The Price of a German Shorthaired Pointer (with Calculator)

As you prepare to welcome a German Shorthaired Pointer into your home, budgeting should be on your to-do list. In fact, there are many expenses to consider when raising a dog: vet fees, training costs, food, supplies, medical costs, grooming and more. To help make things easier for you as well as your new GSP, we have come up with a cost calculator that will give you a personalized estimate as to how much it should cost you to raise your furry friend.

A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is likely to cost between $500-$1,000 with the average price being $800. First-year expenses are around $3,700 and will be about $1,615/year (or $135/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a German Shorthaired Pointer is $19,850.

As detailed in this post, these figures include most essentials. But you may incur additional costs such as insurance, dog walking or boarding services. You might also decide to spay or neuter your dog. All this could bring the overall cost of ownership between $69,850 (for less expensive areas and/or wallet-friendly products and services) and $183,930 (in more expensive areas and/or for more sophisticated purchases).

Through the course of the article, we discuss how these costs factor in and delve into why many of them may prove necessary. You will also find professional opinions from two licensed veterinarians, a dog trainer, a dog groomer as well as a dog walker and various tips to help you with your German Shorthaired Pointer.

At the very end, we have added our cost calculator that will generate an accurate estimate as to the overall cost of purchasing and raising a German Shorthaired Pointer according to your situation.

Newsletter Subscribers get:

Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE

“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”

Johann – PetBudget Founder

For general information about the cost of puppies and dogs, you can read The True Cost of a Dog (50 breeds compared) on our blog. If you are serious about adopting or buying this breed, keep reading this article. To compare the cost with other ones, visit our All Breeds page. You can also read our New Dog Owner Guide to learn everything about welcoming a dog home.

Quick Links

• Puppy Cost
• Supplies Cost
• Training Cost (dog trainer’s opinion)
• Medical Cost (veterinarian’s opinion)
• Food Cost
• Grooming Cost (groomer’s opinion)
• Other Costs (dog walker’s opinion)
• Total Cost
• PetBudget Cost Calculator

What is the price of a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy?

Our team has combed through more than 660 ads from sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind, to find the average price of a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy to be $800, with 80% of prices ranging from $500 to $1,000. For some purebreds, the price can go up to $2,500.

Adoption might be a more affordable alternative, with rehoming fees ranging from $50-$500. And you would be saving an animal. If you are actively looking for a dog, we strongly recommend doing some research and finding a reputable breeder or shelter. This will make a big difference in terms of your German Shorthaired Pointer’s health and well-being.

WONDERING HOW AND WHERE TO FIND A GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER PUPPY TO BUY OR A DOG TO ADOPT? Our Guide will help you find a dog near you. We share the 26 best places to find your perfect pet.

This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget’s team.

“As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal for German Shorthaired Pointer breeders to have their breeding dogs evaluated or tested for the following conditions prior to breeding and throughout their breeding years: hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, cardiac evaluation by a cardiologist once 2 years of age, eye examination by an ophthalmologist annually, cone degeneration disease/day blindness (DNA test). Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed.”

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

If you want to know more about the price of puppies in the US or compare this breed with 150 others, check our puppy prices article based on the analysis of close to 50,000 ads (for 151 different breeds).

Factors affecting the price of puppies and why prices vary for the same breed.

Purebred or mixed. Usually, mixed-breeds are sold at a lower price than purebred dogs.

Bloodline and breeder’s reputation. If the parents are purebred show quality dogs from a reputable breeder, the price will be substantially higher. These breeders also tend to invest more money than others to take care of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Registration papers/pedigree. Some breeders are members of kennel clubs, the most famous being the American Kennel Club (AKC). They can also have their breeding dogs and puppies registered which would also add to their fees.

Health screenings and medical expenses. Serious breeders will have their breeding dogs and/or puppies evaluated/tested for different medical conditions. Moreover, some will take their puppies to the vet for an exam, deworming, vaccines, and/or microchip implantation prior to selling them. This drives the price higher but also reduces the risk to get an unhealthy dog.

