How Much Does a Pointer (German Wirehaired) Cost? 2024 Price Guide

The German Wirehaired Pointer is an affectionate and devoted family companion. This dog breed is an excellent hunter, intelligent, energetic, and always ready for a challenge. Bred as a sturdy dog, it has a unique skill set, which is now used for drug detection and therapy.

If you are considering adopting or buying one of these incredibly versatile and strong dog breeds, you’ll need to budget well. Owning one of these Pointers can be expensive. You need to factor in the costs of purchasing the puppy, initial supplies, training, medical expenses, food, and grooming. It can run you between $80 and $250+ per month on average.

Keeping one of these dog breeds can become costly due to unpredictable expenses. Therefore, before you bring your canine friend home, you should additionally plan for unexpected costs.

The amount of money you will spend on your Pointer varies from person to person. It largely depends on the owner’s lifestyle and preferences, cost of living, and product quality.

German Wirehaired Pointer Price: One-Time Costs

One-time costs are incurred in the initial stages of getting a dog. Whether you are getting the pup for free from your friend or buying it from the breeder, you’ll still incur several costs. This happens because each dog has specific needs that they need to be comfortable in your home.

Your Pointer will need a bed, feeding bowl, a collar, a leash, a carrier, and more for the initial set-up. These items are one-time costs, and you’ll only need to spend money on them again when they get lost or broken.

If you have other dogs, it’s still better to get your new puppy their own items to avoid competition. Each dog is different and has a different set of needs; therefore, you have to find ways to get new gear. This way, your new dog will feel more comfortable and happier.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the one-time costs you’ll incur.

Free German Wirehaired Pointers

Getting a pup for free sounds like a good option. However, even though you won’t need to pay the initial purchase costs, a German Wirehaired Pointer, like any other dog, has expenses that involve taking care of it.

People get free dogs either from a referral or a friend or close family member. Once you get the Pointer, you have to ensure they have shelter and accessories to make them comfortable. The puppies may also need neutering or spaying; therefore, you’ll have to incur these extra expenses.

This method might look cheaper, but there are necessary expenses.

German Wirehaired Pointer Adoption

Compared to the breeders, adoption is a much cheaper alternative. Apart from getting a Pointer for your home, you are also providing a good home for a puppy.

The amount spent in getting this dog from an adoption center will depend on where you are adopting from. Rescue centers will tend to charge a higher amount because they factor in all the costs incurred taking care of the dog. They might also need to do some interviews and home visits to confirm whether the dog is a good fit.

Some adoption agencies might reduce your expenses, especially if the Pointer is already neutered and spayed. If this has been taken care of, you’ll only need to cater to the costs of purchasing initial supplies.

It’s vital to ensure that you go for centers that are reputable even for rehoming.

German Wirehaired Pointer Breeders

German Wirehaired Pointers from breeders such as the American Kennel Club cost about $600 to $950. The average cost for puppies under 6 months is approximately $800. Purebreds with an exceptional parental lineage may cost over $1,500.

If you are looking for a show dog or a hunting dog with training, the costs might go up to as much as $3,000 or $4,000.

The breeders will price the Pointers according to their bloodline. Reputable breeders also tend to invest more money into taking care of their puppies by ensuring they have medical tests and screenings and have been trained and supervised. The more a breeder has spent to bring up a pup, the more it will cost.

The physical features of your German Wirehaired Pointer will also affect the price. Some coat colors are more costly, depending on the demand. Younger puppies tend to cost a lot more because most people prefer to get their dogs as young as possible.

Before spending more money at the breeders’, ensure they are taking care of their dogs correctly. You can confirm this by visiting their location to see the physical conditions.

Wirehaired Pointer Cost: Initial Set up and Supplies

The expenses don’t end at purchasing the puppy. You still have to buy the supplies that you need for your puppy to live in your home comfortably. These costs are mainly one-time, except for toys, toothbrushes, and cleaning supplies that need to be replenished.

The initial costs for set-up tend to be high because it’s the first time. However, as the Pointer grows older, they start reducing, and you can now focus on purchasing food, grooming, and vet visits.

You can save less on these supplies if you already had hand-me-downs from another dog. The amount of money you spend here will depend on the quality of the items and where you are buying them from. Check your list to confirm the specific items that are a must-have for your Pointer and purchase them first.

List of Pointer Care Supplies and Costs

How Much Does a Pointer Cost Per Month?

The amount you spend on your dog each month will depend on where you shop and your preferences. Your budget will automatically blow up if you choose to go for high-end products and services such as professional grooming, regular pet sitters, and expensive supplies.

For an active dog like the German Wirehaired Pointer, you can find ways to reduce the costs by exercising together instead of paying a walker.

In addition, there are several options available when looking for supplies. You can either check online shops or get items secondhand. If you manage each expense well, the total monthly cost will be much lower.

German Wirehaired Pointer Healthcare Costs

German Wirehaired Pointers are not the healthiest breeds among the Pointers. They are relatively a healthy breed but are still prone to several genetic and lifestyle diseases. With a lifespan of 14–16 years, you have to budget for medical expenses such as vaccinations, annual medical visits, X-rays, blood tests, and more.

This dog breed is prone to orthopedic issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia. They also get regular bloating, neurologic issues, heart problems, hypothyroidism, and retinal atrophy.

It’s advisable to make the first trip when your puppy is eight weeks old and schedule them three times a year. Having this kind of plan will keep your Pointer healthy, and the vet can spot diseases as soon as they come up.

Wirehaired Pointer Food Costs

As a highly active breed, German Wirehaired Pointers need a high-quality diet with protein and fats. They thrive on both home-cooked meals and raw diets. However, before you feed your canine friend any of these foods, you can get the right amount from your vet or canine nutritionist.

