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German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Comparison - Dog breed selector: Alsatian wolf dog or Golden Flat Coat or Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer" Compare German Shepherd and Golden Retriever. Which is better: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
 
 
 
Name German Shepherd Golden Retriever German Shorthaired Pointer
OriginsGermany flagGermany Scotland flagScotland Germany flagGermany
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Gun Dog Gun Dog
Popularity Rank2310
Reviews19145
User Ratings

Other Names
What other names do they have?
Alsatian wolf dog
Berger Allemand
Deutscher Schäferhund
Schäferhund
Alsatian
Golden Flat Coat
Yellow Retriever
Deutscher Kurzhaariger Vorstehhund
Kurzhaar
Deutsch Kurzhaar
GSP Dog
Breed Type
Which dog is purebred or crossbreed? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer breed type comparison:
Purebred Purebred Purebred

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Size and Weight Comparison

Size
Which is bigger, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? Which is the smallest dog, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
Large Large Large
Medium
Weight
Which is heavier, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or Golden Retriever? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer weight comparison:
Male: 66-88 pounds (30-40 kg), Female: 49-71 pounds (22-32 kg) Male: 60-80 pounds (27-36 kg), Female: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg) Male: 55-70 pounds (25-32 kg), Female: 45-60 pounds (20-27 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 77 pounds (35 kg), Female: 60 pounds (27 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg) Male: 62.5 pounds (28.5 kg), Female: 52.5 pounds (23.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer height comparison:
Male: 24-26 inches (60-65 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (55-60 cm) Male: 22-24 inches (56-61cm), Female: 20-22 inches (51-56 cm) Male: 23-25 inches (59-64 cm), Female: 21-23 inches (53-58 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (62.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (57.5 cm) Male: 23 inches (58.5 cm), Female: 21 inches (53.5 cm) Male: 24 inches (61.5 cm), Female: 22 inches (55.5 cm)

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Price and Availability Comparison

Price
Which is cheaper, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? Which is more expensive?
$800-$2000 $1000-$2000 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
Very frequent: The German Shepherd is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Golden Retriever is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The German Shorthaired Pointer is quite easy to get.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligent Rank
Which is the smarter dog? Which is best? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer intelligence:
Outstanding: German Shepherd is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Outstanding: Golden Retriever is one of the brightest dog breeds.
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Very smart: German Shorthaired Pointer is an excellent dog breed.
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Trainability
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer trainability comparison.
German Shepherd dogs are easy to train.
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Golden Retriever dogs are easy to train.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Ability
Which is the better watchdog: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
German Shepherd dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average watchdogs.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average watchdogs.
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Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Which is a better guard dog German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? Which dog is most likely to protect its owner? Which is the best dog to use for protection?
German Shepherd dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Golden Retriever dogs are average defenders.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average defenders.
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German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Personality and Temperament Comparison

Temperament
Which one has a better personality? Which is a better family dog, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer behavior/temperament comparison:
Curious
Alert
Courageous
Intelligent
Confident
Obedient
Loyal
Watchful
Intelligent
Confident
Friendly
Reliable
Kind
Trustworthy
Intelligent
Affectionate
Trainable
Bold
Cooperative
Boisterous
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
Sensitive: German Shepherd dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average emotional level and are not the most sensitive dog breed.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer?
High: German Shepherd dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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High: Golden Retriever dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
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Average to High: German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are highly affectionate dogs.
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Social Needs
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer social needs comparison:
German Shepherd dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of social interaction.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
German Shepherd dogs are not the biggest explorers.
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Golden Retriever dogs tend to escape less than other breeds.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
German Shepherd dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Golden Retriever dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something.
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German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Playfulness
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer playfulness comparison:
Average: German Shepherds, like any other dog breed, like playing.
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The Golden Retriever is a highly playful breed.
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The German Shorthaired Pointer is a highly playful breed.
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Barking
Which dog barks more/less: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer?
Low to Average: The German Shepherd rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Golden Retriever rarely barks.
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Average: The German Shorthaired Pointer barks occasionally.
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Apartment Friendly
Which dog is more apartment friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep German Shepherd indoors.
It is not recommended to keep the Golden Retriever breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the German Shorthaired Pointer breed.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Adaptability
Which dog has a higher adaptability potential? Which is the better dog?
German Shepherd dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Golden Retriever dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs adapt well to lifestyle changes and different living environments.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
Which dog can be left alone: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Golden Retriever dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Force PSI
Which bite is stronger: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shepherd bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Golden Retriever bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Shorthaired Pointer bite force: Ordinary.
Biting Potential
Which breed of dog is most likely to bite? Biting potential comparison:

High 🔼

The German Shepherd has a high chance of biting somebody.

