Pointer vs German Shorthaired Pointer

If you’re the type of traveler who loves an all-night party in Ibiza, chances are you and a Pointer will get along famously. While they might not share your concerns about the best party clothes to wear (just a simple collar will do for them, thanks), Pointer dogs do share your love for adventure and boundless energy. Intelligent and fun-loving, Pointers are confident, don’t take things personally (they’re OK that you think their dance moves might need some work), and enjoy the company of both people, including kids and babies and other dogs.

Pointers are not usually fearful or anxious in nature, so aggression and dog bites are typically uncommon as they are very friendly dogs—especially with proper training and socialization. And if your kiddos are driving you bananas and making you fantasize about your party days, scoot them outside with your Pointer—kids and doggo can wear each other out playing chase in the backyard, giving you some mental space to dream about booking a trip overseas.

Pointers can indeed live with cats, but they must be trained and socialized with cats or small critters starting at an early age to contend with their high prey drive. Pointers are hard workers who work through challenges and don’t give up on things easily, but sometimes what they work hard at is what they find to be most important in that moment, whether it’s chasing a squirrel, pulling you down the street or jumping to greet people at the door. Pointers were originally bred to point out prey (usually hares) for the hounds to chase down and retrieve. Even if they don’t find themselves with a hunting family, they need to work by using their nose, whether that’s through lots of exercise, nose work or other games.

The German Shorthaired Pointer breed is a loyal, loving dog who wants to hang out with their pet parent. These dogs enjoy working, and you’ll find they’re alert dogs who keep an eye—and a very strong nose—on everything.

Their temperament is easygoing, and they can be friendly with new people. Socialization will help bring out more friendly qualities when meeting new people. German Shorthaired Pointers are great with kids and other dogs. But these dogs were bred to hunt, so they don’t mix well with smaller pets, like a rabbit or cat.

These high-energy pups love to please their people. However, they’re easily distracted by what they see and smell, and that may make training a little more difficult. These are hard-working pups who love it when you give them something to do. You can fulfill their type-A needs through playing games like fetch or through dog sports like agility.