A mature Pointer will need about 280 pounds of dog food per year, while a puppy can consume 190 pounds. Different stores and brands have different prices. Therefore, depending on your budget, you can opt to buy from the much cheaper store or go for the expensive ones, as long as the food quality is maintained.

With an estimate of how much your dog eats every week or month, it becomes easier to plan and buy food in bulk. This tactic will help you save some cash, especially when you don’t have to buy any food for your pup.

On top of regular food, your Pointer needs treats. These can cost about $25 per month or more.

German Wirehaired Pointer Grooming Costs

The German Wirehaired Pointer has a distinct, double-layered coat that needs special maintenance. As the owner, you need to remove the dead hair at least twice per year. This dog breed is a light shedder; however, it sheds continuously throughout the year.

Because of its coat, you’ll need to brush it weekly and bathe the dog about thrice a year unless the coat has caught mud or is extremely dirty and smelly. Regular baths will dry out your dog’s skin. Like other dogs, this breed also requires regular tooth brushing, nail cutting, and ear cleaning.

If you prefer to take your Pointer to a professional groomer, the sessions can range from three to six every year, with each session costing $50 to $65. Professional groomers offer all the services at a cost; therefore, you need to decide whether you can afford them.

Wirehaired Pointer Medication and Vet Visits

The costs of medication will largely depend on the medical problems your Pointer has. If they have orthopedic issues, they might have to go for regular visits to the vet for therapy which costs money.

For chronic conditions like cancer, your dog might need lifelong medications to manage the condition. To get a clear picture of your dog’s needs, ensure you have regular screenings to confirm they are disease-free or start treatment early in case of any problem.

Pet Insurance Costs

Most medical conditions are expensive to treat. Just like you take your own health insurance, you can also get pet insurance for your German Wirehaired Pointer. If your dog is purebred, they might be prone to inherited diseases, while the mixed breeds get chronic conditions such as heart disease.

If you have insurance, you can comfortably cover all these expenses without going back to your pocket for more money.

Insurance also covers accidents and any other unexpected medical expenses. As a Pointer owner, it’s advisable to sign up your pup for an insurance plan.

Environmental Maintenance Costs

When you have a dog, you only need to buy poop bags and poop scoopers. Unlike cats, you won’t need a litter box that needs to be emptied every day. Whether you live in a city apartment or have a yard, you don’t need extra items for environmental maintenance.

German Wirehaired Pointer Entertainment Costs

Due to their breeding, these Pointers are highly energetic and active. They were bred to hunt; therefore, they have so much energy to be spent at the end of each day.

Pointers make exceptional running partners and will also enjoy going on hikes with you. When doing these activities outdoors, always ensure that the dog is on a leash. They have a natural instinct to hunt and, hence are highly likely to chase other animals.

These dog breeds are athletes in the canine world. When trained well, they are excellent in many sports activities, including agility, field trials, dock diving, waterfowl, and upland hunting. Therefore, when you keep them in your home, they’ll need more than toys for mental stimulation. You have to take them outside for rigorous exercise.

Total Monthly Cost of Owning a Pointer

Once you bring a Pointer home, you have to budget for all the monthly needs. While some remain constant each month, most of these expenses will change every month.

These costs are usually relatively high in the first year. But as the pup grows older, the expenses significantly reduce, and you can plan much better. To avoid going over budget, you can also make purchases at stores that are less expensive.

Additional Costs to Factor In

Like with any other pet, you need to have an emergency fund or spare budget to cater to additional costs. You might experience unexpected costs, especially when it comes to medical conditions. Since the German Wirehaired Pointer is an active and energetic breed, it can get injured.

When this happens, you need to have some cash to take your pet to the vet for treatment. The dog might chew on your house items or break things that need to be repaired. These are unexpected costs that come with owning a dog.

In addition, when you aren’t at home or need to go on vacation, you might need the services of a dog walker. You have to pay them by the hour, which is an extra expense to plan for.

Pointers are highly intelligent and can be trained easily. However, if your dog is stubborn, you might need the services of a dog trainer, which needs money. By setting aside some money, you can comfortably take care of these arising expenses.

Owning a Pointer On a Budget

It’s possible to own a Pointer within a set budget. You can achieve this by cutting down costs on unnecessary things. You can opt to shop online among dog owners’ groups. You are more likely to get accessories at a lower price from other pet owners. As long as they are still in good condition, this tactic saves money rather than shopping for new items.

When sourcing a puppy, consider an adoption center or rescue shelter if you can’t afford the price at the breeders. At these sites, you’ll get a Pointer at a much lower price. If you don’t need a show dog, you can avoid the expensive options.

Your daily activities, such as going for runs with your Pointer, will significantly cut down your budget. A dog sitter is expensive; therefore, if you can, use this time to bond with your pet.

Saving Money on Pointer Care

Grooming a German Wirehaired Pointer is not intensive. They are light shedders; therefore, they will require brushing weekly and a few baths each year.

Instead of paying a professional groomer, you can opt to do the grooming yourself. Spend money on tooth cleaning tools, nail cutters, dog shampoo, and a brush instead of scheduling grooming sessions.

Feeding your Pointer a healthy diet is essential as they’ll stay healthy and reduce the vet visits.

Summary: German Wirehaired Pointer Price

German Wirehaired Pointers are a perfect choice for a pet. They are an active breed that’s easy to maintain as long as you meet all the exercise and nutrition requirements. Owning one of these dogs requires a budget that covers the cost of acquiring, medical costs, food, entertainment, nutrition, and unexpected costs.

During the first year, the costs of owning a Pointer are much higher but will decrease as the dog grows older. You can keep the costs low by employing money-saving tactics such as handling all the grooming, training, and exercise needs by yourself.

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Featured Image Credit: eAlisa, Shutterstock