If you are looking for a versatile hunting dog that can track down quarry, hold it, point it and retrieve it, then you are probably going to love the Pudelpointer. This breed is a fairly unknown breed that originated in Germany during the late 1800’s.

While the breed is often noticed for its wiry coat that is found in liver color, black, fawn and light brown, it is the intelligence shining from its eyes that usually leave people to wonder at the potential in the breed.

And potential there is. The Pudelpointer is known for its easy nature and its love for everyone. It is good natured and generally gets along well with everyone, including children and other dogs.

While the Pudelpointer shines as a companion dog, it is also a fine hunting dog that is usually easy to train. They are intelligent and have proven that they can be a versatile hunting dog both in the water and out.

Pro’s and con’s of owning a Pudelpointer

When the Pudelpointer was developed, the goal was to create a dog that was excellent both in “the field and by the fireside.” What this meant was that breeders wanted a dog that would produce in the field but be a delight to have with you when you arrived home after hunting. For many, that perfect companion and hunter can be found in the Pudelpointer.

The Pro’s

Like all dog breed, there are a number of pros when you look at a Pudelpointer.

• They are a versatile field dog that can point, chase down quarry, and retrieve both on land and in water.
• They are usually very friendly and will get along with almost anyone.
• They make excellent family pets and do very well with children.
• They are usually very good natured.
• Pudelpointers are usually very friendly with other dogs and will do well in a multi-dog family.
• They are good-natured.
• They are intelligent and usually very easy to train.

The Con’s

Again, although the Pudelpointer is an excellent hunting and family dog, there are a number of cons that potential owners should take into consideration before they purchase a Pudelpointer puppy.

• They are intelligent and can become bored quite easily.
• Pudelpointers are working dogs and have a high energy level. For this reason, they require a significant amount of exercise each day, roughly 60 minutes, to stay healthy and happy.
• If their exercise needs are not met, Pudelpointers can become bored and destructive.
• Pudelpointers are very attached to owners and can suffer from separation anxiety.
• They are a rare breed so it can take time to find a breeder and potential litter. In addition, they tend to be more expensive than other hunting breeds.

Health Issues:

When it comes to health issues, the Pudelpointer is a very hardy breed that only suffers from a few health concerns; however, with proper breeding practices and by purchasing a Pudelpointer from a reputable breeder, the risk of these health problems decrease significantly. Health issues that have been seen in the Pudelpointer are:

• Hip Dysplasia
• Skin Allergies
• Skin Cysts
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Height & Weight:

The Pudelpointer is a medium sized breed that should be athletic and well-proportioned. The breed is well known for its nicely shaped head and the frame that tapers down to a thick tail. Generally, Pudelpointers have their tails docked at 2/3rds its original length.

Both Males and Females range within the same size. Generally, a Pudelpointer is 24 to 26 inches tall and weighs 55 to 70 pounds.

Note: Height is always determined from the ground up to the withers, also known as the highest spot on the shoulders, of the dog.

Grooming:

The Pudelpointer is a low to average shedder and requires very little grooming to keep its coat in its best appearance. Generally, a weekly brushing will remove loose hair but since many Pudelpointers have a wiry coat, you may need to strip the hair on a regular basis.

To strip a dog’s hair, you can use a special comb or your index finger and thumb. Simply pull the loose hair and mats out of the coat in gentle movements until all the mats are removed.

When it comes to bathing, Pudelpointers don’t need to be bathed on a regular basis and it is perfectly okay to bathe them only a few times per year. That being said, it is still important to take extra care with their ears since they can trap dirt, debris and moisture, which can lead to ear infections in some dogs. Feet should also be checked on a regular basis to ensure that they are clean and nails should be kept trimmed.

Life Expectancy: 14 to 16 years

History:

Developed in the 1800’s, the Pudelpointer can attribute its development to a man named Baron von Zedlitz, who went about creating a dog breed that would be exceptional both as a hunting dog and a family companion.

In the development of the breed, Baron von Zedlitz began a breeding program which saw the use of 7 Poodles and a large number of English Pointer, close to 100 Pointers to be exact, since the Poodle had more dominant characteristics.

The breeding goal that Baron von Zedlitz had was to combine the positive traits of both breeds to create an amazing hunting dog. From the Poodle, the Pudelpointer inherited a natural love of water, a willingness to please, a high intelligence and some of the traits of the Poodle’s protective coat. The Pudelpointer inherited its pointing instinct, desire to hunt, endurance and nose from its English Pointer foundation breed.

The first actual Pudelpointer, or Pudel (Poodle) and Pointer cross was born in 1881. From those dogs and several other crosses, the breed continued to develop. The first Pudelpointer to be exported from Germany into the North America was in 1956 and the Pudelpointer Club of North America was founded in 1977.

Today, while the breed has shown itself as an exceptional breed for both hunting and family companionship, it is still a fairly unknown and rare breed.

Grouping:

Gun Dog

Recognition:

FCI, CKC

For more infomation on pudelpointers try The american and Canadian Pudelpointers association