Breed Comparison: German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Goldendoodle

Last Updated: Jun 20, 2022

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German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Goldendoodle: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the German Shorthaired Pointer and for the Goldendoodle. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Goldendoodle.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle: Overview

A very important difference between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog while the Goldendoodle is a large-sized dog.

Furthermore, the German Shorthaired Pointer belongs to the Sporting Dogs group. Sporting Dogs were bred to help hunters catch and retrieve feathered game. Some sporting dog breeds such as Retrievers, which were built for swimming, were bred to hunt waterfowl in water. Whereas sporting dog breeds like setters, spaniels, and pointing breeds were bred to hunt quail, pheasant, and other game birds nest on grasslands. Many Sporting Group breeds have thick, water-repellent coats that protect them from harsh hunting conditions.

On the other hand, the Goldendoodle belongs to the Hybrid Dogs group. Hybrid Dogs are the offspring of 2 or more known, but different, dog breeds.

German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Shorthaired Pointer to the Goldendoodle based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle

FactorGerman Shorthaired PointerGoldendoodle
Adapts Well To Apartment Living1/51/5
Tolerates Being Alone1/53/5
Height1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder
Life Span12 to 15 years10 to 15 years
Good For Novice Owners2/54/5
Tolerates Cold Weather2/53/5
Does NOT Shed4/54/5
Does NOT Drool4/55/5
Friendly Toward Strangers3/54/5
General Health3/53/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight3/53/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl3/53/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor3/53/5
Easygoing2/52/5
Tolerates Hot Weather4/53/5
Dog Friendly4/55/5
Does NOT chew on things2/55/5
Weight45 to 70 pounds50 to 90 pounds
Affectionate With Family5/55/5
Kid-Friendly5/55/5
Easy To Groom5/54/5
Easy To Train5/54/5
Intelligence5/55/5
Low Prey Drive1/55/5
Tendency NOT to Wander1/53/5
NOT Rambunctious1/52/5
Minimal Exercise Needs1/51/5
Potential For Playfulness5/55/5
Average Lifespan13.5 years12.5 years
Average Price$1140$2160
Price Range$800 – $1300$1500 – $2500
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation – min age 24 months
  • Cone Degeneration
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination – annual exams until age 6 recommended
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data
    *Data from AKC.org (The American Kennel Club),dogtime.com, OFA.org (The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals), petcalculator.com, wikipedia.org, ATTS.org (The American Temperament Test Society)

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Shorthaired Pointer in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Goldendoodle. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the German Shorthaired Pointer is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Goldendoodle is 90 out of 125.

    Despite the higher Better-Pet score of the Goldendoodle, we still believe that the German Shorthaired Pointer is a better pet than the Goldendoodle.

    This is because German Shorthaired Pointers are much cuter but you cannot put a score on cuteness. If you could put a score on cuteness, then the German Shorthaired Pointer will come out on top.

    Also, we are biased in favor of the German Shorthaired Pointer :-). We are for the German Shorthaired Pointer. So get a German Shorthaired Pointer!

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle

    Below is a list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle are most different:

  • German Shorthaired Pointers are prone to nip and chew at things. However, Goldendoodles are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • German Shorthaired Pointers have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets. However, Goldendoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get along well with other pets.
  • The Similarities Between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle

    The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle are most similar:

  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle are easily disturbed by noise in their environments. They are sensitive to human tone. They will understand the tone of your voice when you try to correct their behaviors with a firm tone.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle are very playful.
  • Size Comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer weighs 45 to 70 pounds when fully grown. The German Shorthaired Pointer is 1 foot, 9 inches to 2 feet, 1 inch tall at the sho when fully grown.

    On the other hand, the Goldendoodle weighs 50 to 90 pounds when fully grown. The Goldendoodle is 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Size of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Size of Goldendoodle

    Appearance (Colors) of the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle

    German Shorthaired Pointer Colors

    The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Bicolor
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    The German Shorthaired Pointer comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Gray / Blue / Silver
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Black
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange

    Goldendoodle Colors

    The Goldendoodle comes in the following beautiful primary colors:

    • Apricot / Beige
    • Black
    • White / Cream
    • Golden
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Red / Chestnut / Orange
    • Merle (Blue)
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Tricolor (Brown, Black, & White)

    The Goldendoodle comes in the following lovely secondary colors in addition to its primary colors:

    • White / Cream
    • Yellow / Tan / Blond / Fawn
    • Apricot / Beige
    • Brown / Chocolate
    • Golden
    • Gray / Blue / Silver

    Lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle

    The lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the German Shorthaired Pointer is 13.5 years.

