Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Australian Cattle Dog |  German Wirehaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Developed in nineteenth-century New South Wales by crossing British working droving dogs, most famously Thomas Hall's smooth collie-based 'Hall's Heelers', with later infusions of Dalmatian, Kelpie and possibly the native dingo. The result was a durable, low-slung heeler able to work cattle over enormous distances in punishing heat. | Germany |
| Group | Pastoral | Gundog |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Coat | Short, dense double coat in blue or blue-mottled, or red speckle, often with tan markings | Harsh wiry double coat with beard and eyebrows |
| Weight | 14 to 20 kg | 25 to 32 kg |
| Height | 43 to 51 cm | 60 to 68 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 16 yrs | 12 to 14 yrs |
| Exercise need | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Affection | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Grooming needs | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Barking | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Good with children | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Trainability | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Prey drive | 6/10 | 9/10 |
| Copes alone | 5/10 | 4/10 |
| Drool | 1/10 | 2/10 |
| Shedding | 6/10 | 4/10 |
| Flat fit | 4/10 | 3/10 |
| Running cost | €139 / month | €103 / month |
Australian Cattle Dog verdict
The tireless farm brain built to walk further than you can.
Get one if
- · Working-sport and herding-trial homes that want a genuine partner
- · Very active singles and couples who run, hike or bike daily
- · Experienced owners prepared to train and socialise seriously
Think again if
- · Sedentary homes, or anyone hoping a garden will do the exercise
- · First-time owners wanting an easy, forgiving companion
- · Households with cats or small pets the dog has not been raised with
German Wirehaired Pointer verdict
A rugged, driven gundog built for all weather and all day.
Get one if
- · Active, outdoorsy owners and country homes
- · People interested in gundog work, canicross or long-distance running
- · Experienced owners who enjoy training
Think again if
- · Sedentary or busy households
- · Homes with cats or small pets, unless raised together and managed
- · First-time owners wanting an easy dog