Australian Shepherd

Herding · Medium

German Shorthaired Pointer

Sporting · Large

Australian Shepherd vs German Shorthaired Pointer

Side-by-side comparison of the Australian Shepherd and German Shorthaired Pointer — size, temperament, shedding, trainability, cost, and compatibility ratings.

Quick comparison

Best for families

Australian Shepherd

Based on good-with-kids rating

Easier to train

Australian Shepherd

Based on trainability rating

Less shedding

German Shorthaired Pointer

Based on shedding level

Better for apartments

Australian Shepherd

Based on apartment-friendly rating

Lower maintenance

German Shorthaired Pointer

Based on grooming needs

Longer lifespan

Australian Shepherd

Based on average lifespan

Detailed comparison

Physical traits

Trait	Australian Shepherd	German Shorthaired Pointer
Size	Medium	Large
Height	18–23″	21–25″
Weight	40–65 lbs	45–70 lbs
Lifespan	12–15 yrs	12–14 yrs
Group	Herding	Sporting
Coat type	Medium-length double coat, straight to wavy	Short, thick, water-repellent

Temperament & behavior

Trait	Australian Shepherd	German Shorthaired Pointer
Energy level	Very High	Very High
Trainability	Very High	Very High
Barking level	Moderate	Moderate

Compatibility

Trait	Australian Shepherd	German Shorthaired Pointer
Good with kids	High	High
Good with dogs	High	High
Good with cats	Low	Low
Apartment friendly	Very Low	Very Low

Care requirements

Trait	Australian Shepherd	German Shorthaired Pointer
Shedding	High	Moderate
Grooming needs	Moderate	Very Low
Daily exercise	60–120 min	90–120 min
Daily food	1.5–2.5 cups	2–3 cups
Annual cost	$1 300–$2 200	$1 400–$2 200

Temperament