Training and socialization. Some breeders sell their dogs after they are trained and socialized. It will increase the puppy’s price but generate savings as you most probably won’t have to invest in more training and also gives a better chance to get a well-behaved dog.

Breed popularity in the buyer’s location. Local supply and demand will have an impact on puppy prices. For example, small dogs tend to be more popular in metropolitan areas where people live in smaller spaces. Some breeds are more in demand in colder climates, others where hunting is popular, etc. It is worth looking for prices in different locations, but it is risky to buy a dog without having seen it before or at least have met with the breeder and visited the kennel.

Age. As most people want to get their puppy as young as possible, prices tend to be lower when the dog gets older. For example, on average a 6-month-old pup is likely to be less expensive than an 8-week-old one.

Coat color and markings. Coat color trends can change quickly. For any breed, some colors are more popular than others, sometimes temporarily. When the interest for a specific coat color grows, puppies get more expensive as an increase in demand leads to a higher market price. Also, for purebred dogs, only specific colors and color combinations are accepted by kennel clubs. Finally, puppies with rare colors can be very expensive as well.

The cost of supplies for a large dog

Ideally, you will want to have a certain amount of supplies on hand to welcome your German Shorthaired Pointer into your home. For a dog of this size, you will be looking at a $450 initial investment on average for the first year. This is based on the analysis of 250 products on famous marketplaces such as Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon.

As your German Shorthaired Pointer grows, the price of supplies does ease up. For each following year, your expenses are likely to range between $95 and $385, putting the average cost at $215. This considers all the items that need to be repurchased, such as toys, bed, shampoo, sanitary bags, tooth brushing equipment and the like.

The quality of products and the store choice will have a notable influence on prices. Additional equipment or items may be necessary in some cases, such as clothing, a play pen, fences, anti-chew sprays, muzzles, and harnesses, but are not included in our necessary expenses. Take that into consideration when planning costs. To help save, consider looking at second-hand stores and websites.

Check our Dog Supplies Guide and get tips to choose the right items for you and your dog (bowls, collar, leash, bed, and crate size, etc.). Learn everything about costs, and find the best products available.

If you are on a budget check our special selection and buy everything new for less than $200.

Leave your email at the top or bottom of this article to get our free supplies checklist with tips to select the right size for each product.

Training a German Shorthaired Pointer

According to dog trainer and animal behaviorist, Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., professional training is recommended for a Shorthaired Pointer. Private lessons will help with potty training and positive leadership. Additionally, group classes for socialization with other people and dogs outside the home are also beneficial.

You will be looking at anywhere between $750-$1,000 for 5-7 private lessons and $150-$200 for 5 group lessons, depending on your locality.

Reading a dog training book and educating yourself on dog behaviors and psychology before welcoming the pet will also ease up the process.

Get Ready to Become a Dog Parent with a Free Audiobook

It is primordial to be ready to raise a dog and develop an harmonious relationship between your furry friend and family members. I would not wait until I have the dog to start this process. See it as a parenting class.

The Complete Guide to Raising the Perfect Pet with Love
Zak George is a fantastic dog trainer and has the most popular training channel on YouTube. I have listened to this audiobook and could not recommend it enough. The great thing is you can listen to it at no cost with a 30-day Amazon Audible free trial. If you already have an account, make it your next pick.

You will learn everything you need to know to raise, train, and care for your dog: from choosing the right puppy, training techniques, picking supplies, finding a vet, selecting the right food, handling behavioral issues, and much more. You can listen and learn so much about raising a dog while going to work, running errands, exercising, etc. This audiobook can definitely make a difference.

Get It Now

If you want to know whether to train your dog yourself or hire a professional and learn about the cost of training classes and supplies, check our article written with a certified dog trainer.

