Read on to know in detail about Weimaraner vs. GSP.
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Pets have always formed an imperative aspect part of human life, being a truthful companion, perfect stress-busters, and of course, fabulous friends. The love for pets, especially dogs, has run for a long time since the inception of the human race.
Dogs top the charts when it comes to categorizing highly faithful pets. Do you know that approximately 1.6 million dogs get adopted in the USA every year[1]? Well, that is quite a number for sure! Are you also seeing a perfect breed of dog to adopt?
There are two major breeds, Weimaraner and GSP or German Shorthaired Pointer, which people consider adopting. These are the two breeds between which people often feel confused about whom to bring back home.
Let us talk about these two breeds in detail and draw a comparison between Weimaraner and GSP.
Weimaraner vs. GSP: An Overview
The question that arises at this point is, how can you differentiate between the two breeds?
Well, The German Shorthaired Pointer enjoys the reputation of being not only an astute and loyal canine, but it is popular for being active as well. Thus, it is advisable to get them their daily quota of physical activities to keep them healthy and going.
As far as its physical characteristics go, GSP has a short, tough, and rough coat. Moreover, it is known for its lively personality that makes it stand apart from the crowd when it comes to different dog breeds.
On the other hand, the Weimaraner has earned the name of “Gray Ghost” for possessing exquisite yet comforting silver-gray fur. As per experts, Weimaraner is definitely among the distinguished and ingenious dog breeds present. Besides, its major personality aspects make it friendly, loyal, as well as highly curious.
The Weimaraner is among affectionate breeds in the company of their humans, especially its owners. Thus, if you seek a canine that you would like to spend most of your quality time with, then Weimaraner is your answer.
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Weimaraner vs. GSP: Appearance
Both these breeds look strikingly similar. Thus, many people often get confused between the two. Both the breeds possess long and floppy ears that have a velvety appearance.
Physical Traits
But, the GSP is graceful and slender. The Weimaraner, on the other hand, is robust as well as strong and muscular. Thus, you can choose between the two depending upon your love for slenderness or strength.
Fur Color
The second major aspect of the difference in the physical appearance of the two breeds is their fur color. When on the one hand, Weimaraners have grey, and blue shades of fur along with amber-colored eyes, the GSP, on the other hand, possesses either solid, piebald, or roan patterns.
Build
The German Shorthaired Pointers are usually tall and come in large, medium sizes, whereas Weimaraner is usually larger than its counterpart.
GSP Male has an average weight of 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) & Female has 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg). In Weimaraner, Male has an average weight of 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) & Female has 57.5 pounds (26 kg).
GSP Male has an average height of 23-25 inches (59-64 cm) & Female has 21-23 inches (53-58 cm). In Weimaraner, Males have an average height of 24 inches (65 cm), whereas females have a height of 23.5 inches (59.5 cm).
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Weimaraner vs. GSP: History
The German Shorthaired Pointer emerged in Germany in the 1600s by crossing different breeds, like the Spanish Pointers and the English Pointers, to create a breed possessing effective skills for hunting, searching, etc.
Moreover, in the 1800s, the German Shorthaired Pointer received its final recognition, and ultimately, it gained a good reputation among German hunters.
The Weimaraner’s origin dates back to the 19th century, and the breed’s ancestors belong to Weimar’s honorable aristocrats.
Weimaraner vs. GSP: Characteristics
- Temperament: GSP is of high-spirited, affectionate, bold, intelligent, supportive, and trainable nature, whereas Weimaraner is Self-willed, socially aloof, fast, alert, intelligent, energetic, and powerful nature.
- Social needs: GSP has average social interaction needs, but Weimaraner requires a lot of social interaction.
- Barking: GSP barking is a normal vocal quotient, whereas Weimaraner is of the high vocal breed.
- Territorial: Both GSP & Weimaraner belong to the family of average defenders.
- Apartment Friendly: Both of them are not apartment-friendly dogs.
- Attraction towards roaming around: Both the breeds enjoy traveling around and exploring their surroundings. Thus, be aware, as you can find both of them having an impulse to wander around.
- Biting Potential: Both share a low chance of biting somebody.
- Watchdog Ability: Both of them are average watchdogs.
- Affection Quotient: Both the breeds share a genuinely loyal reputation and are greatly affectionate towards their caretakers.
- Sensitivity quotient: Among the two breeds, GSP is highly sensitive. On the other hand, Weimaraner often does not like following an irregular daily routine and ample guest visits.
- Adaptability: Both of them can adapt well to changes in lifestyle and different living environments.
- Tolerates Being Left Alone: Both of them suffer from separation anxiety, prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they are left alone by their owner because they bond very closely with them.
- Fighting Dog: None of these breeds have been used in combats.
Weimaraner vs. GSP: Hair & Care
- Colors: GSP features Roan Liver White Black, whereas Weimaraner has Blue Silver Gray.
- Grooming: Both require effortless & minimal grooming.
- Shedding Level: Both shed moderately.
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Weimaraner vs. GSP: Friendly Nature
- Stranger Friendly: Weimaraners are more stranger-friendly dogs than GSP.
- Child Friendly: Unlike Weimaraners, GSP is the most kid-friendly dog.
- Cat Friendly: Whereas Weimaraners are cat-friendly dogs, but GSP is not cat-friendly.
- Dog Friendly: Both of them share a Dog-Friendly nature.
- Office Friendliness: It is advisable not to bring both breeds to your workplace.
- Pet Friendly: Whereas Weimaraners are usually friendly towards other pets, GSP behaves best when they’re the only pet.
- Therapy Dog: We don’t recommend either of them as therapy dogs.
Weimaraner vs. GSP: Health Factors
- Health Issues: Unlike German Shorthaired Pointers, which are commonly healthy dogs, Weimaraners tend to face frequent health issues.
- Life Expectancy: GSP has an average life span of 12-14 years, whereas Weimaraners lead a life of about 10-12 years.
- Energy Level: Both are high-energy dogs.
- Exercise Need: Both require a lot of exercises.
- Sleeping Need: Both of them don’t need too much sleep.
- Average daily food consumption: Whereas GSP’s food requisites include 3 to 4 cups of dry food throughout the day, divided into two perfect meals, Weimaraner’s average food consumption is 2.5 to 3 cups per day, which you can divide into two meals.
- Weight Gain Potential: It’s Average for GSP, but Weimaraner has Low to Average potential.
- Weather & Climate: GSP can’t tolerate cold weather conditions and prefers average to warm weather conditions, whereas Weimaraner can tolerate warm and cold weather.
- Bad Odor: Both dog breeds have an average chance of bad smell.
- Drooling tendency: Unlike Weimaraner, which drools quite a lot, GSP has a low drooling tendency.
Weimaraner vs. GSP: Reproducibility
- Gestation Length: Both of them have gestation lengths of 60-64 days.
- How often can they have a litter? Once a year as more frequent breeding is not healthy for either of them.
- Litter Size: It’s about 7-12 puppies.
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Final Words
Reading the comparison mentioned above between the two dog breeds, you can easily choose between them. There may also be other considerations. Foremost, both breeds are simply perfect for first-time owners as they both are people-friendly dogs.
Besides, you can rest assured to keep both the breeds around your kids. Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and Weimaraner do not ask for much grooming and are thus immensely loved. You will have a loyal friend, companion, and playmate when you choose either of these two.
References:
[1] Pet Statistics | Shelter Intake and Surrender | ASPCA