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The German Shorthaired Pointer is a sporting dog that’s much appreciated by hunters. However, the dogs also make wonderful companions!
Are you thinking about adopting a German Shorthaired Pointer? If so, you’ll want to know how much it may cost to adopt one of these amazing dogs. There are also other expenses you’ll need to factor in when adopting a dog!
We’ve put together some information about German Shorthaired Pointers, how much it can cost to adopt one of these fur babies, and other expenses to consider. Let’s get started!
What is a German Shorthaired Pointer?
The German Shorthaired Pointer was bred to be a hunting dog in the 1600s. They come from Germany and were developed to be obedient, loyal hunters that made wonderful companions. Today, this dog breed is a versatile sporting dog breed with a noble, elegant look. These are highly intelligent canines who are quite serious about their work.
They also make wonderful family companions! After being on the trail all day, a GSP (German Shorthaired Pointer) usually wants nothing more than to play with the kids and then curl up next to you and become a couch potato. These dogs also make great hikers and joggers!
GSPs are a bit smaller than a Pointer, with dark almond-shaped eyes and an elegant head. They’re highly intelligent dogs and are good-natured. They have a large dark nose, broad ears that are set flat to the head. The dogs also have a short, dense coat that’s very sleek. German Shorthaired Pointers usually come in coat colors of solid liver or liver and white (can be roan, patched, or ticked). The tail is usually docked.
GSPs are extremely dedicated when it comes to their work and play. They love being with their families and are great with kids. Because they love to be with their people, GSPs can develop separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. This condition may cause a dog to become nervous and destructive.
German Shorthaired Pointers are also very muscular, athletic dogs. They have a ton of energy! These dogs need a good workout that’s at least an hour or two a day (every day). The dogs have webbed feet and a water-resistant coat, which makes them excellent swimmers. Your fur baby will love to have a workout in the pool or at the lake.
German Shorthaired Pointers are eager to please and work hard. They thrive on positive reinforcement training methods that include plenty of praise, play, and treats. The dogs learn quickly and usually aren’t stubborn. The main challenge during training is to keep their attention. GSPs can easily become bored.
Hunters will appreciate that GSPs can be used as pointers and retrievers. They can hunt upland birds and waterfowl, rabbits, raccoons, and even deer. Whatever you want to hunt, your dog will go after without question!
German Shorthaired Pointers are not the best apartment dogs. They need a larger space to move around and space to fun. These dogs are best for active families with a large yard and high, dog-proof fence.
The dogs can get along with kids if they’re all raised together. GSPs make exciting, energetic playmates for kids who have a lot of energy, especially older kids. German Shorthaired Pointers may be too energetic for younger kids.
These dogs also get along well with other dogs; however, they may be aggressive toward members of the same sex. GSPs also have a strong prey drive and don’t do well with small pets such as cats or rabbits. It is possible to socialize puppies and raise them with smaller pets, but the dogs may still go after small animals that aren’t part of their pack.
German Shorthaired Pointers usually stand between 1 foot 9 inches and 2 feet 1 inch tall and weigh between 45 to 70 lbs. They have a life expectancy between 12 to 15 years.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Now, you’re ready to learn how much it can cost to adopt one of these wonderful dogs! But how much do they cost? The answer depends on several factors. For instance, if you choose to adopt a GSP from a reputable breeder, the adoption fee is higher than adopting from a shelter.
In addition, adopting a dog from an urban area is usually more expensive than adopting from a small town or a rural area.
So, if you adopt from a reputable breeder, a German Shorthaired Pointer may cost between $600 and $1,500.
If that adoption fee is too high, then don’t give up! You may be able to find a German Shorthaired Pointer in a shelter. In that case, the adoption fee may be between $100 & $300. Some people believe shelter adoption fees are too expensive.
However, it’s good to remember that a shelter is a non-profit. Their funds are used to house, feed, and provide medical treatment to the pets in their care. So, the adoption fee you pay allows the shelter to help other pets in need, too.
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Ask a Vet Live NowAre There Cheaper Places to Get a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Yes, but these places should be completely avoided. If you see a German Shorthaired Pointer offered by a breeder at lower prices, there’s a reason for that. It’s entirely possible the breeder runs a puppy mill or is a backyard breeder.
These breeders don’t use best practices to breed their dogs. And they usually don’t provide much care for their animals. Instead, they’re focused on the profits they can make from selling their pets.
Because the dogs are not well cared for, many of them have serious health issues and behavioral problems. So, don’t adopt your dog from these kinds of sources.
Other Expenses to Consider When Adopting a German Shorthaired Pointer
In addition to the adoption fees, you’ll also need to factor in the other expenses that go with adopting a dog. These include the supplies and items your fur baby needs when he first comes home!
Here’s our list of items your GSP will need:
- Dog bed: $30 to $100
- Dog crate: $50 to $135
- Dog brush: $5 to $30
- Toys: $10 to $50
- Food & water bowls: $5 to $20
- Dog food: $30 to $60/month (these are highly energetic dogs who need to eat quite a bit!)
- Shampoo: $5 to $20
In addition, you’ll need to factor in medical costs, which vary depending on where you live. These usually include vet checkups, vaccinations, medications, and medical treatments.
Summing It Up
As you can see, there’s more to consider than just the adoption fee when getting a German Shorthaired Pointer! However, if you do get one of these fun, intelligent dogs you’ll have a loving, fun companion for years to come!
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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