Pudelpointer Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Pudelpointer?

The origins of the Pudelpointer can be traced back to the late 1800s in Germany when hunting was an incredibly popular pastime.

German hunters were searching for the ideal hunting dog that would be versatile and could follow scents, retrieve game, swim, and be courageous around gunfire and large animals.

A breeder named Baron von Zedlitz began breeding the Pudel, or German Hunting Poodle, with the English Pointer in an attempt to create the ideal gun dog that hunters had been looking for. This breed was refined for 60 years and resulted in the beloved Pudelpointer that we now know.

In 1956 the Pudelpointer was brought to North America, and, due to their popularity amongst hunters there, the Pudelpointer Club of North America was established in 1977.

Although the breed is not yet fully recognised by the American Kennel Club, it is a part of their Foundation Stock Service, and the Pudelpointer is recognised by the United Kennel Club.

Who are Pudelpointer dogs best for?

Pudelpointers are best suited to very active families who can commit to lots of daily exercise and stimulating activities. As Pudelpointers are expert hunting dogs, they have a lot of energy they need to burn off each day and so would not be a great choice for people who live a more sedentary lifestyle.

Despite this, a Pundelpointer does make a great family pet as they become very attached to their families and are calm and cuddly when at home. They can be dashing through a field one moment and snuggling with their owners on the couch the next!

Pudelpointers will generally get along well with other dogs, but due to their high prey drive, they do have a tendency to chase other animals such as cats or ferrets.

If you have smaller pets at home, then a Pudelpointer could still be a good choice for you, as long as they are socialised early around other small animals.

How much grooming does a Pudelpointer need?

When it comes to grooming, Pudelpointers are pretty low maintenance and only need to be brushed once a week. As with most Pointing breeds, their fur is usually wiry and harsh with a hard top coat and dense undercoat, so it will need to be brushed using a metal comb and pin brush.

Their coats are low-shedding, and Pudelpointers shouldn't leave much dog hair around the house, especially if you keep up this weekly brushing routine.

They don't require bathing very often and will only need a bath if they get dirty. Make sure to use a mild dog shampoo so that their skin doesn't become irritated.

You may also want to trim your Pudelpointer's beard occasionally to prevent it from collecting drool, and their nails should be trimmed every couple of weeks with a nail clipper.

Do Pudelpointer bark much?

Pudelpointers tend to be a quiet breed that is not known to be prone to excessive barking. However, they will bark to alert their owners of strangers and potential danger. This means that they can make good watchdogs, but they're definitely not particularly vocal.

Do Pudelpointer bite?

Biting is not a common problem with Pudelpointers, and they tend to be friendly and social dogs that get on well with strangers if they're properly trained. Pudelpointer puppies may be a little mouthy when they're young, but this is common in most dog breeds and shouldn't be an issue later in life.

What is the temperament & personality of a Pudelpointer?

As a hunting breed, the Pudelpointer is highly energetic and requires plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy. Activities they greatly enjoy include long walks, hiking, various dog sports, and, of course, hunting. Essentially, anything that involves vigorous exercise!

Due to their hunting heritage, they also have a prey drive and will tend to follow scents when they pick them up. This can lead to them wandering off when out and about, so it's best to keep them on a lead when possible and only leave them in backyards that have a secure fence.

However, Pudelpointers are not just hunters and love spending time around their families at home. They make excellent companions and will show their owners lots of love and loyalty.

What is the weight & size of a Pudelpointer?

Pudelpointers usually weigh between 18 kg to 30 kg, and their height is usually between 53 cm-68 cm.

How much training does a Pudelpointer need?

Pudelpointers are remarkably intelligent, which makes them fairly easy to train. They're also very eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement and obedience training.

Early socialisation is important to make sure that they're comfortable around other dogs and animals, but their inherently friendly nature means this shouldn't be too much of a struggle.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Pudelpointer?

Pudelpointers are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health problems that are common to their breed, such as:

• Hip Dysplasia - a condition where the hip joint forms abnormally during growth and doesn't fit snugly into the hip socket. The symptoms include pain and limping, and it can lead to arthritis.

• Cryptorchidism - a condition in male dogs where one or both of the dog's testicles don't descend. This means that they must be removed as they may otherwise become twisted or cancerous.

• Eye and Ear Infections - this breed is susceptible to infections of the eyes and ears, so it's important to keep these areas clean.

It's always recommended that you take out pet insurance for your dog to help with any bills when they have to go to the vet.

What is the lifespan of a Pudelpointer?

The average lifespan of a Pudelpointer is 10 to 14 years. The best way to give your pooch the long and happy life it deserves is to make sure you take them for regular health checks and give them lots of exercise.

How much should you feed a Pudelpointer?

Pudelpointers are fairly large and very energetic dogs, so they usually require more food during the day than more docile breeds. The specific dietary needs will vary depending on your dog's weight, age, and metabolism, so you should consult a vet to help you formulate an ideal diet plan for them.

What is the price of a Pudelpointer in Australia?

Pudelpointers are still a pretty rare breed outside of Germany, and the price of a puppy will usually range from around $1,400 to $2,000. If you pay a lot less than this for a puppy, then it may mean that the breeder you're using is not reputable or is using puppy mills.