How Much Does a German Shorthaired Pointer Cost? (2024 Price Guide)
By Ed Malaker
Updated on
The German Shorthaired Pointer is a medium-sized dog with plenty of energy that enjoys the hunt. It was first seen sometime in the 1800s and today remains one of the top hunting breeds, winning several competitions over the years. It’s affectionate and forms strong bonds with other family members. If you would like to get a German Shorthaired Pointer, you can expect to pay $50–$300 when adopting a pup or $600–$1,500 if you buy your puppy from a reputable breeder.
Keep reading while we take a deep dive into this noble breed to learn more about the overall expense of owning one of these dogs. We’ll discuss the price of the puppy, shots, food, medical expenses, insurance, and more so you can see if this dog is right for your home.
German Shorthair Pointer Price: One-Time Costs
There are quite a few one-time expenses associated with owning your German Shorthaired Pointer. You will need to purchase the puppy and may decide to get it microchipped, so you have a better chance of finding it if it gets lost. You may also need to get it spayed or neutered if you didn’t purchase breeding rights, and if you decide to keep the dog in a metal crate at night, you will need to purchase one of those as well. You might also choose to buy a bed or mattress to provide a place to sleep, and you will need food and water bowls.
Free German Shorthaired Pointer
Unfortunately, there is not too much that’s free in the world of pets. However, since the German Shorthaired Pointer is one of the 10 most popular dogs in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club, there is a good chance you will know someone that has one. If their dog has an unexpected litter, you might be able to get one for free. Once you have the dog, treats, toys, and other supplies make great holiday gifts, so there is a good chance your costs will go down around the holidays.
German Shorthaired Pointer Adoption
- $50–$300
As we mentioned earlier, the German Shorthaired Pointer is a popular breed in the United States, so there is a good chance that if you look at animal shelters in your area, you will find one that you can adopt. Adopting your pet will be much less expensive than purchasing it from a breeder, and it might already have its shots and be spayed or neutered, saving you time and money. In addition, adopting saves a dog’s life and frees up resources for other dogs in need of help.
German Shorthaired Pointer Breeders
- $600–$1,500
A German Shorthaired Pointer costs between $600 and $1,500, depending on the breeder you choose. A more experienced breeder will know how to breed a dog with fewer health problems, but they will also charge more and may have a long waiting list.
Most breeders will require you to purchase breeding rights or get your pet spayed or neutered, and most will charge more for a competition-quality dog than pet quality.
German Shorthaired Pointer Price: Initial Setup and Supplies
- $0–$200
Dogs don’t require much setup or supplies, and you can get started with very little. The only requirements are a food bowl and a water dish or fountain. Some owners like to purchase a metal crate to keep the dog in at night, and these can cost up to $100, but it’s a one-time purchase. You might also want to purchase some bedding to put in the crate or on the floor.
List of German Shorthair Pointer Care Supplies and Costs
| ID Tag and Collar | $5–$15 |
| Spay/Neuter | $45–$175 |
| X-Ray Cost | $75–$300 |
| Ultrasound Cost | $300–$500 |
| Microchip | $25–$35 |
| Teeth Cleaning | $100–$300 |
| Bed/Tank/Cage | $30–$100 |
| Nail Clipper (optional) | $7–$20 |
| Brush (optional) | $5–$30 |
| Toys | $10–$30 |
| Food and Water Bowls | $5–$20 |
How Much Does a German Shorthair Pointer Cost Per Month?
- $100–$200 per month
Your German Shorthair Pointer will likely cost you about $100 per month when you factor in all costs, including medical expenses. Your costs will go up if you purchase pet insurance or you like to buy your dog a lot of toys. Some dogs are aggressive chewers that can rip up toys quickly, which will increase your monthly costs, so we recommend toys designed for these dogs.
German Shorthaired Pointer Health Care Costs
- $10–$50 per month
Your German Shorthair Pointer is a healthy breed that shouldn’t need many visits to the vet. Your pet will need a rabies booster every 3 years, and it will likely have a yearly checkup. The vet will keep a log of your pet’s weight and will also look for other health issues so you can keep informed and make any required changes.
