PuppyBase

German Longhaired Pointer vs Saluki

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

Perfect Puppy Quiz · 5 questions · 90 seconds

Not sure which breed fits your life?

Answer five questions about your home, your schedule, and your tolerance for shedding. We’ll match you to your top three breeds from over 200.

The bottom line

German Longhaired Pointer vs Saluki

You don’t see German Longhaired Pointers and Salukis side by side at dog parks. these are rare breeds with very different rhythms. But people compare them because they’re both long-legged, graceful, and built for speed across open land. Both thrive where they can stretch out, whether it’s a field or a fenced acreage. That’s where the similarities end. The German Longhaired Pointer is your hunting partner who doubles as a family dog. He’s eager to please, easy to train, and bonds tightly with kids. He wants to be involved, whether you're tracking birds or grilling in the backyard. He sheds a fair amount and needs consistent mental work. this isn't a dog you can just feed and forget. He’s also not ideal for apartments. You need space, activity, and time. The Saluki is more like a dignified poet who occasionally sprints at 40 mph. Bred to spot and chase prey in desert winds, he’s independent, sensitive, and not as responsive to commands. He’ll lean on you, even curl up in your lap, but he won’t follow you room to room like a Labrador. He’s quiet, low-shedding, and emotionally deep. but if your yard isn’t escape-proof, he’s gone. And if you’re new to dogs, his quirks (like anesthesia sensitivity) can catch you off guard. Here’s the real talk: the German Longhaired Pointer is a team player. The Saluki is a solo artist who tolerates being part of your life. Choose the Pointer if you want a trainable, family-involved hunting companion. Choose the Saluki if you appreciate a quiet, elegant runner who loves you on his terms. And no, that fence isn’t "probably good enough." It has to be bulletproof.

German Longhaired Pointer
Saluki
22–28 in
Height
23–28 in
55–80 lb
Weight
40–65 lb
12–14 yr
Lifespan
10–17 yr
$1.2–3.0k
Puppy price
$1.5–4.0k
AKC popularity
#120

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 Saluki
Overlay

Where they diverge

Good with Young Children
German Longhaired Pointer is better with kids (2-point difference)
German
Watchdog / Protective
German Longhaired Pointer is more protective (2-point difference)
German
Trainability
German Longhaired Pointer is easier to train (2-point difference)
German
Affectionate w/ Family
Saluki is more affectionate (1-point difference)
Saluki
Good with Other Dogs
German Longhaired Pointer is better with other dogs (1-point difference)
German
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 Saluki if…

  • Active owners with running space
  • Experienced sighthound owners
  • Those wanting an elegant, quiet breed
  • You value affectionate w/ familySaluki 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
Saluki Owner’s Guide
Everything you need before bringing your Saluki 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

Other comparisons people run