English Setter vs German Shorthaired Pointer

Side-by-side comparison — size, temperament, traits, costs, and health

English Setter
Category
German Shorthaired Pointer

📏 Physical Stats

45 - 80
Weight (lbs)
45 - 70
24 - 25
Height (inches)
21 - 25
12 - 14 years
Life Expectancy
12 - 14 years
Sporting
Breed Group
Sporting
England
Origin
Germany
Bird setting, retrieving
Bred For
General hunting

⚡ Temperament & Traits

Scores are 1–5 from breed data. Higher = more of that trait. Barking: lower is quieter.

4/5
Energy Level
5/5
Better
3/5
Trainability
5/5
Better
5/5
Good with Children
5/5
5/5
Good with Other Dogs
5/5
3/5
Grooming Needs
3/5

💰 Cost of Ownership

Based on breed-specific cost data at a moderate care level — quality food, routine vet, occasional grooming, standard insurance. Actual costs vary by location and provider.

Annual Cost
$2,844
English Setter
vs
Annual Cost
$2,563
German Shorthaired Pointer
English Setter
Expense
German Shorthaired Pointer
$2,844
Annual Cost
$2,563
Lower ✓
$3,564
First Year
$3,283
Lower ✓
$37,692
Lifetime Total
$34,039
Lower ✓
$780
Food (annual)
$780
$735
Vet Care (annual)
$630
Lower ✓
$440
Grooming (annual)
$264
Lower ✓
$864
Insurance (annual)
$864
$72
Insurance (monthly)
$72

Over their lifetimes, a German Shorthaired Pointer (~13 yrs) costs approximately $3,653 less than a English Setter (~13 yrs) in total.

🏥 Health Considerations

Health conditions listed are common concerns for these breeds or breed groups. Not every dog will develop these conditions. Regular vet check-ups are the best prevention.

🐾 Temperament

English Setter

Strong Willed, Mischievous, Affectionate, Energetic, Playful, Companionable, Gentle, Hard-working, Intelligent, Eager, People-Oriented, Curious, Friendly

German Shorthaired Pointer

Boisterous, Bold, Affectionate, Intelligent, Cooperative, Curious, Friendly, Playful, Gentle, Loyal, Brave