East German Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison

East German Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed ComparisonEnglish Pointer is originated from United Kingdom but East German Shepherd is originated from Germany. Both English Pointer and East German Shepherd are having almost same height. English Pointer may weigh 6 kg / 13 pounds lesser than East German Shepherd. Both English Pointer and East German Shepherd has almost same life span. Both English Pointer and East German Shepherd has almost same litter size. English Pointer requires Low Maintenance. But East German Shepherd requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Herding dogs
undefined
United Kingdom
Germany
Height Male:
56 - 70 cm
22 - 28 inches
60 - 65 cm
23 - 26 inches
Height Female:
53 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
55 - 60 cm
21 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 34 kg
39 - 75 pounds
29 - 40 kg
63 - 89 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
23 - 33 kg
50 - 73 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 10
4 - 9
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
English Pointer, Pointer
East German Shepherd Dog, DDR, EGSD
Colors Available:
Black, Black & White, Lemon & White, Liver, Orange & White, Liver & White
grey with darker shading, brown and yellow to light grey markings; single-coloured black, are black with reddish-brown, black saddle and mask
Coat:
short, smooth and shiny
double, dense
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Gentle, Independent, Loyal, Protective, Sweet
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Independent, Loving, Protective, Social
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
No

History

english pointerWe can find records for pointers from 17th century. Breeds such as Old Spanish and Portuguese Pointer were set in to England from European Mainland. In 1800s they were brought to America and then they slowly developed their hunting skills and in 1910 they became an excellent bird hunter. In 1936 Modern American Kennel was established and they bred pointers in large quantities. They are very popular in southern United States and are called as "bird dog". Pointers are good in hunting birds like pheasant and grouse. They got their name because of their special skills in hunting.

east german shepherdThe East German Shepherd is a line of the German Shepherd Dog breed. The German Shepherd Dog came about when the three types of “continental shepherd dogs” separated into the Dutch Shephers, German Shepherd and Belgian Shepherd. In the 1800’s it was local shepherds who bred their dogs and selected the traits they needed in their geography. The result was dogs in various local areas who all could herd and guard flocks; who were intelligent, strong, fast and had a good sense of smell, but their appearance and skills varied from town to town. The changes in Germany from agriculture and sheep to industrial cities rendered the German Sheep Dog obsolete. But was it really? Many felt the dog could be a good working dog in the cities as well but needed some refinement in the breed according to Max von Stephanite. At a dog show in 1899, he found what he wanted – the perfect working dog.Stephanitz bought the dog and founded the Society for the German Shepherd. (Verein fur Deutsch Schaferhunde) Stephanitz is considered the developer of the German Shepherd Dog.

The East German Shepherd is a line of the same breed. There are several different lines of the German Shepherd Dog, with slight difference for the reason they were bred. For instance, the German Shepherd Dog is bred for looks while the East German Shepherd is bred to be a working dog. Often called a DDR German Shepherd, they came about from the Deutsche Democratic Republic or the Republic of East Germany. For about 40 years in East Germany these dogs were bred only within the DDR bloodline.

The East German Shepherd is stronger, heavier boned, leaner, more muscular and solid. During the time of the Berlin Wall, from 1961-1989, there were few German Shepherds for breeding stock on either side of the wall, but especially in the East. There the government controlled the development of the breed. They developed a separate registry for the DDR – East German Shepherd. With such strict standards for a perfect working dog and such little breeding stock, the only dogs allowed to reproduce were the ones that passed a rigorous test and were deemed perfect working dogs.

In West Germany they continued to breed for appearance. The West German Shepherd are the most popular ones and are usually simply called German Shepherds. The show dogs of today and the American line came from the West.

Preserving the East German Shepherd today is important and difficult. It means preserving not improving. The Strength of the East German Shepherd is their body line and style, Today’s breeder must maintain this while making sure there is enough diversity in the gene pool to keep the line healthy without losing its body style and working temperament. It is important that the East German Shepherd have a straight back rather than the sloping one of the German Shepherd Dog or the American lines of the GSD. The working dog is also more aggressive and has a much higher work drive than any of the other German Shepherd Dogs lines.

Description

english pointer puppy - descriptionPointer has a long head and its body is perfectly suitable for hunting. In hunting the pointers shows hunter the direction of the bird and also they will go and get them after they were shot. They are well known for their speed, energy and continuous working. Pointers are also a good companion dog and love the family members so much. It is very easy to groom them as they have short coat. They are very alert and excellent watch dog.

If pointer is not set in huntng then they should be given lots of exercise daily. Pointers love to play and run with children. They will give a good company for cyclists. Pointers show their talents in dog shows especially in obedience and field trials. They will not worry about the crowd surrounding them and performs well. In performing at public, pointer will show perfect attention to its master. Pointer must be trained slowly from its puppyhood to get good results.

east german shepherd puppy - descriptionWhat are the differences between the German Shepherd Dog (GSD) and the East German Shepherd? The East German Shepherd has a straight back and a larger bone structure. He has a very large and block shaped head with a lean, athletic build. His lips are taunt and dark, and his nose must be black. He has a scissor bite and strong teeth. His eyes are medium sized almonds that are slanted slightly. The eyes are also very dark. His ears are erect and not too big. His legs, haunches and feet must all be coordinated so that he trots rather than runs.