“German Shorthaired Pointers have a lot of energy and do well in an active household. They are sweet and need lots of interaction and attention.”

Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist

Medical costs for a German Shorthaired Pointer

Based on consultation from a licensed veterinarian, Leslie Brooks, DVM, we have put together a list of the medical costs associated with raising a German Shorthaired Pointer. Obviously, these costs can vary depending on many factors such as location and the dog’s health. But in general, you can expect to pay an average of $595 for the first year (to which you may add a one-time expense of around $550 for spay/neuter and gastropexy) and $605 each adult year.

Vet cost for a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy during the first year

For puppies, licensed veterinarians like Leslie Brooks recommend making at least three trips to the vet through the course of the puppy’s first year, assuming the first visit is at about 8 weeks of age. Each trip should cost between $65 and $170. These three visits will cover all the medical requirements that are necessary such as physical exams, fecal examination, vaccines, heartworm prevention and flea prevention.

She also highly recommends the dog owner to purchase heartworm prevention (to prevent development of heartworm disease, especially in the Southeast US where this disease is rampant) and flea prevention supply for the rest of the year respectively costing $60-$105 and $70-$105 for a puppy.

Depending on your lifestyle some additional vaccines could be recommended:

• Leptospirosis if the dog is exposed to wildlife, goes camping often, hikes, plays in puddles, lakes, or ponds ($15-$25 and sometimes already included in the visit).
• Influenza if the dog goes to doggie daycare or is kenneled/boarded often and if the daycare or kennels require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks ($70-$90 for two doses).
• Lyme if exposed to ticks often, such as if the dog goes camping or hiking, or if it lives in a wooded area or on a farm ($60-$80 for two doses).

As your puppy grows, you might want to consider neutering (male) or spaying (female) your German Shorthaired Pointer, which can range from $150 to $450, depending on your location and the clinics in your locality (there are low-cost clinics that may do a low-cost spay or neuter for $50 to $100). Typically, spays are more expensive.

For large breeds and deep-chested dogs such as German Shorthaired Pointers, Leslie Brooks, DVM, also recommends performing a gastropexy at the time of their spay or neuter. This procedure typically costs between $200 and $400 but helps prevent the possibility of Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV) later in life. GDV is when the stomach twists on itself and is a life-threatening condition that must be corrected with surgery.

Veterinary expenses for the following years

Apart from the early costs, regular trips to the vet should also be accounted for. Yearly visits are likely to run you anywhere between $125 to $265, while offering comprehensive check-ups to ensure everything is alright with your dog. The visit should include the exam, vaccines and if needed a heartworm test and blood work (to detect any hidden medical condition for middle aged and senior dogs).

On top of that, Leslie highly recommends continuing heartworm prevention ($80-$150 for the year) and flea prevention ($175-$250 for the year) as your Pointer continues to grow.

The lifestyle vaccines mentioned above may also require annual booster shots ($15-$45 each) and fecal examinations could be needed if the pet is regularly exposed to other dogs or wildlife or has inconsistent stool quality ($40-$50).

German Shorthaired Pointer most common health problems

The following table presents some German Shorthaired Pointer known potential health problems and an estimate of the cost to treat them according to Dr Brooks, DVM.

This price range for hip dysplasia is very wide because of the variety of treatment options an owner may pursue. Conservative treatment including pain management and physical therapy is usually the cheapest alternative ($500-$2,500 per year), while total hip replacement costs about $5,000-$6,500 per affected hip. Hip dysplasia can affect a GSP at any age.

Cancer: the low end of the range includes basic diagnostics and palliative care while the high end would include specialized diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy.

“German Shorthaired Pointers are high-energy dogs that need to stay active as they were initially bred for hunting. An expense that should be considered is agility classes and training so they can stay mentally and physically stimulated. “

Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

A second veterinarian opinion on German Shorthaired Pointers

We have also consulted with another licensed-veterinarian, Mendi Baryzk, DVM, to share her knowledge when it comes to the medical costs of a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Preventive care for the first year (puppy)

According to Dr. Baryzk, medical preventive care will cost around $870 for the puppy’s first year if we add up all the strongly recommended expenses.