Moderate

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The German Shorthaired Pointer has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthiness
Which is the better dog? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer mouthiness comparison:
German Shepherd dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Golden Retriever dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Health and Lifespan Comparison

Health Issues
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer health comparison. Which is the healthier: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer?
German Shepherds are commonly healthy dogs.
Golden Retrievers are commonly healthy dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointers are commonly healthy dogs.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer health problems comparison:
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Cancer
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Blindness
Cherry Eye
Elbow Dysplasia
Diabetes
Heart Disease
Retinal Dysplasia
Demodectic Mange
Degenerative Myelopathy
Wobbler's Syndrome
Panosteitis
Hemophilia B
Megaesophagus
Cushing's Syndrome
Lens Luxation
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Chronic Diarrhea
Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Digestive Problems
Hemophilia A
Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy
Lupus
Myasthenia Gravis
Nail Bed Disease
Osteochondrosis
Pannus
Paralysis
Perianal Fistula
Seborrhea
Vitiligo
Cataracts
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Bloat
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Hemangiosarcoma
Osteosarcoma
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Hypothyroidism
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Von Willebrand's Disease
Entropion
Osteochondrosis Dissecans
Cardiomyopathy
Pannus
Gastric Torsion
Canine Hip Dysplasia (CHD)
Lymphedema
Veterinarian Visits
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Rare
The German Shepherd should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The Golden Retriever should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Rare
The German Shorthaired Pointer should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Life Expectancy
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer lifespan comparison. How long do German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and German Shorthaired Pointer breeds live? Which one has a longer lifespan/life expectancy?
9-13 years
The average lifespan of German Shepherd: 11 years
10-12 years
The average lifespan of Golden Retriever: 11 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Shorthaired Pointer: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which dog is best for hot or cold weather: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Different dogs have different preferences when it comes to weather conditions.
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German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Level
Who has more energy a German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer energy level comparison:
German Shepherd dogs are high-energy dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are high-energy dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
German Shepherd dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Golden Retriever dogs need a lot of exercises.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
German Shepherd dogs don't need too much sleep.
Golden Retriever dogs don't need too much sleep.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs don't need too much sleep.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Average daily food consumption
Which dog eats more: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 3 to 4 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
Which dog breed is more prone to obesity? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer weight gain potential comparison:
Low to Average: The German Shepherd has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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High: The Golden Retriever breed has a strong tendency to be overweight.
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Average: The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average risk for obesity.
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German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat/fur do they have? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer coat comparison:
Fuzzy Silky
Wavy
Shiny
Straight
Dense
Colors
What are the original German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and German Shorthaired Pointer color?
Black
Tan
Red
Silver
Golden
Light
Black
White
Liver
Roan
Copper
Grooming
Which dog is easy to maintain, German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer grooming comparison:
Average: The German Shepherd requires average grooming effort.
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Average: The Golden Retriever requires average grooming effort.
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Effortless: The German Shorthaired Pointer requires minimal grooming.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or {name3 shedding:
German Shepherd dogs are heavy shedders.
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Golden Retriever dogs shed moderately.
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German Shorthaired Pointer dogs shed moderately.
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Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
Which dog should be bathed more: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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2-3 weeks
Frequent. This breed has high-maintenance hair and may require a bath every 2-3 weeks.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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Hypoallergenic
German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer hypoallergenic comparison. Which dog is hypoallergenic or not?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Stinkiness
Which dog breed smells the least? Which dog smells the most? Which is best, German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer?

Medium

The German Shepherd has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Golden Retriever has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The German Shorthaired Pointer has an average chance of bad smell.
Drooling Tendency
Which dog drools the most? Which dog drools the least?
The German Shepherd is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Golden Retriever drools quite a lot, so if you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, you may want to choose another dog breed.
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The German Shorthaired Pointer is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
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German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Good With Comparison

Pet Friendly
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
German Shepherd dogs are generally with other pets.
Golden Retriever dogs are usually friendly towards other pets.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs do best when they’re the only pet at the family.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? Which dog is more friendly?
German Shepherd dogs are stranger-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very stranger-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Which dog is more child/kid friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
German Shepherd dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
German Shepherd dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Golden Retriever dogs are cat-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are not cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer?
German Shepherd dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Golden Retriever dogs are very dog-friendly dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer?
Yes
German Shepherd dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Golden Retriever dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
German Shorthaired Pointer dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
German Shepherd is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Yes
Golden Retriever is one of the best dog breeds for office environment
No
German Shorthaired Pointer is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
German Shepherds are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
Golden Retrievers are one of the best breeds for elderly people.
German Shorthaired Pointers are usually recommended for elderly people.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog
Which one could be a service dog?

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Therapy Dog
Which one could be a therapy dog: German Shepherd or Golden Retriever or German Shorthaired Pointer? Which is better for autism?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Which one could be a detection/sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Which one could be a search and rescue dog?

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Boat and Sailor Dog
Which one could be a boat dog: German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer?

Not really

German Shepherd breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Yes

Golden Retriever breed usually likes being on a boat.
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Not really

German Shorthaired Pointer breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Which one could be a cart pulling or drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Fighting Dog / Military Dog

Yes

In history, this breed was unfortunately used for combat dogs.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Reproducibility Comparison

Gestation Length 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
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Litter Size
How many puppies can German Shepherd and Golden Retriever and German Shorthaired Pointer have?
6-10 puppies 5-10 puppies 7-12 puppies

German Shepherd vs Golden Retriever vs German Shorthaired Pointer Recognition Comparison

AKC Group
Which dog is recognized by the AKC?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1908 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1925 as a Sporting breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 as a Sporting breed.
FCI Group
Which dog is recognized by the FCI?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Retrievers section. Recognized by FCI in the Pointing Dogs group, in the Continental Pointing Dogs section.
Breed Recognition
What other organizations and kennel clubs recognize these dog breeds?
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
German Shepherd Dog Club Of America
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
American Kennel Club
Canadian Kennel Club
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
Australian National Kennel Council
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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