German Shorthaired Pointer vs Shiba Inu

Sporting · Large vs Non-Sporting · Small

Quick take
  • German Shorthaired Pointer is the larger breed at 55–70 lbs (males) vs 23 lbs for the Shiba Inu.
  • The Shiba Inu typically lives longer (13–16 years).
  • The German Shorthaired Pointer has higher daily energy needs.
  • The German Shorthaired Pointer sheds less.
  • The German Shorthaired Pointer is generally more trainable.

Side-by-side traits

TraitGerman Shorthaired PointerShiba Inu
Group
SportingNon-Sporting
Size
LargeSmall
Origin
GermanyJapan
Height (male)
23–25"14.5–16.5"
Height (female)
21–23"13.5–15.5"
Weight (male)
55–70 lbs23 lbs
Weight (female)
45–60 lbs17 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–12 years13–16 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)Low (2/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)High (4/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Moderate (3/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Very Low (1/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Moderate (3/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
shortmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly, smart, willing-to-please all-around hunting and family dog with a liver-spotted coat. Originally from Germany, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–70 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, smart, willing to please.

About the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is an alert, active, attentive small Spitz — Japan's most popular national dog and the original 'doge' meme. Originally from Japan, this small non-sporting breed typically weighs 23 lbs and lives 13–16 years. Breeders describe them as alert, active, attentive.

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German Shorthaired Pointer health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye conditions
  • Lymphedema

Shiba Inu health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Patellar luxation
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Eye disorders
  • Allergies