The Pudelpointer is a breed established in the late nineteenth century in Germany. At that time it was a common practice for the landed gentry to have large kennels of more than a hundred dogs and several different breeds and it was within this type of kennel that true experimental breeding programs could flourish. The Pudelpointer is the result of just such experimentation. The breed was born out of a desire on the part of the German Baron von Sedlitz to produce the perfect "all round" gundog. The Baron used nearly 100 different pointers of Continental and English bloodlines and several different poodles to achieve his goal. The breed was not established overnight, but in the end the result was very close to the perfection the Baron desired. The Pudelpointer possesses intelligence, an excellent nose, persistence and stamina, water working ability and a weather and bramble resistant coat. In Germany the majority of the Parent breed clubs maintain a very strict breeding program and this is the case with the Pudelpointer. Stud dogs and bitches all must pass a rigorous field trial test which includes tracking a wounded animal, giving chase and putting to flight smaller game, retrieving both wounded and dead game, pointing and obedience in a variety of circumstances. Furthermore, health clearances and a "good" rating in conformation must be obtained before they can be used for breeding and the parent club also has the power to determine which stud may be bred to which bitch. All of this regulation assures that the breed will remain true to type and function. The Pudelpointer is a tall hunting dog, standing 26 inches at the shoulder. This dog can cover a great deal of ground in a stride and the length of leg allows for fast swimming and retrieving. The muzzle is lightly bearded and the rest of the body is covered with a tight rough coat that is not very long with a dense and woolly undercoat. The tail is docked similar to that of the German Shorthair Pointer. The breed is recognized by the F.C.I. and C.K.C. (Canadian Kennel Club) and there is an active North American Club with strong hunting interests. Nearly all fanciers in North America are hunters and compete heavily in field trials and hunt tests. It is in these pursuits rather than conformation that most Pudelpointer enthusiasts worldwide participate. The temperament of the Pudelpointer lends itself to being a loyal and highly intelligent companion dog for the avid hunting enthusiast. This is a dog that needs to be out in the field, needs to be performing a task and is happiest when doing the job for which it was bred. The word "drive" when applied to the nature of a dog, means an unending and non stop desire to please and to perform the requests of its human master. The Pudelpointer, amongst all the gun dogs, has an impressive drive which is prized by the hunters who have the pleasure of owning one. The Pudelpointer also has an attitude of willingness and a great desire to please and is also firmly loyal and faithful to his master and to his family. He is a fine housedog and an even finer hunting companion. |
