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German Longhaired Pointer vs Lakeland Terrier

Side-by-side comparison across all 14 AKC trait ratings, with a clear verdict on which breed fits which kind of household.

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The bottom line

German Longhaired Pointer vs Lakeland Terrier

You’re probably comparing these two because they’re both energetic, outdoorsy dogs with a certain rugged charm. But that’s where the similarities end. Think of it this way: the German Longhaired Pointer is your all-terrain family SUV, built for long days in the field and steady companionship, while the Lakeland Terrier is the feisty little off-road jeep. compact, scrappy, and built to dig into problems, literally and figuratively. If you’re a hunter or an active family with space to roam, the German Longhaired Pointer will slot right in. They’re calm in the house but explode with focus when outdoors, and they genuinely enjoy being around kids. Their trainability is top-tier, so if you want a dog that’ll pick up commands fast and work beside you, this is your breed. But you need room. A yard isn’t enough. They need miles. trails, fields, lakes. Apartment life? Forget it. They’ll turn your coffee table into a chew toy. The Lakeland, on the other hand, is a pocket-sized dynamo. They don’t need acres, just daily adventure. They’re bold, affectionate with their people, and great for allergy sufferers thanks to their low shedding. But here’s the real talk: they’re terriers. That means stubborn. If you’re not confident in training or don’t understand terrier quirks, you’ll lose the battle of wills. And if you have a cat or a hamster? Good luck. They were bred to chase and dispatch vermin, so that instinct doesn’t vanish with a leash. One insight the data won’t tell you: the German Longhaired Pointer thrives on partnership. They want to be your co-pilot. The Lakeland? They’re more like a mischievous sidekick. they’ll follow your lead, but only if they agree with the plan. Pick the Pointer if you want a loyal, trainable partner in outdoor life. Pick the Lakeland if you want a spirited companion who keeps you on your toes.

German Longhaired Pointer
Lakeland Terrier
22–28 in
Height
14–15 in
55–80 lb
Weight
15–17 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
12–15 yr
$1.2–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–3.5k
AKC popularity
#147

Trait-by-trait

Higher bar = more of that trait. Shedding, barking, drooling, grooming flipped for readability.
Affectionate w/ Family
Good with Young Children
Good with Other Dogs
Shedding Level
Coat Grooming
Drooling Level
Good with Strangers
Playfulness
Watchdog / Protective
Adaptability
Trainability
Energy Level
Barking Level
Mental Stimulation Needs
AffectionGood w/ KidsGood w/ DogsShedding LevelGroomingDrooling LevelGood w/ StrangersPlayfulnessProtectiveAdaptabilityTrainabilityEnergy LevelBarking LevelMental Stim.
German Longhaired Pointer Lakeland Terrier
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
German Longhaired Pointer is better with kids (2-point difference)
German
Trainability
German Longhaired Pointer is easier to train (2-point difference)
German
Affectionate w/ Family
Lakeland Terrier is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Lakeland
Good with Other Dogs
German Longhaired Pointer is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
German
Shedding Level
Lakeland Terrier sheds less (1-point difference)
Lakeland
The verdict

Choose the German Longhaired Pointer if…

  • Hunters
  • Active families
  • Rural living
  • You value good with young childrenGerman Longhaired Pointer scores noticeably higher.

Choose the Lakeland Terrier if…

  • Active owners
  • Experienced terrier handlers
  • Allergy sufferers
  • You value affectionate w/ familyLakeland Terrier scores higher here.
German Longhaired Pointer Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your German Longhaired Pointer home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide
Lakeland Terrier Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Lakeland Terrier home.
Breed variants, breeder red flags, and what to ask
First-week checklist and daily schedules by age
Training timeline from 8 weeks to adulthood
Health screenings, emergency card, and feeding portions
Grooming schedule, first-year costs, and what nobody tells you
Get Your Guide

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