English Pointer vs Weimaraner: full comparison
| Trait | English Pointer | Weimaraner |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Large |
| Energy level | Very High | Very High |
| Trainability | High | High |
| Friendliness | High | High |
| Good with children | High | High |
| Grooming needs | Low | Very Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Medium | Medium |
| Protectiveness | Low | Medium |
| Adaptability | Medium | Low |
| Typical lifespan | 13 years | 11 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The English Pointer is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Weimaraner is a big, substantial dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. 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 Weimaraner 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 asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Weimaraner takes almost no grooming, since the odd brush keeps it tidy and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.
Temperament, training and family life
The English Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. The Weimaraner takes to training fast and works willingly, barks a moderate amount, usually with reason and is very good with children and makes a dependable family dog. On guarding instinct, English Pointer shows limited protectiveness and is friendly to callers, whereas Weimaraner announces visitors but stops short of guarding.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, English Pointer and Weimaraner are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, English Pointer and Weimaraner are an even match — either can work well.
- For first-time dog owners, English 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 Weimaraner are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, English Pointer and Weimaraner are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the English Pointer if you want a longer-lived breed or you want a more adaptable dog.
Choose the Weimaraner if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the English Pointer or the Weimaraner better for families with children?
- Both the English Pointer and the Weimaraner are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
- Which sheds more, the English Pointer or the Weimaraner?
- The English Pointer and Weimaraner shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the English Pointer or the Weimaraner?
- Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
- Is English Pointer or Weimaraner bigger?
- English Pointer and Weimaraner are a similar size (Large).
- Which barks more, English Pointer or Weimaraner?
- Both bark a similar amount (medium).
- Which is better for apartment living, English Pointer or Weimaraner?
- For apartment or apartment living, English Pointer and Weimaraner are an even match — either can work well.