| Height | 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female) [1] |
| Life expectancy | 10–12+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Friendly / Smart / Willing To Please [1] |
| AKC group | Sporting Group [1] |
| Origin | Germany [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 9 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
The GSP does best with plenty of exercise and things to do, such as running, swimming, and dog sports'¿in fact, anything that will burn some of their boundless energy while spending time outdoors with a human buddy. Their routine should ideally include ample physical activity twice a day. This might be in the form of brisk, half-hour walks morning and evening or running and playing in a securely fenced area. [1]
Grooming
The GSPs coat is easy to groom most of the year, requiring only a good once-over with a brush or grooming glove every few days. Although the coat is short, it still sheds'¿especially at certain times of the year, when more frequent brushing will be needed to remove the loose hairs before they end up all over the house. The hairs can become embedded in fabrics and carpet and hard to get out. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Although German Shorthaired Pointers are generally healthy, there are some conditions the breed may be prone to. Among these are hip dysplasia, eye conditions such as progressive retinal atrophy, and certain heart diseases. A responsible breeder will screen their breeding stock for conditions that affect the breed. GSPs can also be affected by bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach suddenly distends and often twists as well. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation, Cone Degeneration (German Shorthaired Pointer) (CD) - DNA Test. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a medium dog (median $482) | $239 – $1,107 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, medium dog | $589 – $1,571 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, medium dog | $264 – $2,106 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the German Shorthaired Pointer in 1930. [1]
- It ranked No. 9 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 11 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “GSP.” [1]
- The AKC lists Germany as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC breed page lists 5 recommended health screenings for breeding dogs, such as Hip Evaluation, Elbow Evaluation. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ Families with young children (AKC good-with-kids rating 5/5)
- ✅ Active owners who can give daily exercise (AKC energy 5/5)
- ✅ First-time trainers who want an eager learner (AKC trainability 5/5)
- ✅ Multi-dog homes (AKC good-with-other-dogs 4/5)
Common questions
How long do German Shorthaired Pointers live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 10-12 years.
How big does a German Shorthaired Pointer get?
AKC breed information lists height 23-25 inches (male), 21-23 inches (female) and weight 55-70 pounds (male), 45-60 pounds (female).
How much are vet bills for a German Shorthaired Pointer?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For medium dogs like the German Shorthaired Pointer, a typical vet bill runs $239 – $1,107 (median $482). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.