German Shorthaired Pointer vs Golden Retriever

Sporting · Large vs Sporting · Large

Quick take
  • Golden Retriever is the larger breed at 65–75 lbs (males) vs 55–70 lbs for the German Shorthaired Pointer.
  • The German Shorthaired Pointer sheds less.

Side-by-side traits

TraitGerman Shorthaired PointerGolden Retriever
Group
SportingSporting
Size
LargeLarge
Origin
GermanyScotland
Height (male)
23–25"23–24"
Height (female)
21–23"21.5–22.5"
Weight (male)
55–70 lbs65–75 lbs
Weight (female)
45–60 lbs55–65 lbs
Lifespan
Average expected lifespan.
10–12 years10–12 years
Energy level
Daily activity needs.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Trainability
How quickly the breed learns commands.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Intelligence
Problem-solving ability.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Exercise needs
Daily physical activity required.
Very High (5/5)Very High (5/5)
Shedding
Lower = less hair around your home.
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Grooming effort
Brushing, bathing, professional grooming.
Very Low (1/5)Moderate (3/5)
Drooling
Lower = drier face and furniture.
Very Low (1/5)Low (2/5)
Barking
How vocal the breed is.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Good with kids
High (4/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with other dogs
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Good with strangers
Moderate (3/5)Very High (5/5)
Protectiveness
Watchdog tendencies.
Moderate (3/5)Low (2/5)
Adaptability
Apartment / new environment tolerance.
Moderate (3/5)High (4/5)
Coat length
shortmedium
Hypoallergenic
Lower-shedding, less dander.
NoNo
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About the German Shorthaired Pointer

The German Shorthaired Pointer is a friendly, smart, willing-to-please all-around hunting and family dog with a liver-spotted coat. Originally from Germany, this large sporting breed typically weighs 55–70 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, smart, willing to please.

About the Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is a friendly, intelligent, devoted gundog — the all-American family dog with a golden coat. Originally from Scotland, this large sporting breed typically weighs 65–75 lbs and lives 10–12 years. Breeders describe them as friendly, intelligent, devoted.

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German Shorthaired Pointer health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bloat
  • Eye conditions
  • Lymphedema

Golden Retriever health

Common health concerns reported in this breed:

  • Cancer
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Heart disease
  • Skin conditions