Is a German Shorthaired Pointer or Irish Setter more expensive to own?

Irish Setter is less expensive over a lifetime. German Shorthaired Pointer costs approximately $28,370 over its 13-year lifespan vs $27,170 for a Irish Setter over 12 years. Annual costs: $1,990/yr for German Shorthaired Pointer vs $2,060/yr for Irish Setter.

How much does a German Shorthaired Pointer cost per year?

A German Shorthaired Pointer costs $1,990/year on average. This includes food ($600), routine vet care ($500), grooming ($50), pet insurance ($420), supplies ($220), and training ($200).

How much does a Irish Setter cost per year?

A Irish Setter costs $2,060/year on average. This includes food ($600), routine vet care ($480), grooming ($180), pet insurance ($400), supplies ($220), and training ($180).

What is the purchase price difference between German Shorthaired Pointer and Irish Setter?

German Shorthaired Pointer purchase price from a reputable breeder: $800–$2,000. Irish Setter: $800–$1,800. Irish Setter costs less upfront by roughly $100.

German Shorthaired Pointer vs Irish Setter Cost Comparison 2026

German Shorthaired Pointer costs $1,990/yr vs $2,060/yr for Irish Setter. Over a lifetime: $28,370 vs $27,170. Here's where the money goes.

German Shorthaired Pointer

$28,370

lifetime (13 yrs)

Lifetime Difference

$1,200

Irish Setter costs less

Irish Setter

$27,170

lifetime (12 yrs)

Cost Breakdown

Category	German Shorthaired Pointer	Irish Setter	Winner
Purchase Price	$800–$2,000	$800–$1,800	Irish Setter
Annual Food	$600	$600	German Shorthaired Pointer
Routine Vet Care	$500	$480	Irish Setter
Grooming	$50	$180	German Shorthaired Pointer
Pet Insurance	$30–$60/mo	$28–$58/mo	Irish Setter
Supplies & Training	$420	$400	Irish Setter
Total Annual Cost	$1,990	$2,060	German Shorthaired Pointer
Lifetime Cost	$28,370	$27,170	Irish Setter

German Shorthaired Pointer Cost Profile

Size: large
Lifespan: 13 years
Purchase Price: $800–$2,000
Annual Cost: $1,990/yr
Lifetime Total: $28,370

Full German Shorthaired Pointer Cost Breakdown →

Irish Setter Cost Profile

Size: large
Lifespan: 12 years
Purchase Price: $800–$1,800
Annual Cost: $2,060/yr
Lifetime Total: $27,170

Full Irish Setter Cost Breakdown →

Bottom Line

Annual costs are nearly identical — $70/yr difference. Your choice comes down to lifespan, grooming needs, and health risk, not ongoing budget impact.

Compare With Other Breeds

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← All Breed Costs · German Shorthaired Pointer Full Breakdown · Irish Setter Full Breakdown