Is the English Pointer or the German Shorthaired Pointer better for families with children?

Both the English Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the English Pointer or the German Shorthaired Pointer?

The English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).

Which is easier to train, the English Pointer or the German Shorthaired Pointer?

The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.

Is English Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer bigger?

English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, English Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer?

Both bark a similar amount (medium).

Which is better for apartment living, English Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer?

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

English Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer: Easier to Train?

English Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer: full comparison

Trait	English Pointer	German Shorthaired Pointer
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	Very High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Low	Low
Shedding	Medium	Medium
Barking	Medium	Medium
Protectiveness	Low	Medium
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	12 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The English Pointer is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a large and powerful breed that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with 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 English Pointer is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. The German Shorthaired 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 English Pointer needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. The German Shorthaired Pointer needs minimal coat care, just a weekly once-over and sheds a moderate amount, with heavier seasonal moults. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The English Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The German Shorthaired Pointer is exceptionally bright and absorbs new commands at speed, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, English Pointer is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas German Shorthaired Pointer will let you know someone is at the door without being aggressive.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, German Shorthaired Pointer has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

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

Choose the German Shorthaired Pointer if you want an easier dog to train or you want a more protective, watchful guardian.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the English Pointer or the German Shorthaired Pointer better for families with children?: Both the English Pointer and the German Shorthaired Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the English Pointer or the German Shorthaired Pointer?: The English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer shed a similar amount (medium).
Which is easier to train, the English Pointer or the German Shorthaired Pointer?: The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is English Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer bigger?: English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, English Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer?: Both bark a similar amount (medium).
Which is better for apartment living, English Pointer or German Shorthaired Pointer?: For apartment or apartment living, English Pointer and German Shorthaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.

English Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer