German Wirehaired Pointer – PetBudget

As you are thinking about adopting or buying a German Wirehaired Pointer, you will want to plan your finances so that the pet does not become a financial burden to you or your family later down the line. You should account not just for the price of the dog itself, but also for training cost, food, supplies, vet fees, grooming and other miscellaneous expenses. To help with budgeting as you welcome your new dog into your home, we have designed a cost calculator that will give you an accurate estimate as to how much it would cost to raise a German Wirehaired Pointer. A German Wirehaired Pointer puppy is likely to cost between $600-$945 with the average price being $800. First-year expenses are around $3,980 and will be about $1,725/year (or $144/month) after that. Through the dog’s lifetime, the average cost of owning a Pointer is $28,130. These numbers include essentials, such as supplies, training, medical costs, food, treats, grooming expenses, licensing, and microchip. Additionally, you may incur optional costs depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences, such as spaying/neutering your dog, enrolling in a pet insurance plan, hiring a dog walker, or sending your furry friend to a boarding facility. All this could easily bring the total cost of ownership up to the $98,110 to $251,045 range. In practice, where your expenses are likely to fall within that range depends on many factors including the cost of living in your area as well as the quality of products and/or services purchased. Below we will detail these costs, share professional opinions from a licensed veterinarian, a dog trainer, a certified groomer as well as a dog walker and help you budget and save as you raise your German Wirehaired Pointer. At the very bottom of the article is a cost calculator for you to use. It will generate a much more accurate estimate as to your cost of owning and raising your dog depending on your situation, preferences, and needs. Quick Links The price of German Wirehaired Pointer puppies 80% of the puppies found after reviewing 22 ads for German Wirehaired Pointer from reputable sources like the American Kennel Club and PuppyFind fell within the $600 to $945 range. The average cost being $800 for puppies under 6 months. Some purebreds were priced at $1,500. Puppy CostRangeAverage CostGerman Wirehaired Pointer$600 - $945$800 Adoption offers a more affordable alternative, with rehoming/adoption fees typically being between $50 and $500, depending on the shelter. You would also be rescuing an abandoned animal, supporting a charity, and breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation. Whether you decide to buy or adopt a German Wirehaired Pointer, make sure to find a reputable breeder or shelter as you want your future dog to have been properly cared for and reduce the chances to get a sick or behaviorally troubled animal. Puppies Price RangeAds Reviewed$600 - $7507 $751 - $900 12 $901 - $1,050 1 $1,051 - $1,200 1 $1,201 - $1,500 1Total 22 This data is 100% original and has been collected by PetBudget's team. "As a veterinarian, I think it is ideal for 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, eye examination by an ophthalmologist, cardiac evaluation. Buyers should ask the breeder about health screening tests performed."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian The cost of supplies for a German Wirehaired Pointer Having the right supplies can make welcoming your German Wirehaired Pointer into your home much easier. After sorting through more than 250 items across the best seller lists on Amazon, Walmart and PetSmart, the initial cost of supplies is likely to fall anywhere between $215 and $855. On average, your first-year cost should be around the $450 mark for such a large dog. Supplies PricesRangeAverage CostFood & Water Bowls$10 - $40$20Dog Collars (x2) $10 - $40 $20Leash $10 - $30 $15ID Tag with Phone Number $5 - $20 $10Dog Bed (36" or 42") $20 - $85 $50Dog Crate (36" or 42") $30 - $120 $55Plastic Poop Bags (900-1080) $15 - $110 $55Pooper Scooper $10 - $30 $20House Training Pads (75-100) $15 - $45 $25Stains and Odors Removal Spray $5 - $20 $10Toys $50 - $155 $90First-Aid Kit $15 - $50 $30Brush $5 - $45 $15Shampoo $5 - $20 $10Tooth-brushing Kit $5 - $15 $10Toenail Clippers $5 - $30 $15 Things do get cheaper after the initial investment, with the cost of supplies for the following years falling between $95 and $385. This puts the average cost for each year after the first one at $215. This includes the cost for items that need to be bought again, such as toys, a bed, shampoo, plastic bags, and a tooth-brushing kit. Total Supplies CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year$215 - $855$450Subsequent Years$95 - $385$215 Other equipment, such as a muzzle, clothing, play pens and fences are not included here. Rather, it accounts for essential supplies. To help save on some of these items, second-hand stores, local pet shops and popular websites might be worth considering. Should you train your German Wirehaired