
An enthusiastic and versatile sporting dog built for endurance. German Shorthaired Pointers are tireless athletes who need an active owner to match their boundless energy.
A popular Golden Retriever-Poodle cross combining the best of both breeds. Goldendoodles are friendly, intelligent, and often low-shedding, making them a top choice for allergy-conscious families.
Quick Answer
Choose German Shorthaired Pointer if you want a great companion. Choose Goldendoodle if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Attribute
Goldendoodle
Size
Weight
Height
Lifespan
Trainability
Energy
Good with Kids
Shedding
Grooming
Apartment
Health
Price
German Shorthaired Pointer is less expensive to own annually.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Goldendoodle
The upfront cost gap is substantial. A Goldendoodle puppy runs $1,500–$5,000, while a German Shorthaired Pointer is $800–$2,000.
German Shorthaired Pointer sheds more; Goldendoodle is easier to maintain.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Goldendoodle
Shedding
Grooming Needs
If you hate vacuuming, this matters. The German Shorthaired Pointer's 3/5 shedding level means daily fur management is part of life.
German Shorthaired Pointer needs more exercise; Goldendoodle is lower-maintenance.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Goldendoodle
Energy Level
Exercise Needs
Apartment Friendly
The German Shorthaired Pointer needs slightly more exercise (5/5) than the Goldendoodle (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.
Goldendoodle is better suited for families with children.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Goldendoodle
Good with Kids
Good with Dogs
Strangers
The Goldendoodle has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Goldendoodle's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Goldendoodle is calmer; German Shorthaired Pointer is more energetic.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Goldendoodle
Playfulness
Barking Level
Energy
German Shorthaired Pointers from the Sporting group carry a enthusiastic, bold and versatile personality, shaped by their heritage as sporting dogs. Goldendoodles, belonging to the Hybrid group, are friendly, intelligent and gentle — reflecting their own distinct breeding history.
German Shorthaired Pointer is the larger breed; Goldendoodle is more compact.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Goldendoodle
Weight (kg)
Height (cm)
The German Shorthaired Pointer stands 53–64 cm (21–25 in) and weighs 20–32 kg (44–71 lbs), while the Goldendoodle measures 43–61 cm (17–24 in) and 14–30 kg (31–66 lbs). The German Shorthaired Pointer is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Both breeds have similar health profiles.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Goldendoodle
Lifespan (years)
Health Robustness
Lifespan is a near-tie: the German Shorthaired Pointer lives roughly 12–14 years while the Goldendoodle averages 10–15 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Both breeds are equally trainable.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Goldendoodle
Trainability
Intelligence
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
On balance, the Goldendoodle has the edge — it's better with children (5/5), more apartment-friendly (3/5), lower exercise needs (4/5). For most families, the Goldendoodle is the more practical choice, particularly if you value a kid-friendly dog.
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
Choose German Shorthaired Pointer if...
Choose Goldendoodle if...
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The Goldendoodle is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the German Shorthaired Pointer's 4/5. The Goldendoodle is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
The German Shorthaired Pointer is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Goldendoodle. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Goldendoodle costs $1,500–$5,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,210 for the German Shorthaired Pointer and $1,610 for the Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle costs more to maintain annually.
The German Shorthaired Pointer lives 12–14 years on average, while the Goldendoodle lives 10–15 years. The German Shorthaired Pointer generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
The Goldendoodle adapts better to apartment living (3/5) than the German Shorthaired Pointer (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.