Characteristics

Special talents

english pointer dog - characteristicsPointer is a wonderful kid friendly dog and a nice companion. Also he is very energetic,fun-loving and an excellent watchdog. Pointers are very courageous as well as obedient. They can work for a very long time. Early socialization will make them with a good behaviour.

Adaptability

They will be happy if they are given a fenced yard to play and spend their natural energy. They will not have a good behaviour in apartment living. Pointers always likes to be with some one in his family. They are suitable for areas having hot weather and they will not do better in cold weather.

Learning ability

Pointers have very high intelligence and thus they are very easy to train. Good behaviours must be taught to them and the main word they must learn is "NO". They should stop what they are doing when they hear the word "NO" from you. "Sit" is another important word they should learn. Training should be given friendly and not compelling them to do it. Giving reward to them will make them happy and give more interest in training.

east german shepherd dog - characteristicsThe East German Shepherd is a well- balanced dog. He is sure of himself, friendly, loyal and wants to please his owner. He is intelligent, resilient and attentive. He will make a great family pet. He is aggressive with a high prey drive but that can be tempered with good socialization and training. He is easy to train.

Health Problems

english pointer puppies - health problemsPointers face health problems such as gastric torsion, hypothyroidism and canine hip dysplasia. Overweight will also lead to many health problems in them. Other problems seen in them are cardiomyopathy, ectropion and progressive retinal atrophy.

Hair fall

They have the chances to get several skin disorders which leads to hairfall. Follicular Dysplasia is a hereditary disorder which causes hairfall. Special shampoos or lotion to combat the dry skin should be used to overcome this problem.

east german shepherd puppies - health problemsBecause the East German Shepherd line has been isolated behind the Berlin Wall, there are not many genetic health issues in the line. Most importantly the East German Shepherd shows no hip dysplasia which plagues most GSD. There are a couple of situations to look out for. They are:

  • Bloat

A life threatening issue that must be addressed immediately for fear of death. Bloat is caused when a larger dog with a deep chest eats too large a meal before or after strenuous exercise, eats too fast, or drinks too much water. The stomach distends with air or gas and twists. Sometimes it is completely inverted. Get help fast or your dog will die.

Caring The Pet

Feeding the puppy

english pointer dogs - caringNormally puppies require more food when compared with adult to meet their growth needs. The food given to the pointer puppy must contain vitamins, carbohydrates and minerals. Also the food given to his mother should be continued to the puppy as to avoid digestive problems for the puppy. If it is needed to change the food then it should be done in a step by step process.

Feeding the adult

Pointer can be fed one or two times a day. Usally small meal is given in morning and full meal will be given in the evening. But in case if they will be left alone for the whole day then morning food shall be a full meal. They can be fed meat of goat, pork, fish and woodcock. Brown rice is a good food for pointer.

Points for Good Health

Pointers will be happy if they are always with their family. They enjoy when they are taken outside for playing or camping. Puppies don't need much exercise as adults need. Adults should not be fed too much as it will lead to overweight.

Games and Exercises

When pointer is given proper exercises and training they will be a very good mannered dog. They are very active and intelligent dogs and hence require exercise and training regularly. The breed was developed to be a hunting dog and can work continuously in a day. Pointers should be exercised a minimum of an hour per day. They will be happy to run along with your bicycle and playing frisbee with you.

Feeding

east german shepherd dogs - caringBecause these dogs were bred to work you need to feed them a high quality dry food, made for working dogs. It needs to have a good amount of calcium and glucosamine. Feed about 3-4 cups per day divided into 2 feeding times.

Health issues

In addition to bloat as mentioned above, the East German Shepherd can also have both air born, and food born allergies. These are easily treated by your veterinarian.

Exercise and games

The East German Shepherd is a high energy, high activity dog so you have some for him. He is agile and athletic. He needs serious exercise and a job is essential. If you can’t give an East German Shepherd a job, then don’t get this dog. He loves tracking and has a high prey drive. Keep him trained, challenged and working. Try tracking and herding trials, obedience, agility, fly ball and bar hunt.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. East German Shepherd vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. East German Shepherd vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. East German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. East German Shepherd vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. East German Shepherd vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. East German Shepherd vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. East German Shepherd vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. East German Shepherd vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. East German Shepherd vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. East German Shepherd vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. East German Shepherd vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. East German Shepherd vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. East German Shepherd vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. East German Shepherd vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. East German Shepherd vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. East German Shepherd vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. East German Shepherd vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. East German Shepherd vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. East German Shepherd vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. East German Shepherd vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. East German Shepherd vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. East German Shepherd vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. East German Shepherd vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. East German Shepherd vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. East German Shepherd vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. English Pointer vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. English Pointer vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. English Pointer vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. English Pointer vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. English Pointer vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. English Pointer vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. English Pointer vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. English Pointer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English Pointer vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. English Pointer vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. English Pointer vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Siberian Husky vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Doberman Pinscher vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  39. American Bully vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  40. Abruzzenhund vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  41. Affenpinscher vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  42. Afghan Hound vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  43. Aidi vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  44. Airedale Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  45. Akbash Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  46. Akita vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  47. Africanis vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  48. Askal vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  49. Atlas Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  50. Aussie Poo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison