The gentle, courageous Bulldog is a beloved symbol of determination. Despite their muscular build, they are calm and friendly companions who prefer lounging on the couch to long hikes.

An enthusiastic and versatile sporting dog built for endurance. German Shorthaired Pointers are tireless athletes who need an active owner to match their boundless energy.
Quick Answer
Choose Bulldog if you want more apartment-friendly. Choose German Shorthaired Pointer if you want easier to train and better health.
Bulldog
Attribute
German Shorthaired Pointer
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
German Shorthaired Pointer needs more exercise; Bulldog is lower-maintenance.
Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointer
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
Activity needs are dramatically different here. The German Shorthaired Pointer has very high energy (5/5) and needs very high exercise (5/5) — think long runs, hiking, or agility courses.
German Shorthaired Pointer tends to be the healthier breed overall.
Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointer
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
The lifespan difference is significant. German Shorthaired Pointers live 12–14 years on average, while Bulldogs live 8–10 years.
Bulldog is calmer; German Shorthaired Pointer is more energetic.
Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointer
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
The Bulldog and German Shorthaired Pointer bring very different personalities to the table. Bulldogs are docile, willful and friendly, while German Shorthaired Pointers tend to be enthusiastic, bold and versatile.
German Shorthaired Pointer is generally easier to train.
Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointer
Trainability
Intelligence
Training difficulty is a major difference. The German Shorthaired Pointer (5/5) is eager to please and picks up commands quickly — one of the most trainable breeds out there.
German Shorthaired Pointer is less expensive to own annually.
Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointer
Be prepared for sticker shock: the Bulldog costs $1,500–$4,000 from a reputable breeder — significantly more than the German Shorthaired Pointer's $800–$2,000. That's a $1,350 difference just to bring your puppy home.
Both breeds are similarly family-friendly.
Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointer
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
Both breeds score 4/5 with children, making them equally suitable for families. Either breed would make an excellent family dog.
Both breeds have similar grooming needs.
Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointer
Shedding
Grooming Needs
Both breeds shed at the same rate (3/5), so fur management will be identical for either choice. Expect a moderate amount of loose fur from both.
German Shorthaired Pointer is the larger breed; Bulldog is more compact.
Bulldog
German Shorthaired Pointer
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
There's a noticeable but not extreme size difference. The German Shorthaired Pointer (20–32 kg (44–71 lbs)) is somewhat heftier than the Bulldog (18–25 kg (40–55 lbs)).
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the Bulldog if you value more apartment-friendly (5/5) and lower exercise needs (2/5).
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Bulldog and German Shorthaired Pointer are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. The key differences: German Shorthaired Pointer needs significantly more daily exercise than Bulldog, German Shorthaired Pointer is notably easier to train. Annual ownership costs are lower for the German Shorthaired Pointer by roughly $400/year.
Choose Bulldog if...
Choose German Shorthaired Pointer if...
Looking for more options?
The Bulldog scores 4/5 for being good with kids, tying with the German Shorthaired Pointer at 4/5. The Bulldog is specifically recommended for families.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is easier to train, scoring 5/5 versus the Bulldog's 2/5. The German Shorthaired Pointer's eagerness to please makes training sessions more productive.
A Bulldog puppy costs $1,500–$4,000 while a German Shorthaired Pointer costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,600 for the Bulldog and $1,210 for the German Shorthaired Pointer. The Bulldog is the more expensive breed to own long-term.
The Bulldog lives 8–10 years on average, while the German Shorthaired Pointer lives 12–14 years. The German Shorthaired Pointer tends to live longer. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Bulldog is better suited for apartments (5/5) compared to the German Shorthaired Pointer (1/5). The Bulldog is one of our top picks for apartment living.