Pointer? Our expert animal behaviorist and dog trainer recommends that a German Wirehaired Pointer gets ample professional training. Alexa Diaz, Ph.D., suggests private lessons for positive leadership as well as for crate training and group lessons for basic obedience and socialization. Training should run you anywhere between $900-$1,200 for 7 to 9 private lessons plus $150-$200 for five 1-hour group lessons. Training CostRangeAverage CostGerman Wirehaired Pointer$1,050 - $1,400$1,225 Dog training books are affordable and will also help you come to terms with the basics of raising and training a German Wirehaired Pointer dog. "German Pointers are high energy and smart dogs. They are good with adults with active lifestyles and families with older kids. They need a lot of mental and physical stimulation."Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal Behaviorist Medical costs for a German Wirehaired Pointer Leslie Brooks, a licensed veterinarian, estimates the medical costs to fall between $425 and $795 for the first year with a German Wirehaired Pointer puppy and $425 to $825 every year after that. These costs are based on her experience and may obviously vary depending on many factors such as location, the clinic taking care of the dog and the dog’s health itself. A one-time $50-$450 expense must be planned for spaying/neutering a German Wirehaired Pointer if the owner decides to go down that road. Most clinics would charge $150-$450 for the procedure but it is possible to find low cost alternatives that will run you as low as $50-$100. Medical CostRangeAverage CostFirst Year Vet Cost$425 - $795$610Spay/Neuter (optional)$50 - $450$250Adult Year Vet Cost$425 - $825$625 Vet cost for a German Wirehaired Pointer puppy (first year) Through the first year, Dr Brooks suggests making at least three trips to the vet, with the first one scheduled at roughly 8 weeks of age. Each trip will cost you anywhere between $65 and $170 and they will cover exams, essential vaccines, a fecal examination as well as the first three doses of heartworm and flea prevention. Besides, she advises owners to pursue heartworm and flea prevention, each roughly accounting for $10-$15 every month for a pup. Heartworm prevention helps prevent the development of heartworm disease which is problematic in the US especially in the Southeast part of the country. Moreover, the German Wirehaired Pointer may require vaccines that depend on its owner’s lifestyle and activities: Lyme ($60-$80 including a booster shot) if the dog is exposed to ticks often.Leptospirosis ($15-$25) for dogs exposed to wildlife, standing water, or taken on camping/hiking trips often.Influenza ($70-$90 including a booster shot) mostly if the daycare or kennels the dog is visiting require it due to intermittent influenza outbreaks. If spaying (female) or neutering (male) is considered, the owner should expect a $150 to $450 bill in most clinics, depending on the area. It is also possible to find low-cost options as low as $50-$100 in some places. Note that, generally, spays tend to be slightly more expensive. Medical expenses for the following years For an adult German Wirehaired Pointer, one trip per year is recommended by licensed veterinarians like Dr Brooks. The yearly visit price should range around $125-$265 and includes a general examination, necessary vaccines, heartworm test and, for older dogs, some blood work to detect any potential hidden issues. Recommended heartworm and flea prevention will run about $100-$150 and $200-$250 for every adult year, respectively. Optional booster shots for the lifestyle vaccines (Lyme, Leptospirosis, and Influenza), could also prove to be necessary and cost $15-$45 each. In some cases, Leslie Brooks, DVM, also does a $40-$50 fecal examination, especially if the dog shows an inconsistent stool quality. German Wirehaired Pointer potential health issues German Wirehaired Pointers can be prone to certain diseases or medical conditions like the ones listed by Leslie Brooks below. Health ProblemLikelihoodTreatment Cost EstimateHypothyroidismMedium$350 - $800CardiomyopathyMedium$600 - $2,000EpilepsyMedium$500 - $2,500CancerMedium$500 - $10,000Dental DiseaseMedium$400 - $800 Hypothyroidism: cost estimate for blood tests and lifelong medications. Cardiomyopathy treatment costs include diagnostics (x-rays, ECG, echocardiogram) and heart medications, which can be expensive for large breed dogs. Epilepsy: this is a cost estimate for diagnostics (blood test, MRI, cerebrospinal fluid tap) and lifelong medications. Some owners may elect to just do some blood work and medications, so the price would be on the low end of the range in those cases. Cancer: the cost really depends on the type of cancer and if an owner pursues aggressive therapy and all the recommended treatments, versus if they elect to just keep the pet comfortable with medications. Dental disease: this is the cost estimate for the dental procedures to clean the teeth and remove any infected teeth if needed. "German Wirehaired Pointers are very active dogs and will need