Preventive care for adults each year

For an adult dog, yearly basic preventive care expenses will be about $681 at her clinic.

Most common health issues

“German Shorthaired Pointers are incredibly high energy; they need professional training and an owner who can devote plenty of time to exercise.”

Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian

Pet insurance price

You should also consider enrolling your pet in an insurance plan. The North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report says that the average cost of insurance is $565 for both accident and illness coverage and $190 for accident-only plans. If you want to safeguard against any major expenses in the future, an insurance plan is a great idea.

These are some of the most important expenses you will want to plan for as a potential dog owner, as they can play a vital role in the well-being of your dog.

It is also possible to get complete health coverage with some insurance companies but it gets much more expensive.

If you wonder whether or not you should get pet insurance, we have a simple step by step guide to help you make the decision. This could save you thousands of dollars.

As mentioned, some medical conditions can be expensive to treat. Although purebred dogs may have a higher incidence of some inherited disorders, mixed breed dogs are also likely to develop health conditions, such as cancer and heart disorders. No dog owner should have to make critical decisions about their pets based on their ability to afford care. That’s why pet insurance is more popular every year in the US.

When comparing pet insurances, price is a significant factor, but it is also essential to consider:
– Deductible type (per incident or per year) and amount
– Reimbursements percentage and limits
– Services included (emergency visits, hospitalization, surgery, medications, specialists, cancer treatments, pre-existing conditions, etc.)
– When coverage will start

The price will vary depending on multiple factors, including the dog’s breed, age, location, and the plan chosen. You can compare pet insurance prices on comparison websites like PetInsuranceReview.

Read our article titled a veterinarian explains medical costs for a dog to learn more and get tips to save on vet expenses.

The cost to feed a German Shorthaired Pointer

Considering adult German Shorthaired Pointers can easily weigh 60 lb. (usually 45 to 70 lb.), your food-related expenses can be calculated after combing through prices across best-selling brands available.

On average, a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy is likely to consume close to 190 lb. of dry food, putting the average first-year cost at $225. An Adult German Shorthaired Pointer generally needs close to 280 lb. of dog food, bringing your average cost for each adult year around $255.

Note that there is a huge price gap between cheap and premium dog foods and the final cost will greatly depend on the chosen brand.

We have also estimated the yearly cost of treats for large-sized dogs reviewing the price of the 27 best sellers on Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon (if the dog gets treats daily).

This cost estimation for treats is based on the premise that the dog gets one big treat every day. If you give your dog a treat every other day, you can divide these amounts by two. If it is once a week, divide them by seven, and so on. Enter the relevant information in the calculator at the end of the article to get your personalized cost estimate.

With food and treats, you must be ready to pay much more if you opt for premium grade products compared to regular ones.

Four dog food brands compared

A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy will eat around 190 lb. of food during the first year. It can vary depending on many factors including the dog’s level of activity and its size.

An adult German Shorthaired Pointer will eat close to 280 lb. of food every year. Again, it will depend on the variables mentioned above as well as the dog’s age.

Generally, it works out cheaper as you get much better deals if you purchase dog food in bulk. Although it is a perishable commodity, it can be stored for long periods of time, making bulk purchases a very practical option. It is also a good idea to consult your vet as to what food would be the most appropriate for your German Shorthaired Pointer.

Example for a more expensive premium brand

This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food.

Grooming prices for German Shorthaired Pointers

Corryne Smith, certified professional groomer, thinks that German Shorthaired Pointers’ coat is easy enough to maintain that owners could groom the dog themselves if they wanted to.

If they decide to hire a professional instead, she suggests that a German Shorthaired Pointer receives grooming around 6 times a year, with a session typically ranging from $40 to $60. The price will depend on the services requested as well as the dog (health, age, coat, behavior).

