Originally bred for hunting in Germany, the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP for short) is an all-purpose gun dog with high energy level and is also considered as one of the most versatile and complete hunting breeds around.
Extremely athletic, the German Shorthaired Pointer is built for the field and thus, requires a lot of exercise. A walk in the park would barely qualify as a warm-up for the GSP.
Though very energetic and active, the GSP excels as a family companion.
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German Shorthaired Pointer Price
As a popular dog breed, the German Shorthaired Pointer usually costs around $600 to $1,500.
- Buying from A Registered Breeder
The American Kennel Club is the most reputable registry of purebred dogs in the United States. All puppies, along with their respective breeders, are registered to the organization and must conform to its standards.
A puppy with pedigree and registration notably costs more. The price listings for GSP on AKC’s marketplace website are usually in between $1,000 and $1,500. Higher price usually implies that the puppy has AKC Champion Bloodline; meaning, at least one dog in the puppy’s parentage, going back 3 generations (up to its great-grandparents), earned an AKC Conformation Championship and/or Grand Championship title.
- Buying from A Non-Registered Breeder
If you’re not concerned with a puppy’s pedigree or AKC breed standards, Puppyfind.com is a good alternative. It is a sale-listing site with a large directory of puppies for sale and dogs for adoption. GSP prices in this site typically range from $600 to $1,200, with the expensive ones typically include shipping fee and/or having champion bloodline.
- Adopting from Shelter or Rescue Facilities
Another option is adopting a GSP. Countless dogs, including GSPs, need a new loving owner and a welcoming home. If you wish to adopt, you can visit one of your local shelters or do a breed-specific search at Petfinder.com.
However, animal shelters have varying adoption fees. Animal Humane Society’s adoption fee for a dog ranges from $170 to $642, with variables like the animal’s age, breed, and size affecting the price. The adoption fee typically already includes a general physical examination, vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick treatment, and many more.
Other Upfront Expenses
- Shelter
A crate is essential for a dog in case it needs confinement. Dog crates vary depending on the quality and the materials used. A practical choice would be getting a wire crate for only $29.99. However, for those with no problems on spending hundreds of dollars for their dog’s shelter, Primetime Petz End Table crate is a wooden dog crate that also doubles as a table than you can place in the living room. The dual-functioning crate will cost you $249.99.
Another necessity for dogs are kennels for the pet’s transportation. You can get one for only $19.99. If your adult GSP needs a larger carrier with more than enough space, it can cost you $322.56.
Additionally, if you care about your pet’s comfort while it’s confined in a crate, crate mats will cost you for about $12.99, depending on the size.
Finally, dog bowls are must-haves. You can get a plastic dog bowl for only $2.97. A stainless steel dog bowl will cost you $8.99.
- Accessories
Dogs need to be pretty and handsome too! You can get a good-looking and comfortable dog collar for $16.99. A retractable leash can provide extra safety when you’re walking with your dog. A stylish and comfy retractable dog leash is only $18.25.
ID tags provide extra assurance in case your pet gets lost. For only $9, you can have an extra safety measure.
- Transportation Costs
If your pet must be transported from abroad, some services like Pet Transport Pro that claims to be the cheapest, offers shipment for your furry friend. A domestic pet transport will cost $375, and international pet transport for $725.
If you require a door-to-door pet transport service, they will ask for an additional $295 to $425 for domestic transport, and $425 to $575 for international transport. Ultimately, domestic airfare rates for pets are $295 to $950 for domestic transport and $395 to $2,200 for international transport.
What Comes with Your German Shorthaired Pointer
Depending on the source of your pet, your GSP might already have certain services or products included in your purchase. A good rule of thumb is to always ask essential questions from a breeder before buying.
- Health Assurance
Most breeders, especially registered ones, may have already administered the initial shots for the puppy’s deworming and vaccinations.
If you plan to adopt a GSP from a shelter or adoption center, you can also ask beforehand about if your puppy is already neutered or spayed.
- Microchip
Contrary to popular belief, pet microchips are not tracking devices such as GPS. A pet microchip only provides a permanent identification that cannot be lost, altered, or destroyed.
A microchip can also be a proof of your ownership of the pet. Some breeders may include this service with the price.
- Pedigree
Pedigree is the record or document proving that your dog is purebred, showing the record of descent. If your dog is a purebred, the breeder may provide you with pedigree documents.
German Shorthaired Pointer Maintenance
Like any other pet, money and time must be spent for the well-being of your German Shorthaired Pointer. Depending on your lifestyle, here are the recurring costs of owning a GSP:
Dog Food – As a medium to large size dog breed, the vigorous German Shorthaired Pointer requires a diet that features good quality protein. Due to its athletic nature and high-energetic trait, your dog must have a good dog food brand that provides the nutrition it needs.
For the bouncing GSP, Victor Yukon River Salmon & Sweet Potato is the best choice. It’s high-quality and grain-free dry dog food that will make sure that your GSP will have the nutrition and energy it needs to cater to its active lifestyle. A 30-lb bag will only cost you $60 with free shipping.
Pet Grooming – The GSP’s coat is very easy to care for. If you brush it regularly, you may not need to pay for professional services. If you’re unable to do the job yourself, you can take your GSP to pet grooming services.
PetSmart have professional, academy-trained, safety-certified dog & cat stylists at your service. Its basic grooming package costs from $29 to $131. There are many upgrade options and it is best if you personally customize your service package and book an appointment.
Medical Costs – As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your pet is in the best medical condition. This may include:
- Veterinary Services – this cost will greatly vary in pricing. It’s best to find a reputable veterinary clinic or hospital near you. A simple wellness check is only around $35 and basic hospital services will cost $50 to $150. If in need of dire emergency services, a rush to the emergency room is around $100 to $170.
Laboratory and diagnostic services can cost between $15 and $350, depending on the type of test undertaken.
Advanced operations, surgeries, and transfusions will significantly cost more. Prepare a larger chunk of up to $800.
- Vaccinations – vaccines are relatively cheaper but will also set up your pet for a disease-free life if the disease can be vaccinated against. Vaccinations mostly cost around $10 to $30 but can go as high as $60, case & weight dependent.
For preventive measures, all dogs should be vaccinated starting at their early ages. Puppies are more susceptible to catch viruses and diseases in their starting months.
- Vitamins – it is best to consult your dog’s veterinarian for its vitamins according to age and medical condition.
K9Vitamins offers nutritional supplements and dog support formulas. Its most popular product costs $34.99.
Tips Before Buying
Before proceeding with the purchase, you should always take note of the following:
- If you’re buying a puppy from a breeder, if possible, you should come to see the puppy in actual. It’s best to verify the puppy’s actual condition just to be sure.
- If advertised as pedigree, look for the documents proving the dog’s descent.
- Inquire about the dog’s behavior and diet. It’s good to continue feeding your furry friend the dog food brand it has accustomed to.