to move a lot to stay healthy and do not become overweight. Planning and budgeting ways to keep them active is a must."Leslie Brooks, DVM – Licensed Veterinarian Dog insurance cost The latest North American Pet Health Insurance Association’s State of the Industry report puts the average price of accident and illness coverage plans at $565. For accident only plans, the average yearly cost is $190. Insurance can come in handy as it is impossible to predict some medical expenses. Check with pet insurance companies to get a quote and know more about coverage. The cost to feed a German Wirehaired Pointer Considering adult German Wirehaired Pointers can easily weigh 60 lb. (usually 50 to 70 lb.), your food-related expenses can be calculated after combing through prices across best-selling brands available. On average, a Pointer puppy is likely to consume close to 190 lb. of food, putting the average first-year cost at $225. A grown German Wirehaired 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. Yearly Food CostRangeAverage CostPuppy$155 - $310$225Adult Dog$140 - $450$255 We have also estimated the yearly cost of treats for large dogs reviewing the price of the 27 best sellers on Walmart, PetSmart, and Amazon. Treats CostRangeAverage CostYearly Treats$125 - $715$345 Four dog food brands compared A German Wirehaired Pointer puppy will eat around 190 lb. of food during the first year. Note that it can vary depending on many factors including the dog’s level of activity and its size. Puppy Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Puppy Chow36 lb.6$27.78 (Walmart)$166.68Purina One - Smart Blend Puppy16.5 lb.12$21.98 (Walmart)$263.76Pedigree - Puppy36 lb.6$25.83 (Walmart)$154.98Blue Buffalo - Puppy30 lb.7$44.08 (Amazon)$308.56 An adult 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. Adult Food BrandsQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PricePurina - Dog Chow50 lb.6$22.98 (Walmart)$137.88Purina One - Smart Blend40 lb.7$40.36 (Walmart)$282.52Pedigree - Adult50 lb.6$25.83 (Walmart)$154.98Blue Buffalo - Adult30 lb.10$44.98 (Amazon)$449.80 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 Wirehaired Pointer. Example for a more expensive premium brand Royal Canin - Size Health NutritionQuantity per BagNumber of Bags / YearUnit PriceTotal PriceLarge Puppy35 lb.6$73.99 (PetSmart)$443.94Large Adult35 lb.8$68.99 (PetSmart)$551.92 This illustrates the price difference between budget-friendly and premium dog food. Grooming prices for German Wirehaired Pointers Corryne Smith, a professional groomer, suggests that a German Wirehaired Pointer receives grooming 3 to 6 times a year, with a session typically ranging from $50 to $65. The price will depend on the services requested as well as the dog (health, age, coat, behavior). On average, this comes up to an annual cost of $270. Yearly Grooming CostRangeAverage CostGerman Wirehaired Pointer$150 - $390$270 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 Additional CostsRangeAverage CostLicense$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40 Dog Walking (per walk) $20 - $50 $35 Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 License Licenses usually fall in the $10-$20 range in the USA, depending on location. If your dog is not spayed or neutered, the cost is likely to be a little bit higher. We strongly recommend licensing your German Wirehaired Pointer, as it can be illegal, depending on state and territory legislation, to own an unlicensed dog. Moreover, it makes identification and locating in the case of emergencies that much easier. Microchip Microchips create a unique identification for your dog, allowing them to be on medical and emergency databases. Microchips are required in many U.S. states and will range from $25-$50. Dog walking German Wirehaired Pointers are very highly energetic dogs, and so, need an outlet to tire themselves out and keep from becoming frustrated or bored. Dog walkers like Tamaria Reddick would recommend hiring a professional to take the dog out at least once a day if owners do not have the time to dedicate themselves. With such a high exercise need, it is probably better to consider 1-hour long walks. Thankfully, finding a good dog walker is easy thanks to apps like Rover and Wag. Expect to be charged $20-$50 for 1-hour group walks and $15-$25 for 30-minute group walks. If the dog is not properly socialized, it might need private walks which are more expensive. Traveling In the case of extended travel plans, dog boarding services are available, provided you plan. They usually cost between $25-$85 a day, depending on location and time of year. During particularly busy stretches of the year, such as the holidays, you will need to book a dog boarding service in advance, as you are likely to increase your chance to find availability and get better rates. If you are on a tight budget, checking with friends or family members to see if they would be willing to host your dog is a good idea, as bills can add up very quickly. Finally, you might be able to take your German Wirehaired Pointer 