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Pet Insurance for German Shorthaired Pointer

Find out all about German Shorthaired 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 June 6th, 2024       

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Price range

$1,000–$3,500

Height

53cm - 66cm

Weight

22kg - 32kg

Personality

Energetic, intelligent, friendly

Coat length

Short

Exercise needs

Very high

Kid-friendly?

Yes

Life expectancy

12 - 14 years

German Shorthaired Pointer

Overview

The German Shorthaired Pointer, often called the GSP, is a versatile and energetic gun dog known for its exceptional hunting skills. Originating in Germany during the 1860’s, it was selectively bred to create a multi-purpose hunting dog that could excel in various terrains. The breed's lineage includes the Spanish Pointer and the English Pointer, resulting in a dog with a keen nose, remarkable agility, and boundless enthusiasm for outdoor activities. 

German Shorthaired Pointers are a large, streamlined, highly intelligent breed of dog, making them easily trainable and adaptable to various tasks. They have webbed paws, which makes them great swimmers. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them good companions for active families who can provide ample exercise and mental stimulation. They thrive in environments where they can engage in activities such as hunting, agility, and obedience training. However, due to their high energy levels, they require regular exercise and mental challenges to prevent boredom and ensure a well-rounded, happy life. While they are loyal and loving with their families, GSPs can be reserved around strangers, making them excellent watchdogs. Their strong prey drive may not make them suitable for households with smaller pets such as cats and rabbits.  

Common diseases and conditions of German Shorthaired Pointers

  • Hip Dysplasia: Hip Dysplasia is a common orthopaedic condition affecting the joint's development. It can lead to discomfort and mobility issues. 
  • Cancer: German Shorthaired Pointers are prone to mast cell tumours which appear as lumps on the skin. 
  • Lymphedema: This is a condition in which the lymph nodes do not function properly. It tends to be an intermittent condition in this breed, the cause of which is not understood. 
  • Cardiomyopathy: This is a form of heart disease which can lead to difficulty breathing and reluctance to exercise.  
  • PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy): Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited eye disorder causing gradual vision loss. Initial signs include night blindness, leading to reduced day vision. 

Breed-specific issues:  

The strong hunting instincts of GSPs may lead them to follow scents enthusiastically, so a very secure backyard with high fences and close supervision when exercising is necessary. They require frequent and strenuous exercise to stay happy. 

How much does pet insurance cost for a German Shorthaired 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, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • 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.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

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Common questions about German Shorthaired Pointers

Are German Shorthaired Pointers aggressive?

No, they are not naturally aggressive at all. They are known for their friendly disposition and eagerness to please. However, proper training and socialisation are key to ensuring they are well-behaved family pets. 

Do German Shorthaired Pointers get along with other dogs??

Yes, with early socialisation, they can happily coexist with other dogs, particularly other large breeds. However, they have a strong prey drive, so extreme caution is needed around smaller animals like cats and rabbits. 

 
 
Do GSPs bark a lot?

German Shorthaired Pointers are not typically known to be excessive barkers. They may bark to alert their owners to something unusual or as a form of communication, but they are not considered a particularly vocal breed. 

Do German Shorthaired Pointers shed a lot?

They have short, dense coats that shed moderately. Regular weekly brushing can help manage their shedding and keep their coats clean and shiny. However, they are considered a low-maintenance breed and typically don’t need a lot of brushing or bathing compared to other breeds. 

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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!
German Shorthaired Pointer

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