Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Golden Retriever
Discover the differences between Wirehaired Pointing Griffon and Golden Retriever to make the best choice for your situation.
Try different breeds

Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Energetic, loyal, and intelligent, this breed thrives on outdoor adventures and close companionship. Its distinctive wiry coat and lively spirit make every day more fun.

Golden Retriever
A loving, intelligent breed with an easygoing nature and playful spirit. Known for loyalty and adaptability, making them exceptional companions for families of all kinds.
Quick comparison
Medium
23–27 kg
Harsh, wiry
12–14 years
18–23 kg
High energy
Large
29–34 kg
Double coat, water-repellent
10–12 years
25–29 kg
High energy
Personality & behavior
Compare the personality traits and behavioral characteristics of both breeds.
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Warm and sociable with family and friends
Quick learner that responds well to training
Very active, needs regular physical activity
Enjoys games and interactive activities daily
Adjusts fairly well to new settings and changes
Golden Retriever
Very sociable, enjoys people and other dogs
Quick to learn commands and routines
Needs regular activity and mental stimulation
Loves games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to various living environments
Care needs
Exercise, grooming, and daily care requirements
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Hip dysplasia, eye problems
Golden Retriever
Hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia
Suitability
How well each breed fits different living situations and families
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
Requires experience
Needs consistent training and handling, which may overwhelm new owners
Not ideal
High energy and exercise needs make small spaces challenging
Perfect fit
Thrives on regular activity and enjoys outdoor adventures
Very friendly
Gentle temperament and patience suit homes with young children
Usually compatible
Gets along with other pets if socialized early and properly
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation issues
Golden Retriever
Great choice
Friendly, trainable nature makes them easy for new owners to manage
Needs space
Large size and high energy can be challenging in small apartments
Highly suitable
Enjoys regular exercise and outdoor activities with active people
Perfect fit
Gentle temperament and patience make them excellent with young children
Very friendly
Generally sociable and gets along well with other pets
Prone to anxiety
Dislikes being left alone for extended periods and may develop separation issues
Breed strengths
What each breed excels at and their best qualities
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Excellent scenting ability for tracking game
- Strong loyalty to family members
- Adaptable to various outdoor activities
- Low-shedding, weather-resistant double coat
- Eager to please and easy to train
Golden Retriever
- Friendly with children and other pets
- Highly trainable and eager to please
- Consistent, gentle temperament in most settings
- Reliable as therapy and assistance dogs
- Strong retrieving and swimming abilities
Challenges & considerations
Potential challenges and considerations for each breed
Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
- Needs extensive daily exercise and stimulation
- Can be reserved with strangers
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone
- Requires regular coat hand-stripping maintenance
- High prey drive may challenge recall
Golden Retriever
- Prone to obesity without portion control
- High shedding year-round requires regular grooming
- Needs ample daily exercise to prevent boredom
- Can develop separation anxiety when left alone
- Susceptible to certain genetic health conditions
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