Most professional groomers offer a bath, shampoo, hair removal (if needed), brushing, styling as well as nails, tooth, eyes, and ears care.

DIY enthusiasts can find grooming equipment online for $75 on average. You will be able handle all your dog’s grooming needs from within the comfort of your own home, if you have the skill set and patience to do so!

Additional costs to consider for your dog

License

Licenses generally cost between $10 and $20 in the U.S.A, depending on location. If your German Shorthaired Pointer is not spayed or neutered, this could be a bit more. Moreover, many states and territories have banned owning unlicensed pets, so we strongly recommend licensing your dog as soon as possible.

Microchip

Microchips create a unique identity for your dog, allowing medical information to be shared easily. Moreover, in the case of any emergency, locating your German Shorthaired Pointer is much easier with a microchip, which is why many states require your dog to be microchipped. On average, this costs between $25-$50.

Dog walking for a Pointer

Dog walking professionals like Tamaria Reddick suggest that German Shorthaired Pointers get plenty of exercise, as they are big, very energetic dogs. If you cannot cater to their needs, a dog walker might be a good idea. Generally, dog walkers on apps like Rover and Wag charge $20-$50 for 1-hour walks ($15-$25 for 30-minute sessions).

These costs can add up if you need a dog walker throughout the year, so make sure to include it in your budget. An owner might need to pay for private walks if the dog is not well socialized. These are obviously more expensive.

Traveling

Pointers are energetic and attention-seeking dogs, and so, it is not advisable to leave them alone when going away. Dog boarding services are generally available for $25-$85 per day, depending on your location.

It is a good idea to plan and book in advance, especially during busy parts of the year, such as the holiday season. So be sure to book a dog boarding or dog sitting service as soon as possible, as you are likely to get much better rates. Additionally, try to see if you have any friends and/or family who are willing to host your German Shorthaired Pointer, as it could prove to be a much more pocket-friendly option!

Finally, you might be able to take your dog with you, as many airlines and train companies offer special provisions to help move your pets. You will have to submit a formal request ahead of time though, so make sure to plan your trips early. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on many variables, so make sure to plan when traveling with your dog.

Yearly and monthly cost of a German Shorthaired Pointer

The cost of the first year with a puppy

The total first year expenses that come with raising a German Shorthaired Pointer averages out at $3,700, with the cost ranging from $2,325 to $5,305. Keep in mind that many of the essential expenses that come with raising a puppy fall within the first weeks.

The dog owner might also want to take into consideration the following costs.

With a spay or neuter procedure, pet insurance and other miscellaneous services, such as dog walking (five times a week for 42 weeks) and boarding services (assuming the dog is boarded for a week), these amounts can add up easily, putting your expenses in the $7,300-$18,030 range through the course of the puppy’s first year only!

Yearly and monthly cost with an adult German Shorthaired Pointer

After the first year, the annual cost of owning a dog does go down and will run you anywhere between $750 and $2,755, with an average cost of $1,615. This puts your monthly expenses in the $63-$230 range.

Again, you might also want to consider additional services that could drastically change your budget like buying insurance and/or hiring a dog walker 5 times a week for 1-hour walks and leaving your dog in a boarding facility for a week while going on vacation.

Total cost of ownership for the German Shorthaired Pointer

On average, German Shorthaired Pointers live for 11 years (usually 10 to 12 years). Using the metrics and figures above, we estimate that the total cost of owning a German Shorthaired Pointer falls within the $9,825-$32,855 range, with a $19,850 average.

Adding spay/neuter as well as pet insurance, the average cost of ownership will be around $26,615. Finally, with 1-hour professional walks five times a week all year long (except for two weeks) and a week in a dog boarding facility every year on top of that, the total cost of ownership can be as high as $70,050 to $184,330 averaging $124,545 for the 11 years spent raising a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips.

