Boxerdoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, Boxerdoodle or German Wirehaired Pointer?: For apartment or apartment living, Boxerdoodle and German Wirehaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Boxerdoodle vs German Wirehaired Pointer