    The lifespan of the Goldendoodle is between 10 to 15 years. The average lifespan of the Goldendoodle is 12.5 years.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer lives longer than the Goldendoodle.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle

    Price of German Shorthaired Pointer versus Price of Goldendoodle

    The average price of the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is $1140. The price of the German Shorthaired Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1300. However, the price of a German Shorthaired Pointer can be as low as $350 and as high as $2695. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 453 German Shorthaired Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Goldendoodle puppy is $2160. The price of the Goldendoodle typically ranges from $1500 – $2500. However, the price of the Goldendoodle can be as low as $300 and as high as $16000. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 4237 Goldendoodle puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Goldendoodle is more expensive than the German Shorthaired Pointer.

    German Shorthaired Pointer Goldendoodle
    Average Price $1140 $2160
    Price Range $800 to $1300 $1500 to $2500

    The charts below show the price distribution for the German Shorthaired Pointer and Goldendoodle. For different price points, the charts show how many German Shorthaired Pointer puppies or how many Goldendoodle puppies are listed for sale at those price points.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of German Shorthaired Pointers. The typical price range is shaded Green.

    A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles

    A breakdown of the prices of Goldendoodles

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the German Shorthaired Pointer puppy or the Goldendoodle puppy. This includes if health screening tests have been performed on the puppy, if the puppy is from a famous pedigree, the US State where the puppy is bred, etc.

    Nevertheless, when looking to buy a puppy, look at buying a puppy only from well-established breeders that breed puppies primarily for the love of dogs, and secondarily for profit. Do not buy a puppy from a puppy mill. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies in bad living conditions for maximum profit.

    You may also consider adopting a dog instead of buying a dog.

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle

    Adopting the German Shorthaired Pointer versus Adopting the Goldendoodle

    You may consider adopting a dog instead of buying a puppy. Many German Shorthaired Pointers and many Goldendoodles are currently available for adoption.

    These adorable and cute dogs are waiting in dog shelters hoping that someday someone will rescue them. Furthermore, adoption costs are lesser than the cost of a new puppy. Dog adoption costs are usually around $300. In addition to your local dog shelter, a good place online to see dogs that are available for adoption is petfinder.com.

    Below is an adorable Male German Shorthaired Pointer named Rodney that is currently available for adoption on Petfinder.com. You can find other lovely adoptable German Shorthaired Pointers like Rodney on pefinder.com.

    Also, like German Shorthaired Pointers, Goldendoodles are also available for adoption. For example, Rocko is a Male Goldendoodle that is currently available for adoption on petfinder.com. You can find more Goldendoodles like Rocko that are up for adoption on petfinder.com.

    The German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle can both be adopted. Images from petfinder.com

    Blue is the name of another German Shorthaired Pointer (Male) on petfinder.com that is looking for a new home.

    Also, Snoopy is an adorable Male Goldendoodle on petfinder.com that you can adopt.

    German Shorthaired Pointers and Goldendoodles are always available for adoption. Images and image labels from petfinder.com

    You can find more German Shorthaired Pointers and Goldendoodles that are available for adoption on petfinder.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Goldendoodles can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed more than Goldendoodles?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Goldendoodles do not shed a lot. They are good for people with dog allergies.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Goldendoodle?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Goldendoodles are very easy to groom.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Goldendoodle?

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Goldendoodles get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Goldendoodles?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Goldendoodles are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Goldendoodle?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Goldendoodles are very easy to train.

    Which one drools more, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Goldendoodle

    German Shorthaired Pointers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Goldendoodles do have a very low tendency to drool.

    How Kid-friendly are German Shorthaired Pointers and Goldendoodles?

    German Shorthaired Pointers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Goldendoodles get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Does the German Shorthaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Goldendoodle?

    German Shorthaired Pointers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Goldendoodles have a very low prey drive. This means they get won`t chase after smaller pets. They tend to get along well with other pets.

    Do German Shorthaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Goldendoodles?

    German Shorthaired Pointers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Goldendoodles bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Goldendoodles Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Goldendoodles can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Shorthaired Pointer vs. Goldendoodle

    German Shorthaired Pointers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Goldendoodles have a moderate tendency to wander. This means that they sometimes get distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can German Shorthaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Goldendoodles Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Shorthaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    Goldendoodles can tolerate hot weather as long as the weather is not too hot.

    Is the German Shorthaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Goldendoodle?

    German Shorthaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Goldendoodles do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Shorthaired Pointer or the Goldendoodle?

    German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Goldendoodles are very good for new dog owners.

    German Shorthaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    You may also be interested in how the German Shorthaired Pointer compares to other breeds aside from the Goldendoodle. So, see below the links to the comparison of the German Shorthaired Pointer to other breeds:

    German Shorthaired Pointer versus Staffordshire Bull Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Plott     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Treeing Walker Coonhound     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Irish Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Tibetan Terrier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Valley Bulldog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Central Asian Shepherd Dog     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Golden Retriever     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pharaoh Hound     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Kai Ken     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Basset Fauve de Bretagne     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Irish Setter     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Tibetan Mastiff     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Saluki     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Cockalier     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Chesapeake Bay Retriever     German Shorthaired Pointer versus Akita     

    Conclusion: German Shorthaired Pointer versus Goldendoodle. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Goldendoodle better suits you and your family.