PetBudget German Shorthaired Pointer cost calculator

The cost of a German Shorthaired Pointer – A summary in 7 questions

1- How much is a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy?

On average a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy will cost $800 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $500 and $1,000. The price will vary depending on the breeder and location as well as the dog’s bloodline, color, and age among other things.

2 – How much are dog supplies?

A new owner can expect an initial investment between $215 and $855 in supplies when welcoming a large dog. Every year, the cost to renew some of them should be between $95 and $385. Prices vary depending on location, stores, brands, and products quality.

3 – Does a German Shorthaired Pointer need training and how much will it cost?

Having a German Shorthaired Pointer professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $900 to $1,200. For this breed, training should mainly focus on socialization, potty training, and positive leadership.

4 – What is the cost of preventive medical care for a German Shorthaired Pointer?

Preventive medical care should amount to around $395 to $795 for a German Shorthaired Pointer puppy during the first year and around $380 to $825 every adult year. This does not include spay or neuter and gastropexy procedures (usually $150 to $450 and $200 to $400 respectively).

5 – How much food does a German Shorthaired Pointer eat and how much will it cost?

A German Shorthaired Pointer puppy will eat around 190 lb. and an adult close to 280 lb. of dry food yearly (it varies for each dog and food brand). Annual expenses should be between $155 and $445 for a puppy and $140 to $555 for an adult dog. Other types of food and treats would increase the costs.

6 – How often should a German Shorthaired Pointer be professionally groomed and how much will it cost?

Grooming a German Shorthaired Pointer is easy enough that most owners should be able to do it themselves. Those who prefer having their dog professionally groomed can expect up to 6 visits to a salon every year. Each session should cost from $40 to $60 depending on the dog and services needed.

7 – Are there any other expenses to expect?

In the United States, a dog license usually costs between $10 and $20. The cost could be slightly higher if the dog is not spayed or neutered. Having the dog licensed is mandatory almost everywhere.

A dog microchip costs $25 to $50 on average in the US and is generally implanted during a medical appointment. It is placed under the skin usually between the shoulder blades. Dogs adopted from a shelter or bought from a breeder sometimes already have a microchip.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s latest State of the Industry Report, the average annual price is $566 for accident and illness coverage plans or $190 for accident only plans.

Dog walkers usually charge $15 to $25 for 30 minutes group walks and $20 to $50 for 1-hour long ones. Prices vary mainly depending on location. Private walks are more expensive.

A dog owner should budget $25 to $85 per day for dog boarding services. Prices vary depending on location, time of the year, and the level of service among other things.

Newsletter Subscribers get:

Before & After you Get a Puppy (2 eBooks)
+ Our Dog Supplies Checklist
+ Coupons & Discounts
ALL FOR FREE

“Allow me to help you prepare for your new dog, make the best decisions, and save.”

Johann – PetBudget Founder

What is the next step? Check our New Dog Owner Guide. It’s a 5 minutes read packed with useful information for future and new dog owners.

Other breeds you might like

Or learn more about the cost of owning a dog. This article is THE reference when it comes to budgeting for your pet.

To help you out, this guide contains all the primary expenses that are necessary to ensure your future dog’s well-being. Make sure to take these considerations seriously before adopting or purchasing a German Shorthaired Pointer, as they are imperative to your dog leading a healthy, happy, and comfortable life in your home. Moreover, the dog should not be a financial burden on you or your family, so make sure to carefully read through each section to better understand the expenses that come with raising a German Shorthaired Pointer. Figures provided in this article are for informational purposes only. A dog owner should always find the actual costs applicable to his own situation before making any decision.

References and Resources

• Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Mendi Baryzk, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian
• Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist
• Corryne Smith – Dog Groomer
• Tamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet Sitter
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals
• The American Kennel Club
• North American Pet Health Insurance Association
• Association of Professional Dog Trainers

This article is original content from PetBudget.