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. Moreover, the cost varies drastically, as it depends on several variables. Yearly and monthly cost of a German Wirehaired Pointer How much is the first year with a puppy? Typically, expenses of raising a German Wirehaired Pointer puppy average out at $3,980 for the first year, with the spectrum ranging from $2,755 to $5,480. Keep in mind that most expenses will happen before or soon after welcoming the dog. First Year CostsRangeAverage CostPuppy$600 - $945$800Supplies$215 - $855$450Training$1,050 - $1,400$1,225Medical$425 - $795$610Food & Treats$280 - $1,025$570Grooming$150 - $390$270License$10 - $20$15Microchip$25 - $50$40First Year Total$2,755 - $5,480$3,980 Some owners will also have to add optional costs to those figures. Optional First Year CostsRangeAverage CostSpay/Neuter$50 - $450$250Insurance$350 - $780$565Dog Walking (1 hour per day)$20 - $50$35Dog Boarding (per day)$25 - $85$40 With additional services, including spay or neuter procedure, pet insurance, boarding services (assuming the dog is boarded for a week) and a dog walker (5 times a week for 42 weeks), expenses will be in the $7,530-$17,805 range through the course of the puppy’s first year. Potential First Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$3,155 - $6,710$4,795With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$7,530 - $17,805$12,425 Yearly and monthly cost of an adult German Wirehaired Pointer The first year with a dog is usually the most expensive. After that, expenses will go down to $945-$2,785 yearly (or $79-$232 monthly). Adult Year CostsRangeAverage CostSupplies$95 - $385$215Medical$425 - $825$625Food & Treats$265 - $1,165$600Grooming$150 - $390$270License$10 - $20$15Adult Year Total$945 - $2,785$1,725Estimated Monthly Cost$79 - $232$144 With insurance, dog boarding for a week, and dog walking for 50 weeks, the average yearly cost climbs to $11,320! Potential Adult Year CostRangeAverage CostWith Insurance$1,295 - $3,565$2,290With Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$6,470 - $16,660$11,320 Total cost of raising a German Wirehaired Pointer A German Wirehaired Pointer's lifespan is 15 years on average (usually 14 to 16 years); therefore, the total cost of ownership is likely to fall within the $15,985-$44,470 range, with the average cost being $28,130. Total Cost of Ownership (15 years)RangeAverage CostGerman Wirehaired Pointer$15,985 - $44,470$28,130 With a spay/neuter procedure, insurance, dog walking as described in the previous sections, and one week of dog boarding on average per year, the costs rise to ranging between $98,110 and $251,045, with the average being $170,905 through the course of the Pointer’s lifetime. Potential Total Cost of Ownership (15 years)RangeAverage CostWith Spay/Neuter and Insurance$21,285 - $56,620$36,855With Spay/Neuter, Insurance, Dog Walking and Dog Boarding$98,110 - $251,045$170,905 Thank you for reading us! Stay tuned for more information about pet costs, product reviews and saving tips. PetBudget German Wirehaired Pointer cost calculator The cost of a German Wirehaired Pointer – A summary in 7 questions 1- How much is a German Wirehaired Pointer puppy? On average a German Wirehaired Pointer puppy will cost $800 in the USA. Most puppies can be found between $600 and $945. 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 Wirehaired Pointer need training and how much will it cost? Having a German Wirehaired Pointer professionally trained is usually recommended (both private and group training) and should cost around $1,050 to $1,400. For this breed, training should mainly focus on basic obedience, socialization, crate training, and positive leadership. 4 - What is the cost of preventive medical care for a German Wirehaired Pointer? Preventive medical care should amount to around $425 to $795 for a German Wirehaired Pointer puppy during the first year and around $425 to $825 every adult year. This does not include a spay or neuter procedure (usually between $150 and $450). 5 - How much food does a German Wirehaired Pointer eat and how much will it cost? A German Wirehaired 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 Wirehaired Pointer be professionally groomed and how much will it cost? A German Wirehaired Pointer should be professionally groomed 3 to 6 times every year. Most dog owners will not be able to groom the dog themselves. Each visit to a grooming salon should cost from $50 to $65 for this breed depending on the dog and the services offered. 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. 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 Wirehaired 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 owning a German Wirehaired 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 Alexa Diaz, Ph. D. – Animal BehavioristCorryne Smith – Dog GroomerTamaria Reddick – Dog Walker, Pet SitterOrthopedic Foundation for AnimalsThe American Kennel ClubNorth American Pet Health Insurance AssociationAssociation of Professional Dog Trainers This article is original content from PetBudget.