Overview
The Pudelpointer was created in Germany in the late nineteenth century by crossing Poodles with Pointers to produce a versatile hunting dog that would point, retrieve, track and swim. It has a harsh, dense, usually brown coat, a beard and a strong, athletic body. It remains a working breed, bred by hunters for hunters.
Temperament is friendly, keen and eager to please, with the intelligence of the Poodle and the drive of the Pointer. These dogs are not suited to a sedentary life. In the right hands they are superb; in the wrong hands they are destructive out of frustration.
Exercise and walking needs
Two hours a day, with as much of it as possible at speed and in rough country. Lead walks around the block are not exercise for a Pudelpointer. Fields, woods and water, with retrieving or scent work mixed in, are the minimum.
They can run alongside a bike where the owner agrees and are natural swimmers. Use both to burn energy.
On the walk
- Recall: Generally good; they want to work with you. Game is the exception. Reinforce with a whistle and plenty of reward.
- Ranging: A Pudelpointer hunts in front of you and will go a fair way out. Agree a distance with the owner and use a long line until you have seen it.
- Other dogs: Friendly and robust. Enjoys an active group and plays hard.
- Water: Will swim in almost any weather. Check the water and towel off; the wiry coat dries faster than a spaniel's but still holds mud.
- Scent: The nose runs the show. Hedgerows, ditches and woodland edges will all pull the dog in.
Tips for professional walkers
- Combine the walk with a job: a dummy to carry, a scent trail or a few retrieves.
- Keep it off livestock fields; the hunting drive is strong.
- Check the beard and feet for seeds and the ears after swimming.
- Expect a young dog to need more than the owner says.
What to ask the owner
- Is the dog worked, and what whistle commands does it know?
- How far does it range, and where is it allowed off lead?
- How does it behave around sheep, deer and poultry?