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English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Comparison - Dog breed selector: Laverack or Alsatian wolf dog or Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer" Compare English Setter and German Shepherd. Which is better: English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer?
 
 
 
Name English Setter German Shepherd German Shorthaired Pointer
OriginsEngland flagEngland Germany flagGermany Germany flagGermany
Group Gun Dog Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog
Popularity Rank95210
Reviews3215
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer breeds.
Laverack
Llewellin Setter
Lawerack
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund
Kurzhaar
Deutsch Kurzhaar
GSP Dog
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is the largest?
Large Large Large
Medium
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer? Compare adult weight ranges.
Male: 55-80 pounds (25-36 kg), Female: 45-70 pounds (20-32 kg) Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 67.5 pounds (30.5 kg), Female: 57.5 pounds (26 kg) Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer? English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer height comparison:
Male: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm), Female: 23-26 inches (58-66 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 23-25 inches (59-64 cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25.5 inches (65 cm), Female: 24.5 inches (62 cm) Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 24 inches (61.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Find price differences between these breeds.
$400-$600 $800-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer?
Very frequent: The English Setter is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shorthaired Pointer is quite easy to get.

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed ranks highest?
Smart: The English Setter dogs have great intelligence.
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Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is easiest to train?
English Setter dogs are easy to train.
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German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most alert?
English Setter dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most protective?
English Setter dogs are not the best to protect their territory.
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German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average defenders.
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English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Intelligent
Gentle
Strong
Willed
Mischievous
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Affectionate
Trainable
Bold
Cooperative
Boisterous
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer?
High: English Setter dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer social needs comparison:
English Setter dogs are a social breed.
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German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
English Setter dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
English Setter dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most vocal?
Average to High: The English Setter is a vocal breed.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Average: The German Shorthaired Pointer barks occasionally.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most playful?
The English Setter is a playful breed.
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Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which adapts best to small spaces?
Not an apartment-friendly dog the English Setter breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the German Shorthaired Pointer breed.

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most flexible?
Average: English Setter dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer?
English Setter dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The English Setter has a low chance of biting somebody.

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which uses mouth most during play?
English Setter dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

English Setter bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shorthaired Pointer bite force: Ordinary.

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed lives longest?
10-12 years
The average lifespan of English Setter: 11 years
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which handles climate changes best?
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The English Setter can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has fewer health issues?
The English Setter is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointers are commonly healthy dogs.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Average
The English Setter should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shorthaired Pointer should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer health problems comparison:
No data available Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Entropion
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cardiomyopathy
Pannus
Gastric Torsion
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
Lymphedema

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which breed is most active?
English Setter dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds.
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
English Setter dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer?
English Setter dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping.
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs don't need too much sleep.

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is most prone to obesity?
High: The English Setter breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average: The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which needs most food?
4 to 5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. What colors are available?
Tan
Blue
Orange
Tricolor
Liver
Lemon
Belton
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Black
White
Liver
Roan
Copper
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which requires most maintenance?
Average: The English Setter requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The German Shorthaired Pointer requires minimal grooming.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which drools least?
The English Setter is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The German Shorthaired Pointer is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The English Setter has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Feathered Fuzzy Dense
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which requires most frequent baths?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer? English Setter or German Shepherd or {name3 shedding:
English Setter dogs shed moderately.
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German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs shed moderately.
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English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best with kids?
English Setter dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
English Setter dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer? Which dog is more friendly?
English Setter dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer?
English Setter dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly English Setter or German Shepherd or German Shorthaired Pointer?
English Setter dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer?
Yes
English Setter dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
English Setter is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
German Shorthaired Pointer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
English Setters are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shorthaired Pointers are usually recommended for elderly people.

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best suited for water work?

Yes

English Setter breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shorthaired Pointer breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has most puppies?
4-6 puppies 6-10 puppies 7-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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English Setter vs German Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. How are they classified?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the British and Irish Pointers and Setters section. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of English Setter, German Shepherd, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Which has most recognition?
Unknown American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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