Japanese Terrier vs German Longhaired Pointer - 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.

The Japanese Terrier is native to Japan and is a rare pure bred dog. It is believed that the dog comes from Smooth Fox Terriers who arrived way back in the 17th century.

Certainly he looks very much like a regular Fox Terrier. It is thought that these smooth Fox Terriers were then interbred with local, Japanese dogs and used to hunt rats. Gradually he became a lap dog and companion.

Planned breeding of the dog began in 1920, and it was in 1930 that the dog was admitted to the Japanese Kennel Club with a breeding program being started.

Today you will find the Japanese Terrier in his home country and small numbers elsewhere. He was admitted to the United Kennel Club in 2006.

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.

The Japanese Terrier is a small sized dog who stands at 20 – 33cm at the shoulders and weighs in at about 2 to 5kg.

He is a short, smooth haired dog with a tight skin and in colors of white and black. Sometimes you may find a little bit of tan color on the face too as well as 'freckles' around the neck area and legs. The black shading of the coat is essentially found around the head of the dog and also his ears.

His ears are set high on the head and are semi-erect, semi-floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving the dog a nice compact look but these days it is unfortunately often left long and then its a medium length tail which is thinly covered in short hair. The nose is black and the eye are brown, bright and alert.

Temperament:

Gentle, cheerful, intelligent, loving and loyal are some of the characteristics of the Japanese Terrier. People who have kept him as a pet will vouch for him being a wonderful companion.

He is an active dog, but he still loves to be petted and won’t do well if left alone and not part of his human family. Being a clever dog, he is easy to train, learning easily and quickly. He is quite amusing at times and you can even teach him some tricks.

He gets on well with other pets in the home as well as with children. He is alert and will make a good watchdog, alerting you to an intruder.

Because of the Japanese Terrier’s small size and sensitive nature, this breed needs a calm owner and a quiet household. It is not recommended for boisterous households.

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.

As a pet of yours, the Japanese Terrier is an animated, contented little dog. He loves playing games and gets on well with children who aren't rough and disrespectful of him.

He is smart and gentle and loves nothing more than to sit on your lap in the evenings and be your reading- or watching-TV companion. Give him the right amount of attention as any other family member receives and he is guaranteed to make you an excellent, low maintenance pet.

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 Japanese Terrier has no particular health issues and has a lifespan of 12 – 15 years if looked after well.

There are always one or two illnesses to watch out for such as eye- and ear infections. Some dogs also develop conditions such as Patella Luxation. This happens when your dog's kneecap is dislocated. It can only be returned to its normal position when certain muscles in the back legs are relaxed and lengthened.

With this condition, your dog holds up one of his hind legs. This condition is more prevalent in small dog breeds.

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.

The Japanese Terrier is an active dog and will require exercise every day. He’ll love to join you on your walks or have ball games in your garden. He can adapt to life in the city or in the country but will always need to have good exercise.

Grooming:

The Japanese Terrier is a medium shedder and you want to be sure then to brush him twice a week to get rid of all those loose hairs.

Diet:

The Japanese Terriers will require the best commercially manufactured dog food, and instead of one large meal a day, rather feed him 2 smaller meals. You can mix some tasty home-made food into his dry kibble from time to time. Excellent home-made food would be something like cooked chicken, brown rice or pasta and some vegetables.

If you can, try to also include some raw meat occasionally. If you’re in any doubt as to how to feed your Japanese Terrier so that he remains healthy, speak to your veterinarian.

Your dog should never ever be without a continuous supply of fresh, cool drinking water.