Frequently Asked Questions

At LakeHaus Kennels, we know adding a German Shorthaired Pointer to your family is a big decision, and you likely have lots of questions. We’ve gathered the most common ones here to help guide you through our program, our process, and the breed itself.

Section 1: Pricing & Application

How much does a puppy cost?
Our puppies are priced at $2,500, with a $500 non-refundable holding fee applied toward the final purchase price. This reflects the investment we make in raising healthy, well-socialized puppies through health testing, veterinary care, Puppy Culture, and early training.

How do I apply for a puppy?
Start by filling out our Puppy Application. This helps us learn about your lifestyle, experience, and goals. Once we review your application, we’ll be in touch to discuss next steps.

How do our Waitlists work?

We open waitlists once a breeding is officially planned and accepted applications begin to be reviewed. Approved families are offered a place on our list based on suitability, goals, and timing.

Each litter typically has 6–8 reserved spots available on the waitlist. These spots require a Holding Fee and a signed Holding Fee Contract to secure placement. Once the litter is confirmed by ultrasound, we may open an additional 4–6 interested party spots for families who wish to move forward after puppy count is known.

Please note:

A Holding Fee is required to reserve a guaranteed spot on our list.
A family is not guaranteed a puppy without a Holding Fee and a signed contract.
All Holding Fees are non-refundable, but may be moved to another appropriate litter or returned if there is no suitable puppy available for your home.

This structure helps ensure that every LakeHaus puppy is placed in a carefully matched, committed home, and that we can plan our litters responsibly and fairly.

How long is the waitlist?
Because we breed very selectively (1–2 litters per year), families should expect a wait of 6–12 months for a LakeHaus puppy.

Section 2: Placement & Selection

Do I get to pick my own puppy?
We match puppies to homes based on structure, temperament, drive, and family lifestyle. While we welcome your preferences, final placements are made by us to ensure the best possible fit.

What types of homes do your puppies go to?
We place puppies in conformation, hunting, performance, and companion homes. Many puppies are versatile and overlap categories, but all are matched where they will thrive best.

Why do you “pick” instead of letting families choose?
A short visit or photo can’t show you the whole puppy. Since we spend 8+ weeks with each puppy daily, we know their personalities inside and out. Our goal is lifelong success for both puppy and family.

Section 3: Health & Care

What health testing do you perform?
All of our breeding dogs are fully health tested for hips, elbows, heart, eyes, Cone Degeneration, and other DNA-testable conditions. Only dogs with passing results are bred.

Do you offer a health guarantee?
Yes. Every LakeHaus puppy is covered by a written health guarantee against conditions we test for. We believe it’s our responsibility to do everything possible to ensure healthy, long-lived dogs.

Are GSPs a healthy breed overall?
Yes, GSPs are generally healthy and long-lived, but responsible breeding practices are essential to avoid genetic issues. That’s why we are the only Breeder of Merit in Alaska for GSP and the only breeder completing all GSPCA-required health tests.

Section 4: Puppy Raising

How are your puppies raised?
Our puppies are raised in our home, never in kennels. We use Puppy Culture, Early Neurological Stimulation (ENS), and Early Scent Introduction (ESI) to give them a strong foundation in resilience, trainability, and socialization.

What training will my puppy have before coming home?
By 8–9 weeks, our puppies are started on crate training, litterbox/potty foundations, obedience basics, and have been exposed to a variety of environments, sounds, and people. They will also have been introduced to a clicker and free shaping exercises.

What is included when I bring my puppy home?
Each puppy goes home with:

AKC registration paperwork
Microchip
Vaccination & deworming records
Puppy Bug Out Bag (including leash, toy, blanket, training guide, and more)
Lifetime breeder support

Section 5: Breed Information

Are German Shorthaired Pointers good family dogs?
Yes — GSPs are affectionate and thrive when included in family activities. However, they are also high-energy and require consistent exercise, training, and mental stimulation.

Do GSPs shed?
Yes, GSPs shed year-round, though their short coats are relatively easy to maintain with regular brushing.

Are GSPs good hunting dogs?
Absolutely. GSPs are versatile gun dogs, excelling in upland and waterfowl hunting. Many of our puppies are NAVHDA-tested or AKC Hunt Tested and bred from proven hunting lines.

Have questions not answered here? Contact us here and we will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have.