German Shorthaired Pointer
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.
VS
Labrador Retriever
America's most beloved family dog, known for a friendly temperament and eager-to-please attitude. Labs excel at everything from hunting to therapy work and are incredibly versatile.
Quick Answer
Choose German Shorthaired Pointer if you want less shedding and better health. Choose Labrador Retriever if you want better with kids and more apartment-friendly.
Quick Comparison
German Shorthaired Pointer
Attribute
Labrador Retriever
large
Size
large
20–32 kg (44–71 lbs)
Weight
25–36 kg (55–79 lbs)
53–64 cm (21–25 in)
Height
55–62 cm (22–24 in)
Better12–14 yrs
Lifespan
10–13 yrs
5/5
Trainability
5/5
5/5
Energy
5/5
4/5
Good with Kids
5/5Better
Better3/5
Shedding
4/5
Better1/5
Grooming
2/5
1/5
Apartment
2/5Better
Better4/5
Health
3/5
$800–$2,000
Price
$800–$2,000
Attribute Comparison
Family & Social Life
Labrador Retriever is better suited for families with children.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Labrador Retriever
Good with Kids
4/5
vs5/5Better
Good with Dogs
4/5
vs5/5Better
Strangers
3/5
vs5/5Better
The Labrador Retriever has a slight edge with children (5/5 vs 4/5). Both breeds can do well in families, but the Labrador Retriever's friendly temperament gives it a small advantage around young kids.
Health & Lifespan
German Shorthaired Pointer tends to be the healthier breed overall.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Labrador Retriever
Lifespan (years)
Better12–14
vs10–13
Health Robustness
Better4/5
vs3/5
Lifespan is a near-tie: the German Shorthaired Pointer lives roughly 12–14 years while the Labrador Retriever averages 10–13 years. Neither breed has a clear longevity advantage, so other factors should drive your choice.
Grooming & Shedding
Labrador Retriever sheds more; German Shorthaired Pointer is easier to maintain.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Labrador Retriever
Shedding
Better3/5
vs4/5
Grooming Needs
Better1/5
vs2/5
The Labrador Retriever sheds a bit more (4/5) than the German Shorthaired Pointer (3/5). It's not a night-and-day difference, but if you prefer a cleaner home, the German Shorthaired Pointer has a slight edge.
Exercise & Activity
Both breeds have similar exercise requirements.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Labrador Retriever
Energy Level
5/5
vs5/5
Exercise Needs
5/5
vs5/5
Apartment Friendly
1/5
vs2/5Better
Both breeds share identical exercise needs (5/5) and similar energy levels (German Shorthaired Pointer: 5/5, Labrador Retriever: 5/5). Your daily exercise routine will look the same regardless of which breed you choose — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity.
Size & Appearance
Labrador Retriever is the larger breed; German Shorthaired Pointer is more compact.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Labrador Retriever
Weight (kg)
20–32
vs25–36
Height (cm)
53–64
vs55–62
The German Shorthaired Pointer stands 53–64 cm (21–25 in) and weighs 20–32 kg (44–71 lbs), while the Labrador Retriever measures 55–62 cm (22–24 in) and 25–36 kg (55–79 lbs). The Labrador Retriever is the larger of the two, though not by a dramatic margin.
Cost of Ownership
German Shorthaired Pointer is less expensive to own annually.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$660
Annual Vet$450
Annual Grooming$100
Annual Total$1,210 ✓
Labrador Retriever
Avg. Purchase$1,400
Annual Food$720
Annual Vet$500
Annual Grooming$150
Annual Total$1,370
Purchase prices are in the same ballpark: $800–$2,000 for a German Shorthaired Pointer and $800–$2,000 for a Labrador Retriever. The initial investment won't differ dramatically between these two breeds.
Temperament & Personality
Both breeds have similar temperaments.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Labrador Retriever
Playfulness
5/5
vs5/5
Barking Level
3/5
vs3/5
Energy
5/5
vs5/5
Personality is where these two breeds diverge most visibly. The German Shorthaired Pointer — originally from Germany — has a enthusiastic, bold and versatile disposition.
Training & Intelligence
Both breeds are equally trainable.
German Shorthaired Pointer
Labrador Retriever
Trainability
5/5
vs5/5
Intelligence
5/5
vs5/5
Both breeds score 5/5 for trainability — you'll have a similar experience training either one. Both are cooperative, eager learners.
Summary: Which Should You Choose?
Neither breed is objectively "better" — it depends on your priorities. Choose the German Shorthaired Pointer if you value less shedding (3/5) and better health profile (4/5).
Which Breed Is Right for You?
Question 1 of 3
Do you have children at home?
The Verdict
The German Shorthaired Pointer and Labrador Retriever are both popular breeds, but they suit different lifestyles. Annual ownership costs are broadly similar for both breeds.
Choose German Shorthaired Pointer if...
- ✓Long-term health costs concern you — German Shorthaired Pointers are generally more robust (4/5 health score).
- ✓You have other dogs at home — German Shorthaired Pointers tend to get along well with other dogs (4/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Choose Labrador Retriever if...
- ✓You have other dogs at home — Labrador Retrievers tend to get along well with other dogs (5/5).
- ✓Their temperament and lifestyle fit aligns better with your situation — use our quiz for a personalized recommendation.
Neither may be right if...
Both the German Shorthaired Pointer and Labrador Retriever have high energy needs (5/5 and 5/5 respectively). If you live in a small apartment without park access or can't commit to 60+ minutes of daily exercise, consider a lower-energy breed like a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or Shih Tzu instead.
Looking for more options?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for families, German Shorthaired Pointer or Labrador Retriever?
The Labrador Retriever is generally better with children, scoring 5/5 compared to the German Shorthaired Pointer's 4/5. The Labrador Retriever is one of our top-recommended breeds for families.
Is a German Shorthaired Pointer or Labrador Retriever easier to train?
The German Shorthaired Pointer is equally easy to train with a score of 5/5, matching the Labrador Retriever. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods work well.
Which costs more, a German Shorthaired Pointer or Labrador Retriever?
A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy costs $800–$2,000 while a Labrador Retriever costs $800–$2,000. Annual maintenance runs about $1,210 for the German Shorthaired Pointer and $1,370 for the Labrador Retriever. The Labrador Retriever costs more to maintain annually.
Do German Shorthaired Pointers or Labrador Retrievers live longer?
The German Shorthaired Pointer lives 12–14 years on average, while the Labrador Retriever lives 10–13 years. The German Shorthaired Pointer generally has a longer lifespan. Proper diet, exercise, and regular vet care help maximize lifespan for either breed.
Can a German Shorthaired Pointer or Labrador Retriever live in an apartment?
The Labrador Retriever adapts better to apartment living (2/5) than the German Shorthaired Pointer (1/5). However, neither breed is an ideal apartment dog — daily outdoor exercise is essential.