Which is Better between the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever? A Very Detailed Review.

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German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Golden Cocker Retriever.

German Wirehaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Overview

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

Furthermore, the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever: Comparison Table

The table below compares the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

Factor German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Cocker Retriever
Height 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the 20 to 24 inches
Life Span 12 to 14 years 12 to 15 years
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 2/5 1/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 1/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 3/5
Does NOT Shed 4/5 2/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Good For Novice Owners 3/5 4/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 3/5 2/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 3/5 4/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 3/5 2/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 3/5
Easygoing 2/5 2/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 4/5 4/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 4/5
General Health 4/5 4/5
Easy To Train 4/5 4/5
Does NOT chew on things 2/5 4/5
Low Prey Drive 2/5 4/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 5/5 5/5
Intelligence 5/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 1/5 2/5
NOT Rambunctious 1/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 1/5 2/5
Potential For Playfulness 5/5 5/5
Weight 60 to 70 pounds 30 to 45 pounds
Average Lifespan 13.0 years 13.5 years
Average Price $990 $1870
Price Range $800 – $1200 $1500 – $2000
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Eye Examination- any age, yearly if in a breeding program
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • von Willebrand`s Disease
  • No Data

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer is 74 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not adapt well to apartment living.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not like to be left alone.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are not very friendly towards strangers.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever do not have the tendency to drool.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever can tolerate hot weather.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to groom.
  • Both the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very easy to train.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are highly intelligent.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
  • Both the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
  • Both the German Wirehaired Pointer and the Golden Cocker Retriever are very playful.
  • Size (Weight and Height) of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    German Wirehaired Pointers weigh 60 to 70 pounds when fully grown. German Wirehaired Pointers are 1 foot, 10 inches to 2 feet, 2 inches tall at the 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 Wirehaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    The lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is between 12 to 14 years. The average lifespan of German Wirehaired Pointers is 13.0 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 Wirehaired Pointers.

    Price of German Wirehaired Pointer versus Price of Golden Cocker Retriever

    The average price of the German Wirehaired Pointer puppy is $990. The price of the German Wirehaired Pointer typically ranges from $800 – $1200. However, the price of a German Wirehaired Pointer can be as low as $250 and as high as $1500. We obtained this price information by reviewing the prices of 83 German Wirehaired Pointer puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The average price of the Golden Cocker Retriever puppy is $1870. The price of the Golden Cocker Retriever typically ranges from $1500 – $2000. However, the price of the Golden Cocker Retriever can be as low as $1000 and as high as $3975. We obtained this price information by collecting and reviewing the prices of 40 Golden Cocker Retriever puppies listed for sale from various sources.

    The Golden Cocker Retriever is more expensive than the German Wirehaired Pointer.

    German Wirehaired Pointer Golden Cocker Retriever
    Average Price $990 $1870
    Price Range $800 to $1200 $1500 to $2000

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

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

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

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    A breakdown of the prices of Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    Note that a lot of factors determine how much you can expect to pay for the German Wirehaired Pointer puppy or the Golden Cocker Retriever 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.

    Tolerates Being Alone: German Wirehaired Pointer versus Golden Cocker Retriever

    German Wirehaired Pointers do not like to be left alone.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers do not like to be left alone.

    Do German Wirehaired Pointers shed more than Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Golden Cocker Retriever

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

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

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

    German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to groom.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to groom.

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

    German Wirehaired 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.

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

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

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

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

    German Wirehaired Pointers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

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

    Wanderlust Potential: German Wirehaired Pointer vs. Golden Cocker Retriever

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

    German Wirehaired Pointers can tolerate hot weather.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers can tolerate hot weather.

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

    German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with other dogs.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers get along very well with other dogs.

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

    German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointers and Golden Cocker Retrievers?

    German Wirehaired Pointers get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

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

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

    German Wirehaired Pointers are very easy to train.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very easy to train.

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

    German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer or the Golden Cocker Retriever?

    German Wirehaired Pointers are OK for new dog owners.

    Golden Cocker Retrievers are very good for new dog owners.

    Other Dog Breeds That are Similar to the German Wirehaired Pointer

    Furthermore, there are other dog breeds that are very similar to the German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer:

  • Australian Kelpie (81 percent match with German Wirehaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs Australian Kelpie.
  • German Pinscher (83 percent match with German Wirehaired Pointer). Here is our comparison of the Golden Cocker Retriever vs German Pinscher.
  • 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 Wirehaired Pointer vs Dalmatian.
  • Boxerdoodle (77 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer vs Boxerdoodle.
  • Field Spaniel (79 percent match with Golden Cocker Retriever). Here is our comparison of the German Wirehaired Pointer vs Field Spaniel.
  • Other Breed Comparisons that Might Interest You

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

    German Wirehaired Pointer Versus Other Dog Breeds

    German Wirehaired Pointer versus Giant Schnauzer     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Appenzeller Sennenhunde     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Shiba Inu     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Spanish Mastiff     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Newfoundland     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Weimaraner     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bouvier des Flandres     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Bracco Italiano     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Alaskan Malamute     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Wirehaired Pointing Griffon     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Ibizan Hound     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Westiepoo     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Finnish Spitz     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Siberian Husky     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Fila Brasileiro     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Fila Brasileiro     German Wirehaired Pointer versus American Staffordshire Terrier     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Great Pyrenees     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Cane Corso     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Weimaraner     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Xoloitzcuintli     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Italian Greyhound     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Cavachon     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Mal Shi     German Wirehaired Pointer versus Scottish Terrier     

    Golden Cocker Retriever Versus Other Dog Breeds

    Golden Cocker Retriever versus Mastiff     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Foxhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Cane Corso     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Jack Russell Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Pembroke Welsh Corgi     Golden Cocker Retriever versus American Pit Bull Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maltese     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Miniature Poodle     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Maremma Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Dogue de Bordeaux     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Black and Tan Coonhound     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Mountain Cur     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Papillon     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Skye Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Stabyhoun     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Lhasapoo     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Border Collie     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Coton de Tulear     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Keeshond     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Icelandic Sheepdog     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Skye Terrier     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Newfoundland     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Labrador Retriever     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Shiba Inu     Golden Cocker Retriever versus Bouvier des Flandres     

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