A Detailed Comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

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German Longhaired Pointer Versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever? 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 Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Longhaired Pointer and for the Golden Cocker Retriever. 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 Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

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

German Longhaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

A very important difference between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The German Longhaired Pointer is a large-sized dog while the Golden Cocker Retriever is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the German Longhaired 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 Golden Cocker Retriever belongs to the Mixed Breed Dogs group. Mixed Breed Dogs are not purebred dogs.

German Longhaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Longhaired Pointer to the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

Factor German Longhaired Pointer Golden Cocker Retriever
Life Span 11 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 4/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 4/5
Height 23 to 28 inches 20 to 24 inches
Easygoing 3/5 2/5
Tolerates Being Alone 3/5 1/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 3/5 5/5
Low Prey Drive 3/5 4/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 3/5 4/5
Potential For Playfulness 3/5 5/5
Kid-Friendly 4/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 4/5 4/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 4/5 3/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 2/5 2/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 2/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Easy To Groom 5/5 4/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Weight 60 to 71 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 12.5 years 13.5 years
Price Range No Data $1500 – $2000
Average Price No Data $1870
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests No Data No Data

Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Longhaired 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 Golden Cocker Retriever. 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 Longhaired Pointer is 78 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Golden Cocker Retriever is 80 out of 125.

Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Golden Cocker Retriever is a better pet than the German Longhaired Pointer. So, you should get the Golden Cocker Retriever!

Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

The Similarities Between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

The German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are most similar:

  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not prone to nip and chew at things.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever get along well with other dogs.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever gain weight easily. You need to pay careful attention to what you feed them.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
  • Both the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Longhaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the German Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

    German Longhaired Pointers weigh 60 to 71 pounds when fully grown. German Longhaired Pointers are 23 to 28 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Golden Cocker Retrievers weigh 30 to 45 pounds when fully grown. Golden Cocker Retrievers are 20 to 24 inches when fully grown.

    Lifespan of German Longhaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is between 11 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Longhaired Pointers is 12.5 years.

    The lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers is between 12 to 15 years. The average lifespan of Golden Cocker Retrievers is 13.5 years.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers live longer than German Longhaired Pointers.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Longhaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    German Longhaired Pointers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Longhaired Pointers shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Which one drools more, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Golden Cocker Retriever

    German Longhaired Pointers drool moderately.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

    Does the German Longhaired Pointer Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    German Longhaired Pointers have a moderate prey drive. They can sometimes chase after smaller animals and pets.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers 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 Longhaired Pointers Bark and Howl? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers bark and howl, but not very much.

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers cannot tolerate cold weather. They are vulnerable to the cold.

    Wanderlust Potential: German Longhaired Pointer vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can German Longhaired Pointers Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Golden Cocker Retrievers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    German Longhaired Pointers cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    German Longhaired Pointers get along very well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are German Longhaired Pointers good family dogs? What about Golden Cocker Retrievers?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are German Longhaired Pointers and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Easier to Train than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    German Longhaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

    Is the German Longhaired Pointer Better for Apartment Owners than the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    German Longhaired Pointers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the German Longhaired Pointer or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

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

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Longhaired Pointer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Longhaired Pointer that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the German Longhaired Pointer:

  • Aussiedoodle (78 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Aussiedoodle.
  • Black Mouth Cur (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Black Mouth Cur.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with German Longhaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the Golden Cocker Retriever that you can consider on your quest to get the best pet.

    We crunched the numbers and found that the following dog breeds have similar personality and temperament as the Golden Cocker Retriever:

  • Dalmatian (80 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

    You may also be interested in how the German Longhaired Pointer and how the Golden Cocker Retriever compares to other breeds. So, see below the comparison of the German Longhaired Pointer and of the Golden Cocker Retriever to other breeds:

    German Longhaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Longhaired Pointer versus Cockalier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Biewer Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute     German Longhaired Pointer versus Yorkipoo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Portuguese Pointer     German Longhaired Pointer versus Greater Swiss Mountain Dog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Boxerdoodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Kishu Ken     German Longhaired Pointer versus English Toy Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Shetland Sheepdog     German Longhaired Pointer versus Mal Shi     German Longhaired Pointer versus Chi-Poo     German Longhaired Pointer versus Miniature Poodle     German Longhaired Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     German Longhaired Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     German Longhaired Pointer versus Pomchi     German Longhaired Pointer versus Kerry Blue Terrier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Flat-Coated Retriever     German Longhaired Pointer versus Coton de Tulear     German Longhaired Pointer versus Beaglier     German Longhaired Pointer versus Cocker Spaniel     German Longhaired Pointer versus Standard Schnauzer     German Longhaired Pointer versus Great Dane     German Longhaired Pointer versus Mastiff     German Longhaired Pointer versus Shetland Sheepdog     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shichon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cocker Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boykin Spaniel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus King Shepherd     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Miniature Schnauzer     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Rottweiler     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Spinone Italiano     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pomeranian     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Gordon Setter     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Skye Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boerboel     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chinese Crested     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Boxerdoodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pekingese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Black Russian Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maltipoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Foxhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Japanese Spitz     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Chinese Crested     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Afghan Hound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Spinone Italiano     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Collie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Toy Poodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Kooikerhondje     

    Conclusion: German Longhaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever. 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 Longhaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever better suits you and your family.