Is the German Longhaired Pointer or the Gordon Setter better for families with children?

Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Gordon Setter?

The German Longhaired Pointer and Gordon Setter shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Gordon Setter?

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

Is German Longhaired Pointer or Gordon Setter bigger?

German Longhaired Pointer and Gordon Setter are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, German Longhaired Pointer or Gordon Setter?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, German Longhaired Pointer or Gordon Setter?

For apartment or apartment living, Gordon Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

German Longhaired Pointer vs Gordon Setter: Which Is Calmer?

German Longhaired Pointer vs Gordon Setter: full comparison

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

Size and living space

The German Longhaired Pointer is a large dog that wants a roomier home and ideally a yard to move around in. By comparison, the Gordon Setter is a large 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 German Longhaired Pointer requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Gordon Setter needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. 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 German Longhaired Pointer demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. The Gordon Setter demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and sheds quite a lot — expect fur on furniture and clothes. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The German Longhaired Pointer learns quickly and enjoys the training process, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. The Gordon Setter trains reasonably well with regular positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. On guarding instinct, German Longhaired Pointer is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors, whereas Gordon Setter will alert you to visitors but is not an aggressive guardian.

Which is better for…

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

Which should you choose?

Choose the German Longhaired Pointer if you want an easier dog to train or you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure.

Choose the Gordon Setter if you want a more protective, watchful guardian or you want a calmer, lower-energy companion.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the German Longhaired Pointer or the Gordon Setter better for families with children?: Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Gordon Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Gordon Setter?: The German Longhaired Pointer and Gordon Setter shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Gordon Setter?: The German Longhaired Pointer is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
Is German Longhaired Pointer or Gordon Setter bigger?: German Longhaired Pointer and Gordon Setter are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, German Longhaired Pointer or Gordon Setter?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, German Longhaired Pointer or Gordon Setter?: For apartment or apartment living, Gordon Setter has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

German Longhaired Pointer vs Gordon Setter