German Shorthaired Pointer Food Costs
- $30–$60 per month
Most German Shorthair Pointers will weigh about 50 pounds, but some can get as large as 75. You should expect to pay between $30 and $60 each month for food. We recommend choosing a high-quality brand with chicken, turkey, or salmon listed as the first ingredient. Avoid foods that have corn listed at or near the top of the list because they can lead to weight gain. These empty calories will have your dog looking for food sooner than with a high-quality brand.
German Shorthaired Pointer Grooming Costs
- $5–$10 per month
Your German Shorthair Pointer will not require too much grooming. A good brushing every week or so should be more than enough to keep up with it, and the hair doesn’t grow long, so you won’t need to have it trimmed. However, some people opt to have a professional groomer trim the nails every few weeks, and it’s a good idea to get the teeth cleaned as often as possible to help slow the progression of dental disease.
German Shorthaired Pointer Medications and Vet Visits
- $10–$60 per month
Many owners will purchase a monthly flea and tick medication that usually costs between $15–$20 per month. This medication will usually take care of heartworm, which can be a serious problem for your pet.
German Shorthaired Pointer Pet Insurance Costs
- $15–$50 per month
Many people don’t consider pet insurance, but it can protect you from a sudden expense. X-rays and ultrasounds are standard medical procedures that can cost hundreds of dollars. Most medical procedures cost more than $1,000, and if your dog needs to stay overnight, it can get extremely expensive. Pet insurance can save you from these expenses.
German Shorthaired Pointer Environment Maintenance Costs
- $0–$20 per month
Your dog will need very little in the way of environmental maintenance. If your dog has a set place to sleep, you will need to wash the bedding every few weeks. Your dog may occasionally chew things in your home, especially if it feels left out or you spend too much time away from home, so you will need to replace it. If your dog engages in this behavior frequently, it can get quite expensive.
German Shorthaired Pointer Entertainment Costs
- $5–$50 per month
It’s easy to spend plenty of money buying your dog toys, but as your dog gets older, it will choose a few favorites, and you will not need to purchase as many. If you like to provide your pet with new toys frequently, you can try a subscription service, like the Bark Box. These subscriptions will arrive in the mail each month until you cancel it and often have fun activities and treats.
Total Monthly Cost of Owning a German Shorthair Pointer
- $100–$200 per month
A German Shorthair Pointer is not a very expensive dog to raise. If you include food, treats, and other expenses, it will usually add up to around $100 per month. If you have pet insurance, it can be a little closer to $200.
Additional Costs to Factor In
If you need to travel, you may need to make special accommodations for your pet. Many hotels will not allow you to have pets or may charge you extra, so it’s important to plan and make reservations so there are no last-minute surprises. If you need to house your dog, it can cost between $25 and $50 per night. If you need to fly with your pet, the cost can be quite expensive and may cost several hundred dollars.
Owning a German Shorthair Pointer on a Budget
German Shorthair Pointers are not too expensive, and the cost can be quite low once you get the initial shots and vet visits out of the way. Adopting the pet will reduce costs significantly, especially if it’s already spayed or neutered and has its shots taken care of already.
Saving Money on German Shorthair Pointer Care
Brushing the teeth manually with safe pet toothpaste and clipping the nails can help reduce grooming costs and help you save money. Keeping your pet near its ideal weight will help reduce medical expenses later in life, as obesity can lead to several health problems, including heart disease and diabetes.
Conclusion
The German Shorthair Pointer makes a great pet that also makes a good watchdog for your home. They will play with the children for hours at a time and loves to be near family members. It’s not too expensive to purchase nor hard to find from a breeder or a shelter. It has a long lifespan and relatively few health problems so you shouldn’t have high medical bills.
We hope you have enjoyed reading over our look into the cost of owning this dog and found the answers you need.
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Featured Image Credit: Burry van den Brink, Shutterstock
