Stryker

Australian Shepherds are a beautiful breed with merle coats, high energy, and and an obsession with being close to their families. These dogs are wonderful family companions, but be prepared to keep them active and occupied to avoid having a sad, destructive Aussie. Full-grown, they typically weigh 40-65 pounds and stand 18-23 inches tall.

Australian Shepherds are generally excellent with children of all ages. Australian Shepherds are great companion for kids and other pets, especially if they’re socialized as puppies. These dogs can be happy in warm or cool climates, but they need plenty of space to run and play and should have their primary living space indoors. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

Aussies need a lot of high-energy activities and mental stimulation to keep them happy. They’re the perfect exercise buddies, especially for families that like being outdoors. Take your Australian Shepherd for a run, hike, or a long play session in a big backyard to keep their hearts soaring and their minds sharp. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The Australian Shepherd has a dense undercoat and outer coat with medium to long hair that’s straight or slightly wavy. Aussies’ fur is short and soft on their head and legs, with a thick mane around the neck. These dogs can be black, red, red merle (dark patches on a light background), or blue merle, and some may have white markings or tan points too. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

Australian Shepherds are best suited for a home with a yard, though they can adapt to apartment life with enough exercise. These dogs can be happy in warm or cool climates, but they need plenty of space to run and play and should have their primary living space indoors. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.

German Short-haired Pointers are medium-large sized hunting dogs who also make excellent companions. They are loyal, loving, and protective. As long as they get plenty of exercise German Shorthaired Pointers are happy, family friendly dogs that fit right in with families who fill their calendar with lots of doggie-friendly outdoor activities. Full-grown, they typically weigh 45-70 pounds and stand 21-25 inches tall.

German Shorthaired Pointers are generally excellent with children of all ages. Families with other pets, especially small furry kittens, should know that German Short-haired Pointers don’t always distinguish between your pets and animals they want to hunt. They can learn to play nice with your other pets if they are raised around them, but you’ll always want to keep an eye out for aggressive play. They're moderate barkers — they'll alert you when something's up but aren't excessive.

You know that friend of yours who does triathlons? That’s the German Shorthaired Pointer. They need at least an hour of daily exercise to stay happy. Overall, their exercise needs are very high.

The German Short-haired Pointer never needs a raincoat because their hair repels water and keeps them warm in harsh conditions, but their coat does shed quite a bit. The shedding happens seasonally as they prepare their bodies for what nature will be throwing at them next. It’s best to brush them every week or so to keep their coat and skin healthy and to cut down on shedding. Grooming-wise, this breed is low-maintenance.

German Shorthaired Pointers are best suited for a house with a good-sized yard. German Short-haired Pointers need room to roam. They do not do well in apartments and prefer homes with big backyards where they can safely play. They are highly trainable and eager to learn.