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Labrador Retriever vs. German Shorthaired Pointer

A picture of a German Shorthaired Pointer and a Chocolate Labrador Retriever meeting in the middle on the diagonal with the letters VS in the middle.

The Labrador Retriever originated on the island of Newfoundland. In England, they are a kennel club breed with unique fishing abilities. The German Shorthaired Pointer, on the other hand, belongs to the Sporting Group. GSP was bred in Germany in the 19th century expressly for hunting. Keep reading to know the differences and similarities between these two breeds.

Labrador Retriever

2 yellow Labrador Retrievers sitting in on a woodland trail on autumn leaves

The Labrador Retriever is a medium-sized dog with a thin figure. They are on the heavier side of the weight scale and the taller end of the height scale. They are less bulky and have superior muscle definition.

Labs have a thinner coat, a longer neck, and a longer snout that increases their efficiency. They are often 21 to 25 inches tall and weigh from 55 to 80 pounds in most cases. And, if we’re talking about quirks, the Lab has a remarkable knack for fishing. It holds the fish in its jaws neatly and swims well enough to deliver it to its master.

German Shorthaired Pointer

 Portrait of a German Shorthaired Pointer looking over it's shoulder

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium to a big dog that is equally at home on land and water. This dog was bred in Germany in the 19th century and is capable of hunting a variety of games in a variety of environments.

These canines stand between 21 and 25 inches and weigh from 45 to 70 pounds. The eyes are brown, and the ears are long, floppy, and positioned high on the head. The dog’s coat is a combination of liver and white speckles or dappling, and it’s short.

Differences Between Labrador Retriever and German Shorthaired Pointer

The following table represents the differences between Labrador retriever and German shorthaired pointer.

            CharacteristicsLabrador RetrieverGerman Shorthaired Pointer
OriginEnglandGermany
SizeLargeMedium to large
Weight55-80 pounds45-70 pounds
ColorsYellow, Chocolate, BlackRoan, Liver, White, Black
CoatAbrasive coat with a softer undercoatShort and flat with a dense undercoat
Life span10-12 years12-14 years

Similarities Between Labrador Retriever and German Shorthaired Pointer

Brown German Shorthaired Pointer on point in a grass field

Some of the common traits of Labrador retriever and german shorthaired pointer are discussed below.

Height – Both these breeds are about 21 to 25 inches tall.

Experience as Owner – Both these breeds are considered good for new and inexperienced owners because they are loving and easy to train.

Behavior with Children – Labrador retrievers and German shorthaired pointers are very friendly and great with children. Both are safe for children.

Temperament – Both are very good and family-friendly canines. If you are thinking of getting a new furry friend, then each of them can be a great choice. Both are kid-friendly, pet friendly, and stranger friendly. Do not worry if you are on a walk with any of these breeds. This is because both Labrador retriever and German shorthaired pointer can adapt to different environments.

Grooming – If you are a new dog owner or don’t have a lot of time, both these dogs are ideal for you. This is because they both need very little maintenance and are easy to groom. Hence, you won’t need to spend a lot of time grooming your furry friend.

Shedding – Both these breeds tend to shed a significant amount of hair throughout the year. The intensity increases even more during the shedding season.

Barking – Both Labrador Retriever and German Shorthaired Pointer are very vocal and howl more than other dogs.

What is Better About Labrador Retriever?

Yellow lab looking over a log in an autumn forest

The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy dog that works hard. These pups are bold and enjoy a good challenge. They are less prone to tiring out because of their never-ending stamina. For this reason, some people consider it tough to train but that’s not true in most cases.

Generally speaking, the Labrador Retriever is a healthy dog. Their undercoats thicken in the winter to keep them warm, and they shed their undercoats as the summer approaches. All in all, Labrador is a true all-rounder. Fun, active, a playful watchdog, and a loyal and loving family buddy.

What is Better About German Shorthaired Pointer?

Portrait of a German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a loving family companion and an intelligent hunting dog that enjoys spending time outside with his human family. The German Shorthaired Pointer is clever, confident, bold, and friendly, and he is simple to teach. He/she is also playful with kids and enjoys interacting with his human family. He is a high-energy dog that will need a lot of exercises to prevent becoming bored, irritated, or destructive.

Who Should Get Labrador Retriever?

Yellow lab puppy giving a high five

The Labrador retriever is adaptable, and it will quickly adapt to its surroundings. The Labrador retriever is a quick learner. They are ranked seventh among dog breeds in terms of intelligence. They respond well to human connection. If you walk this dog on a leash, you’ll need to offer him other more rigorous workouts. They love to play games and spend time with their family. It takes a lot of time and works to keep a Lab happy. They like playing games with children and make excellent companions for them.

Who Should Get German Shorthaired Pointer?

3 German Shorthaired Pointer puppies on a dog bed.

Include the German Shorthaired Pointer in all of your activities if you’re a family that enjoys being active and outside, and you’ll have a fantastic four-legged companion. If you’re looking for a jogging buddy, though, this may be the dog for you. Walking gives your dog a decent workout, but running is a better alternative. Moreover, a German shorthaired pointer is a hunting dog.

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