Is the Frisian Water Dog or the German Longhaired Pointer better for families with children?

Both the Frisian Water Dog and the German Longhaired Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Frisian Water Dog or the German Longhaired Pointer?

The German Longhaired Pointer sheds more than the Frisian Water Dog. If shedding is a concern, the Frisian Water Dog is the lower-maintenance choice.

Which is easier to train, the Frisian Water Dog or the German Longhaired Pointer?

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

Is Frisian Water Dog or German Longhaired Pointer bigger?

Frisian Water Dog and German Longhaired Pointer are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, Frisian Water Dog or German Longhaired Pointer?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, Frisian Water Dog or German Longhaired Pointer?

For apartment or apartment living, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Frisian Water Dog vs German Longhaired Pointer: Sheds Less?

Frisian Water Dog vs German Longhaired Pointer: full comparison

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

Key differences at a glance

The German Longhaired Pointer has noticeably higher shedding than the Frisian Water Dog.

Size and living space

The Frisian Water Dog is a big, substantial dog that does best in a larger home with room to stretch out, ideally with access to a yard. By comparison, the German Longhaired Pointer is a big, substantial dog 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 Frisian Water Dog demands substantial daily activity, from long walks to hard play. The German Longhaired Pointer is a canine athlete needing hard daily work and a purpose, or it turns restless. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Frisian Water Dog needs plenty of coat work, including trips to a groomer and drops very little hair. The German Longhaired Pointer demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Frisian Water Dog is also considered hypoallergenic, an advantage for allergy sufferers. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Frisian Water Dog takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. The German Longhaired Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and is reliably good with children and a solid family choice. On guarding instinct, Frisian Water Dog is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly, whereas German Longhaired Pointer is not a natural guard and greets visitors warmly.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Frisian Water Dog and German Longhaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Frisian Water Dog and German Longhaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, Frisian Water Dog and German Longhaired Pointer are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, as it is hypoallergenic and lower-shedding.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Frisian Water Dog if you need a hypoallergenic, low-dander coat, you want less shedding around the home, or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

Choose the German Longhaired Pointer if you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Frisian Water Dog or the German Longhaired Pointer better for families with children?: Both the Frisian Water Dog and the German Longhaired Pointer are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Frisian Water Dog or the German Longhaired Pointer?: The German Longhaired Pointer sheds more than the Frisian Water Dog. If shedding is a concern, the Frisian Water Dog is the lower-maintenance choice.
Which is easier to train, the Frisian Water Dog or the German Longhaired Pointer?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Frisian Water Dog or German Longhaired Pointer bigger?: Frisian Water Dog and German Longhaired Pointer are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, Frisian Water Dog or German Longhaired Pointer?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, Frisian Water Dog or German Longhaired Pointer?: For apartment or apartment living, Frisian Water Dog has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Frisian Water Dog vs German Longhaired Pointer