German Longhaired Pointer vs Bull Terrier Miniature - Breed Comparison

Looking at the German Longhaired Pointer you may think that you’re looking at a type of Setter dog or even a large Spaniel. These pointing dogs, hailing from Germany, are gun dogs or working dogs, having always been used to track game.

They were developed at the end of the 19th century, as breeders were specifically looking for a dog that was faster than the wiry- and short hair German pointers. Crossing English Setters and Pointers gave breeders this German Longhaired Pointer and the dog was shown for the first time in Germany in 1879.

Known as the GLP or Deutsch-Langhaar, the dog has the bloodlines of water dogs and scenthounds, and way back In 1897, Baron von Schorlemer wrote the first standard for the German Longhaired.

Less well known than the Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier which actually follows the same breed standard, has a height of 35cm. The Bull Terrier and Miniature are classified as the same breed. The weight of the smaller Miniature is only about 15kg.

It was in the early 1800s that the Miniature Bull Terrier was developed, descending from the English Bulldog as well as the White English Terrier which is now extinct. This blend produced the Bull and Terrier, which was later shortened to the Bull Terrier. They came in a number of colors such as pure white, white and tan as well as white-and-black-patched or tri-colored.

Breed fanciers wanted a compact dog which looked much the same as the larger Bull Terrier. It was in 1938 that Colonel Glyn founded the Miniature Bull Terrier Club in England and the Miniature Bull Terrier Club of America was formed in 1966.

Athletic and lean, the German Longhaired Pointer is a medium to large sized dog standing at 60 – 70 cm in height and weighing 25 to 32kg.

With his webbed feet, he can move with great speed. It is why the dog isn’t suited well to life in the city really, as he has always been a dog used to working and running over large areas. He will appreciate being with an active owner.

The beautiful double coat is medium length, slightly wavy and with feathering around the legs, chest and tail. The tail itself is carried stretched outwards or kept low. It is rich brown to coppery color, while some white can sometimes be found on the chest and paws. The attractive dog has brown eyes, a black nose and ears which are long and floppy.

Temperament:

Intelligent, gentle and amicable the German Longhaired Pointer is an affectionate, loyal dog who is also social, getting on well with other pets in the home as well as with children.

Being the loyal dog that he is, it makes him susceptible to separation anxiety so he should never be put into the backyard and left day after day on his own.

Miniature Bull Terriers, just like the regular Bull Terriers have short, glossy coats and these coats can be white, tan, brindle or tri-color such as black, tan and white. This is a muscular little dog, with the same very distinctive egg-shaped head and small, closely-set dark eyes and erect ears. The medium length tail is carried horizontally.

The Miniature Bull Terrier isn’t particularly good with small children, but he still makes a good companion for people, whether he lives in the city or the country. In fact, this smaller breed Bull Terrier makes a great pet for people with smaller spaces, and like the Bull Terrier, he is a loving, devoted pet. He has an entertaining personality, is playful and energetic, making him a good watch dog.

However, even though he is small, he is always more than ready to take on any larger pets and therefore isn’t considered the greatest pet to have if you have other animals in the house. However, with excellent training and socialization, this handicap can be overcome.

German Longhaired Pointers are calm, friendly dogs who want to please their owners. They’re really intelligent too so training and socialization won’t be difficult with this bright dog.

Once trained, he makes an excellent, loyal and loving family pet. With a firm, kind, consistent type of owner, the German Longhaired Pointer is guaranteed to make you a wonderful pet.

The attractive Miniature Bull Terrier is just a small version of the regular Bull Terrier, and many people are drawn to them because they have all the spunk of the larger breed but are easier to manage. He is such an entertaining little dog and guarantees to make an excellent family companion. He is just longing to be involved in every family activity happening around him.

He becomes attached to his human family, but this deep bond between him and his family can lead to separation anxiety. Never leave him alone day after day in the backyard. You wouldn’t to that to one of your children, and he is a family member, albeit a 4-legged one.

Just like the standard Bull Terrier, the Miniature Bull Terrier is going to need firm training from a young age. Then he becomes an exceptional pet as he understand the boundaries in your particular home.

You’ll find that with an excellent diet and lots of love and care your German Longhaired Pointer can easily push 12 to 14 years of age.

If you’re a novice dog owner, talking with your vet will give you a good idea of how to feed your dog to ensure longevity.

No matter how vibrant and energetic your pet is, there may well come a day when he is lethargic, he just wants to lie, he doesn't want to eat and he doesn’t jump up to greet you. Then it’s time for concern and to get your 4-legged friend to the vet.

There are several health problems associated with dogs that are worth researching – hip dysplasia, skin allergies, progressive retinal atrophy, allergies and cataracts.

The Miniature Bull Terrier can live to be 10 to 12 years of age. Their most serious health issue is blindness which is caused by lens dislocation, showing up more or less after 3 years of age. With the white dogs, other breed health concerns can include congenital deafness and compulsive tail chasing.

Tail Chasing:

Some Bull Terriers develop a compulsive neurologic disorder where the dog turns round and round chasing his tail. As soon as you see this, try and distract him with an exciting game, because allowed to develop, it’s a habit that can become difficult to control.

Dental Disease:

This is a common problem with dogs and you need to watch that tartar build-up on the teeth which can lead to infection of the gums. Brush your pet’s teeth with special dog toothpaste and toothbrush 2 or 3 times a week so that he doesn’t lose any teeth. Bad teeth can affect other organs such as the kidneys and heart.

Diet:

German Longhaired Pointers have the same kind of nutritional needs as all other active working or sporting dog breeds. He needs high quality food, and if you feed him a commercially manufactured food, make sure its the best and that it has minerals and vitamins for active, large breeds. Most of the dog food companies have breed-specific formulas for size, age and activity levels of dogs.

Always ensure an ongoing supply of cool, fresh water is available to him.

Grooming:

The coat of the German Longhair can become matted and he will require brushing at least twice a week to keep the hair free of loose hairs as well as burrs that could lead to the coat becoming untidy and tangled. The ears will also have to be watched as thick matting can occur. Also check the inside of his ears to avoid dirt and wax build up which can lead to ear infections.

General grooming will also be reqired such as checking the length of the nails if they aren’t naturally worn down. Don’t neglect his teeth and brush 2 or 3x a week with canine toothpaste and toothbrush.

Exercise:

Your German Longhaired isn’t a dog who likes to spend his days lying round. He is energetic and loves to be on the go. From robust ball games to rope games, running with you as you go running, swimming or cycling, this dog can’t seem to get enough exercise and will want to be included in all your activities.

Grooming:

With his short, smooth coat, the Miniature Bull Terriers requires little grooming. He’ll need a good brush down twice a week to remove loose hairs.

Spaying or Neutering:

This is one of the best things you can do for your Bull Terrier if you don’t want them having puppies. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers too.

Diet:

Keep your dog’s diet consistent, varying between a top quality commercial produced dog food appropriate to his age. You can include home-made meat, vegetables and rice and some raw meat every now and then. Never feed him human-food such as peanuts, crisps and chocolate. Always have fresh, cool water available night and day.