Pudelpointer

Developed in late-19th-century Germany by sportsman Sigismund Freiherr von Zedlitz und Neukirch (“Hegewald”), the Pudelpointer combined the intelligence and water love of the Poodle with the field drive and pointing of English Pointers. The aim: one dog that could find, point, retrieve, and track in forests, fields, and marshes. Strict performance-based breeding kept the line steady. Today the breed remains a favorite among European hunters and North American versatile-dog enthusiasts (e.g., NAVHDA), though still relatively rare as a pure companion pet.

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Athletic, medium-large gundog with protective furnishings and a weatherproof jacket.

• Weight: 50–70 lb (male), 45–60 lb (female)
• Height: 24–26 in (male), 22–25 in (female)
• Coat Type: Harsh, dense, wiry outer coat with insulating undercoat; pronounced beard/eyebrows
• Coat Colors: Liver/brown (most common), chestnut; black occurs; small white markings permitted
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Strong, rectangular build; webbed feet; expressive eyes; facial furnishings; powerful, ground-covering gait

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Functional coat = simple routine, with occasional coat care to keep texture correct.

• Brushing: Weekly with a carding tool or slicker to lift debris and loose undercoat
• Hand-Stripping: Every 2–3 months to maintain harsh texture and reduce shedding
• Bathing: Every 6–8 weeks or after muddy/wet hunts; rinse thoroughly after salt/lake swims
• Ears: Clean/dry weekly—Pudelpointers often swim and can trap moisture
• Nails/Teeth: Trim nails every 3–4 weeks; brush teeth 2–3×/week
• Shedding: Moderate year-round (lower than smooth-coated pointers, not hypoallergenic)

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A high-endurance, task-oriented athlete that needs daily outlets.

• Daily Exercise: 90+ minutes total—brisk hikes, field runs, swim retrieves, long fetch
• Ideal Activities: Field training, tracking, blind retrieves, canicross, hiking, skijoring, nose work
• Suitability: Best for active owners with access to trails/fields or regular dog-sport training; apartment life only with serious daily exercise & enrichment

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Smart, willing, and bird-crazy—make training purposeful and positive.

• Method: Reward-based training with clear criteria; keep sessions varied and engaging
• Key Skills: Off-switch in the house, reliable recall around wildlife, steadiness to shot/bird, delivery to hand
• Socialization: Early exposure to people, dogs, livestock, boats/blinds, and gunfire (professionally)
• Mind Work: Pattern drills, blind retrieves, tracking lines, problem-solving games on rest days

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Fuel the worker, keep them lean for joints and stamina.

• Food Type: High-quality performance kibble or balanced fresh diet for active medium-large dogs
• Daily Quantity: ~2.5–4 cups/day split into two meals (adjust to workload/season)
• Add-Ons: Omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/coat and recovery; joint support (green-lipped mussel/glucosamine) for hard field users
• Pro Tips: Avoid heavy exercise 60–90 min before/after meals to reduce bloat risk; use measured portions

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Still uncommon—plan ahead and verify performance and health records.

• Breeders: Seek preservation breeders who test hips/elbows/eyes and actively prove dogs in hunt tests or field work (ask for test scores/titles)
• Adoption: Check versatile-hunting dog rescues and private rehoming via training clubs
• Canadian Resources: NAVHDA chapters across Canada (ON/AB/BC/QC) for networking and breeder referrals; limited CKC presence—many lines register through hunting clubs; European breed clubs for import options

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Generally robust thanks to performance selection; screen like any working gundog.

• Common Issues: Hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections (swimmers), occasional eye disorders; bloat risk in deep-chested individuals
• Life Expectancy: 11–14 years
• Recommended Testing: Hips/elbows (OFA/FCI), ophthalmologist (CAER), cardiac as advised; regular ear checks for field dogs

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Are Pudelpointers hypoallergenic?
No. The wiry coat is moderate-shedding; many allergy sufferers do fine, but it’s not truly hypoallergenic.

Do Pudelpointers make good family dogs?
Yes—affectionate and steady with kids when well exercised and trained; supervise with small pets due to prey drive.

How much exercise does a Pudelpointer need?
Plan for 90+ minutes daily, including field-style work or swimming and structured training.

Do Pudelpointers shed?
Yes, moderately. Routine hand-stripping and weekly brushing keep hair and dander down.

Are Pudelpointers good apartment dogs?
Possible for very active owners who provide robust daily exercise, field training, and enrichment; a yard or frequent access to open space is better.

Pudelpointer vs German Wirehaired Pointer—what’s the difference?
Both are versatile and bearded. Pudelpointers typically have a softer, more biddable demeanor for many handlers; GWPs often present more intensity/edge. Individual lines vary—meet breeders’ dogs.

How are they in water?
Excellent. Many love cold-water retrieves; dry the ears after swimming to prevent infections.

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