If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The Golden Retriever's 5/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.

Life expectancy favors the German Shorthaired Pointer: 12–14 years versus the Golden Retriever's 10–12 years. For many families, those extra years together are a compelling reason to lean toward the German Shorthaired Pointer.

The Golden Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Golden Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.

The German Shorthaired Pointer needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Golden Retriever (4/5), but neither breed is at an extreme. Both have very high to high energy levels, so the difference in your daily routine will be modest — perhaps an extra 15-20 minutes of activity for the German Shorthaired Pointer.

Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $800–$2,000 for a German Shorthaired Pointer and $800–$2,500 for a Golden Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.

Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The German Shorthaired Pointer — originally from Germany — has a enthusiastic, bold and versatile disposition.

The German Shorthaired Pointer stands 53–64 cm (21–25 in) and weighs 20–32 kg (44–71 lbs), while the Golden Retriever measures 51–61 cm (20–24 in) and 25–34 kg (55–75 lbs). The Golden Retriever is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.

Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.