German Shorthaired Pointer

Breed Overview

German Shorthaired Pointers were first bred in the 19th century as hunting dogs. They are a very sturdy, healthy breed, but just like any purebred dog there are some health concerns you should be aware of.

Potential Health Issues

Healthy GSP’s have an average lifespan between 9 to 12 years. Below is a list of potential health issues to keep an eye on as the owner of a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Stomach Bloat – $1,500 to $7,500
Hip Dysplasia – $4,000 to $6,000
Epilepsy – $200 to $15,000
Addison’s Disease – $2,400 per year
Hemivertebrae – $2,500 to $7,000
Canine Cancer – $5,000 to $20,000
Aortic Stenosis – $3,000 to $6,000
Eye Problems – $50 to $3,000

Sources:

How Can You Protect Your GSP?

As you can see veterinary treatment can be very expensive if your GSP gets sick or injured.

The only way to ensure you can provide the best care possible for your German Pinscher is pet health insurance. Pet insurance covers up to 90% of your total vet bills for accidents and illnesses. Purebred dogs are highly susceptible to hereditary and genetic disorders like hip dysplasia, spinal stenosis and cancer. Here are the highest rated pet insurance companies in America.

Key Coverage to Consider

All of the leading pet insurance companies cover major medical issues like accidents and illnesses. This chart provides a more detailed breakdown.

✓ Accidents	✓ Illnesses
✓ X-Rays, Blood Tests, etc.	✓ Surgery
✓ Hereditary Conditions	✓ Hospitalization
✓ Congenital Conditions	✓ Prescription Medications
✓ Chronic Conditions	✓ Emergency Care
✓ Cancer	✓ Specialty Care
✓ Diagnostic Treatment	✓ Alternative Treatment
X Pre-Existing Conditions	X Preventative Care

Note: Unfortunately, dog insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to enroll while your pet is healthy and young.

How Much Does it Cost?

Below are some samples across the country to give you an idea of how much it costs. However, the only way to know exactly how much a plan will cost is to get quotes for your German Shorthaired Pointer.