Why the Border Collie is Better than the German Longhaired Pointer as a Pet

Last Updated: Mar 09, 2022

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Border Collie Versus German Longhaired Pointer: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Border Collie and for the German Longhaired Pointer. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Border Collie or the German Longhaired Pointer.

Note that the border collie breed comes in two varieties based on coat texture. There is the smooth-coat border collie and the rough-coat border collie. Read our article on rough-coat border collie versus smooth-coat border collie.

Furthermore, the border collie dog breed is very different from the collie dog breed. Learn about the differences between these two dog breeds in our border collie versus collie article.

Finally, just like the border collie, the collie also comes in two varieties. There is the rough collie and the smooth collie. To learn about the differences and similarities between them, check out our article on rough collie versus smooth collie.

Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer: Overview

A very important difference between the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Border Collie is a medium-sized dog while the German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Border Collie belongs to the Herding Dogs group. Herding Dogs were bred for moving livestock, including sheep, cattle, and even reindeer. Herding dogs work closely with their human shepherds, and their natural intelligence and responsiveness make them highly trainable. They have high levels of energy, which needs to be channeled properly to prevent destructive behavior. Herding breeds are protective of their people and property and make excellent watchdogs. Their intelligence, agility, and activity level make them well suited to dog sports.

On the other hand, the German Longhaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Border Collie to the German Longhaired Pointer based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer

Factor Border Collie German Longhaired Pointer
Tolerates Being Alone 1/5 3/5
Does NOT Drool 5/5 3/5
Life Span 12 to 15 years 11 to 14 years
Height 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder 23 to 28 inches
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 2/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 2/5
General Health 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 4/5 3/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 3/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 3/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 3/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 3/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 3/5 2/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 3/5
Weight 30 to 45 pounds 60 to 71 pounds
Tolerates Cold Weather 4/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Easygoing 1/5 3/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 5/5 4/5
Easy To Train 5/5 4/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 3/5
Average Lifespan 13.5 years 12.5 years
Average Price $1000 No Data
Price Range $600 – $1250 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Clear By Parentage
  • Collie Eye Anomaly
  • Congenital Deafness
  • DNA Repository
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination, recommended annually until age 7
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis
  • Shoulders
  • TNS Info
  • Trapped Neutrophil Syndrome
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Border Collie in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the German Longhaired Pointer. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Border Collie is 80 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the German Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Border Collie is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get a Border Collie!

    Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The Similarities Between the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer

    The Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are most similar:

  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are not very vocal. They have very low tendency to bark and howl.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer can tolerate cold weather.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are very easy to train.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer are highly intelligent.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer.

    Border Collies weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Border Collies are 18 to 22 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    On the other hand, German Longhaired Pointers weigh 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. German Longhaired Pointers are 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    Here is our article on Border Collie size, Border Collie growth, and Border Collie weight.

    Lifespan of Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

    The lifespan of Border Collies is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Border Collies is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is 12.5 years.

    Border Collies live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

    Go to this article to learn more about Border Collie lifespan and how long Border Collie live.

    Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer
    Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Tolerates Being Alone: Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer

    Border Collies do not like to be left alone.

    German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Border Collies shed more than German Longhaired Pointers?

    Border Collies shed moderately.

    Check out our articles to learn more on how to minimize shedding in Border Collies, and on how to groom a Border Collie

    German Longhaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Border Collie or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Border Collies are moderately easy to groom.

    To learn more about how to properly groom a Border Collie, check out our article on how to groom a Border Collie.

    Learn more on how to take care of a Border Collie here.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Border Collie or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Border Collies get along fairly well with other dogs.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Border Collies good family dogs? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Border Collies are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Border Collie make a good addition to a family. They love kids and kids love them.

    Learn about Border Collie temperament here.

    German Longhaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the Border Collie Easier to Train than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Border Collies are very easy to train.

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the Border Collie or the German Longhaired Pointer

    Border Collies do have a very low tendency to drool.

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    How Kid-friendly are Border Collies and German Longhaired Pointers?

    Border Collies get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    German Longhaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the Border Collie Have a Higher Prey Drive than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Border Collies have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Do Border Collies Bark and Howl? What about German Longhaired Pointers?

    Border Collies are not very vocal. They do not tend to bark and howl.

    German Longhaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Cold Weather? And can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Border Collies can very well tolerate cold weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Border Collie vs. German Longhaired Pointer

    Border Collies have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    German Longhaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Border Collies Tolerate Hot Weather? Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Border Collies can tolerate hot weather.

    German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Is the Border Collie Better for Apartment Owners than the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Border Collies do not adapt well to apartment living.

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Border Collie or the German Longhaired Pointer?

    Border Collies are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    German Longhaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Border Collie Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the Border Collie compares to other breeds aside from the German Longhaired Pointer. So, see below the links to the comparison of the Border Collie to other breeds:

    Border Collie versus Australian Shepherd     Border Collie versus Mastiff     Border Collie versus Anatolian Shepherd Dog     Border Collie versus Bullmastiff     Border Collie versus Sealyham Terrier     Border Collie versus Pharaoh Hound     Border Collie versus Lowchen     Border Collie versus Kooikerhondje     Border Collie versus Boxer     Border Collie versus Scottish Deerhound     Border Collie versus Bloodhound     Border Collie versus Berger Picard     Border Collie versus Brittany     Border Collie versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     Border Collie versus Bolognese     Border Collie versus Manchester Terrier     

    Conclusion: Border Collie versus German Longhaired Pointer. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Border Collie and the German Longhaired Pointer better suits you and your family.