Golden Retriever vs German Longhaired Pointer
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Golden Retriever
Sporting Group
German Longhaired Pointer
Foundation Stock Service
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Golden Retriever Overview
Golden Retrievers embody grace and athleticism with their sturdy, well-balanced frame and distinctive golden coat. Their broad head features intelligent dark eyes and a friendly expression, while their thick, water-repellent double coat comes in various golden shades. Known for their gentle mouth, developed for retrieving game without damage, these dogs combine strength with elegance in their fluid movement.
German Longhaired Pointer Overview
German Longhaired Pointers embody versatility with their athletic build and distinctive medium-length coat. Their balanced proportions combine strength with elegance, featuring a noble head, expressive eyes, and well-feathered tail. These dogs display a harmonious blend of power and grace in their movement, with their coat typically showing liver-colored patches on a white background.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Golden Retrievers are more energetic than German Longhaired Pointers, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Golden Retrievers require more grooming attention compared to German Longhaired Pointers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Golden Retrievers tend to be more outgoing with strangers than German Longhaired Pointers.
- Trainability: German Longhaired Pointers may be slightly easier to train due to their German Longhaired Pointer's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: German Longhaired Pointers adapt better to apartment living, while Golden Retrievers typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Golden Retriever and German Longhaired Pointer, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Golden Retriever | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 10-12 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Sporting Group | Foundation Stock Service |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Golden Retriever | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-24 inches 55-61 cm | 22-28 inches 56-71 cm |
| Weight | 55-75 lbs 25-34 kg | 55-80 lbs 25-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Unknown |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Golden Retriever | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Friendly, Intelligent, Devoted | Versatile, Calm, Family-Oriented |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Golden Retriever | German Longhaired Pointer |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Golden Retriever Temperament
The Golden Retriever is known for being friendly, intelligent, devoted, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They're typically friendly with strangers, making them poor guard dogs but excellent social companions. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
German Longhaired Pointer Temperament
The German Longhaired Pointer is characterized by being versatile, calm, family-oriented, which makes them great companions for families. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Golden Retriever and German Longhaired Pointer, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 5/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Golden Retriever
Rating: 5/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Golden Retriever
Rating: 1/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Golden Retriever
Rating: 3/5
German Longhaired Pointer
Rating: 2/5
Care & Maintenance
Golden Retriever Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Golden Retrievers require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Golden Retrievers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
German Longhaired Pointer Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
German Longhaired Pointers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, German Longhaired Pointers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Golden Retriever Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Heart Issues
- Cancer
German Longhaired Pointer Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Eye Problems
- Bloat
- Ear Infections
- Von Willebrand's
Pros & Cons
Golden Retriever
Pros
- Excellent family dog
- Highly trainable
- Great with children
- Friendly disposition
- Versatile working ability
Cons
- Heavy shedding
- High exercise needs
- Prone to health issues
- Can be mouthy
- Requires regular grooming
German Longhaired Pointer
Pros
- Excellent hunting companion
- Highly trainable
- Good family dog
- Versatile worker
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Regular grooming required
- Not suited for apartment living
- Strong hunting instincts
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Golden Retriever and German Longhaired Pointer, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.