Is the German Longhaired Pointer or the Irish Red and White Setter better for families with children?

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

Which sheds more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Irish Red and White Setter?

The German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Irish Red and White Setter?

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

Is German Longhaired Pointer or Irish Red and White Setter bigger?

German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter are a similar size (Large).

Which barks more, German Longhaired Pointer or Irish Red and White Setter?

Both bark a similar amount (low).

Which is better for apartment living, German Longhaired Pointer or Irish Red and White Setter?

For apartment or apartment living, German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.

German Longhaired Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter

German Longhaired Pointer vs Irish Red and White Setter: full comparison

Trait	German Longhaired Pointer	Irish Red and White Setter
Size	Large	Large
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	High	High
Friendliness	High	High
Good with children	High	High
Grooming needs	Very High	Very High
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Low	Low
Protectiveness	Low	Low
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	12 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The German Longhaired Pointer is a large dog that is happiest with space indoors and regular access to a yard. By comparison, the Irish Red and White Setter is a large dog 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 German Longhaired Pointer requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. The Irish Red and White Setter requires intense exercise and mental work daily; without it, trouble follows. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.

Grooming and shedding

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 Irish Red and White Setter demands daily coat care plus professional grooming to stay in shape and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.

Temperament, training and family life

The German Longhaired Pointer takes to training fast and works willingly, speaks up only now and then and suits families with children particularly well. The Irish Red and White Setter takes to training fast and works willingly, 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 Irish Red and White Setter is not especially protective and is welcoming to visitors.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For families with young children, German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For being left alone during the workday, German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.
For allergy sufferers, German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the German Longhaired Pointer if you simply prefer the breed — it's very closely matched with the Irish Red and White Setter on temperament, size and care.

Choose the Irish Red and White Setter if you want a longer-lived breed.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the German Longhaired Pointer or the Irish Red and White Setter better for families with children?: Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Irish Red and White Setter are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Irish Red and White Setter?: The German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Irish Red and White Setter?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is German Longhaired Pointer or Irish Red and White Setter bigger?: German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter are a similar size (Large).
Which barks more, German Longhaired Pointer or Irish Red and White Setter?: Both bark a similar amount (low).
Which is better for apartment living, German Longhaired Pointer or Irish Red and White Setter?: For apartment or apartment living, German Longhaired Pointer and Irish Red and White Setter are an even match — either can work well.