German Shorthaired PointerVSHavanese

The German Shorthaired Pointer is known for being enthusiastic, bold, versatile, while the Havanese is typically described as cheerful, intelligent, outgoing. These distinct personality traits mean each breed offers a different kind of companionship.

Both breeds share a similar playfulness level at 5/5, so you can expect comparable levels of fun and games from either one.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a large breed standing 53–64 cm (21–25 in) tall and weighing 20–32 kg (44–71 lbs). In comparison, the Havanese is a small breed at 22–29 cm (9–11 in) and 3–6 kg (7–13 lbs).

There's a significant size difference between these two breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer is considerably heavier, which means higher food costs and the need for more physical space. The Havanese's smaller frame makes it easier to handle and transport.

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a short coat available in liver, liver and white, liver roan, while the Havanese sports a long coat in white, black, havana brown, fawn, tobacco. Coat type significantly impacts grooming needs and shedding, which we cover below.

The German Shorthaired Pointer has very high energy (5/5) with very high exercise needs (5/5). The Havanese has moderate energy (3/5) and low exercise needs (2/5).

The German Shorthaired Pointer requires more daily activity to stay happy and healthy. Without enough exercise, they may develop destructive behaviors. The Havanese is more adaptable and can get by with shorter walks and play sessions.

For apartment dwellers, the Havanese is the stronger choice with an apartment-friendliness score of 5/5, compared to the German Shorthaired Pointer's 1/5. The German Shorthaired Pointer generally does better with access to a yard or larger living space.

When it comes to shedding, the German Shorthaired Pointer drops more fur with a shedding level of 3/5, while the Havanese is lighter at 1/5. If pet hair on furniture is a concern, the Havanese will be easier to live with.

Grooming-wise, the Havanese needs more upkeep (4/5) than the German Shorthaired Pointer (1/5). The Havanese's long coat demands regular professional grooming to stay in top shape.

Annual grooming costs average around $100 for the German Shorthaired Pointer and $400 for the Havanese. Factor this into your budget when deciding between the two.

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a lifespan of 12–14 years, while the Havanese lives 13–15 years. The Havanese generally has a longer lifespan.

Both breeds score 4/5 for health robustness, meaning they share similar overall health profiles.

Common health issues for the German Shorthaired Pointer include hip dysplasia, bloat, cone degeneration, lymphedema. The Havanese is prone to patellar luxation, cataracts, deafness, heart murmurs. Regular vet checkups and health screenings are essential for both breeds.

Annual vet costs average $450 for the German Shorthaired Pointer and $400 for the Havanese. Pet insurance is worth considering for either breed.

The German Shorthaired Pointer is easier to train with a trainability score of 5/5, making it more suitable for first-time dog owners. The Havanese scores 4/5 and may require more patience and experience during training sessions.

The German Shorthaired Pointer ranks higher in intelligence (5/5 vs 4/5), which can be both a blessing and a challenge. Smarter dogs learn commands faster but also get bored more easily and may develop behavioral issues without mental stimulation.

Regardless of which breed you choose, early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are key to raising a well-behaved dog. Puppy classes are a great investment for either breed.

In terms of raw intelligence, the German Shorthaired Pointer outranks the Havanese with a score of 5/5 compared to 4/5. The German Shorthaired Pointer tends to learn new commands in fewer repetitions and shows stronger problem-solving ability in novel situations. However, higher intelligence doesn't always mean an easier dog to own — smarter breeds often demand more mental stimulation to avoid boredom-driven destructive behavior.

These breeds excel in different types of intelligence. The German Shorthaired Pointer leans toward obedience intelligence — quickly learning and responding to commands from their handler. The Havanese, on the other hand, shows strong adaptive intelligence — figuring out new situations on their own and reading social cues effectively.

The German Shorthaired Pointer's higher intelligence translates directly into better trainability (5/5 vs 4/5), making them both the quicker learner and the easier breed to train. This combination is ideal for owners who want a responsive, obedient companion.

For either breed, mental enrichment is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle feeders, training sessions, scent work, and interactive toys keep intelligent dogs engaged and prevent the boredom that leads to chewing, digging, or excessive barking.

The Havanese edges ahead as a family dog, scoring 5/5 with children versus the German Shorthaired Pointer's 4/5. The Havanese's cheerful temperament makes it especially patient around kids.

If you have other pets, the Havanese tends to get along better with other dogs (5/5) than the German Shorthaired Pointer (4/5). Proper introductions are still important, but the Havanese is naturally more sociable with canine companions.

The Havanese is more welcoming to strangers (5/5), while the German Shorthaired Pointer tends to be more reserved (3/5). If you frequently have guests, the Havanese's sociable nature will make entertaining easier.

The initial purchase price for a German Shorthaired Pointer ranges from $800–$2,000, while a Havanese typically costs $1,000–$2,500. The Havanese is the more expensive breed to purchase.

Ongoing annual costs (food, vet, grooming) come to approximately $1,210 for the German Shorthaired Pointer and $1,160 for the Havanese. The German Shorthaired Pointer is more expensive to maintain year over year, mainly due to higher food costs.

Monthly food costs run about $55 for the German Shorthaired Pointer and $30 for the Havanese. Over a typical lifespan, the total cost of ownership can differ by thousands of dollars, so it's worth factoring in the long-term financial commitment.