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Pet Insurance for English Pointers

Find out all about English Pointers and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 19th, 2023       

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Price range

$800–$1,500

Height

53cm - 64cm

Weight

20kg - 34kg

Personality

Gentle, affectionate, even-tempered

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

Very high

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 14 years

English Pointer

Overview

The English Pointer is an elegant and athletic breed that was used as a gun dog as early as the 17th Century. With its exceptional sense of smell, it was trained to stand and point in the direction of hares with its tail, so that greyhounds could run in the right direction and track them down. This is where it acquired the name ‘Pointer.’ Later it was used as a game retrieval dog, and then became a fashionable family pet in the 1800s. It may be related to the Old Spanish Pointers 

The Pointer is renowned for its keen sense of smell and graceful appearance. They have a short coat that requires only minimal grooming. Pointers are known for their friendly and energetic nature. They excel in hunting and field activities and are highly trainable. Pointers make great companions for active individuals or families who can provide the exercise and mental stimulation that this active breed requires.

Common diseases and conditions of English Pointers

  • Hip Dysplasia: This is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues.
  • Hypothyroidism: A thyroid disorder that can impact metabolism and overall health.

Breed-specific issues:  

Their strong hunting instincts may lead them to follow scents, so a secure backyard is necessary to keep them contained. They can jump very high fences. They require a great deal of regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. 

How much does pet insurance cost for an English Pointer?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about English Pointers

   Are English Pointers good family dogs?

Yes, English Pointers are great family dogs. They are known for their gentle and friendly disposition, making them wonderful companions for families of all sizes. They tend to be good with children and can adapt to various living situations. However, they do require attention, exercise, and mental stimulation to thrive as family pets. 

Do English Pointers require a lot of exercise?

Yes, English Pointers are highly energetic dogs with a strong hunting background. They thrive on physical activity and mental stimulation. Daily exercise in the form of brisk walks, runs, or playtime is essential to keep them physically and mentally fit. Without enough exercise, they can become restless and exhibit undesirable behaviours. 

 
 
Are English Pointers easy to train?

English Pointers are generally trainable due to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Positive reinforcement techniques, like treats and praise, work well with them. However, they can have an independent streak, so consistency and patience in training are key. Early socialisation is crucial to ensure they develop into well-mannered and well-adjusted dogs. 

Do English Pointers get along with other pets?

English Pointers often get along well with other dogs, especially if they are socialised from a young age. However, they have a strong prey drive, so they should never be left alone with smaller pets like cats or rabbits.  

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Compare pet insurance policies with Savvy

Whether you're buying for your dog or cat and whether they're big or small, you can compare pet insurance policies tailored to your furry friend's needs from Savvy's panel of trusted Australian insurers. Grab a free, no-obligation quote today!
English Pointer

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