Pudelpointer: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The pudelpointer is a medium-sized dog breed known for their playful personality and robust work ethic. Although they excel as family companions, this pointer was specifically bred as an ideal hunting partner with a keen sense of smell for tracking scents. Despite their hunting background, pudelpointers can adapt to urban and city living, provided they have plenty of opportunity to explore green space and have jobs to keep them engaged.

Learn more about the history, characteristics, and care needs of the pudelpointer.

Characteristics of the Pudelpointer

"Pudelpointers are known for their comical nature and their love for being with their people," says Matt Morgan, director at large of The North American Pudelpointer Society (NAPS). Although they're hunting dogs with a prey drive, they are generally well-mannered towards other pets, including cats, when introduced in puppyhood. That said, Morgan doesn’t recommend introducing your adult pudelpointer to small companion animals, such as rabbits.

Of course, skill only gets a hunting pup so far. Pudelpointers were bred to work in sync with their hunting companions, developing a strong connection with their humans on the hunt and at home. This makes them especially responsive to positive reinforcement training, a big perk when it comes to house training.

History of the Pudelpointer

Pudelpointers are an even-tempered and steadfast blend of the German hunting poodle and the English pointer. They originated in Germany, where they were initially bred in the 1800s as versatile gun dogs skilled in hunting field, wood, and water game. They filled the gap for year-round hunters who could only afford to care for one dog.

It wasn't until the 1950s that pudelpointers made their appearance in the United States, assuming the role of reliable hunting dogs and companions to Sigbot "Bodo" Winterhelt, a seasoned gun dog trainer and ethical hunter. To help preserve the breed, he founded the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA). 

"NAVHDA exists throughout the United States and Canada, with each chapter conducting one or two tests annually," explains Morgan. These tests, designed to ensure pudelpointers remain suitable for hunting and companion dogs, set minimum scores that dogs must achieve to be eligible for breeding. The criteria include “enthusiasm for work, keenness, spark, and strong nerves. The ideal dog should neither be shy nor aggressive, displaying a calm, self-controlled temperament with a distinct hunting instinct and without game or gun shyness,” according to the NAPS breed standard. 

Pudelpointer Care

 Before welcoming a pudelpointer pup home, be sure you can commit the time needed to keep them active. Pudelpointers can easily become bored without enough activities and engage in unwanted behaviors. Although some routine grooming may be necessary, their coat care is generally low-maintenance. 

Pudelpointers are responsive to training and socialization, and while they may bark when they detect an intriguing scent, they are trained and bred to be less vocal than some other popular hunting breeds. That said, pudelpointers are known to “woo” when playing or happily greeting their humans. 

Exercise

Pudelpointers excel as hunting companions and family dogs, but they thrive best in active households that provide plenty of mental and physical stimulation. 

Apart from spending a day in the blinds, pudelpointers delight in activities such as hiking, swimming, and solving puzzles. They generally get along well with other dogs, so socializing with other well-mannered pups tends to be a good way to burn off some energy. Pudelpointers should be kept on a leash or in a fenced yard, as they may follow scents if given the chance. 

Grooming

A pudelpointer’s fur is highly variable. They can be wiry, rough, smooth, shaggy, or with a slick coat—but always deep brown or black fur with the occasional patch of white. It's their water-resistant, double-layered coat that protects them from brambles, branches, and thorns. 

Morgan advises against taking a pudelpointer to the groomer for body grooming with clippers. Instead, regular bathing and at-home brushing as needed should do the trick, especially since they're low shedding.

Training

Pudelpointers are highly intelligent dogs who crave activities that satisfy their hard-working nature. Thanks to their smarts, deep bonds with their humans, and an eagerness to please, excelling in positive reinforcement training comes naturally. 

When properly socialized as puppies, pudelpointers can live happily with other dogs, cats, and children. Keep in mind that pudelpointers were bred to hunt fur. Even with early socialization, always supervise interactions between your pudelpointer and small furry pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs.

Common Health Problems

Although pudelpointers are generally healthy with a lifespan of 13 to 15 years, they’re susceptible to some health conditions. Purchasing your pudelpointer from a reputable breeder who adheres to pudelpointer breeding standards increases the likelihood of taking home a healthy puppy. For unexpected illnesses and injuries, consider purchasing pet insurance for your pudelpointer puppy. 

• Hip dysplasia is the misalignment of the hip bone and joints due to hip development issues of the hip joint. While all dogs can have hip dysplasia, it's most common in large-breed dogs or rapidly growing puppies. Being overweight can increase the severity of symptoms, which include difficulty jumping, limping, and pain. Responsible pudelpointer breeders should X-ray their breeding parents for hip dysplasia to prevent hereditary causes. 
• Elbow dysplasia typically occurs in both elbows and is caused by abnormalities in the development of bones or joints in a puppy's front limbs. Signs of elbow dysplasia in dogs include swelling on the front limbs, crunching or crackling sounds, and difficulty in activities like jumping, playing, or getting up from a lying position.

Regardless of the breeder you choose, it's always a good idea to meet your potential new puppy’s breeding parents. Seeing their temperaments provides insight into what your puppy's temperament might be, and you can verify their health screenings.

Diet and Nutrition

Pupdelpointer puppies, adults, and seniors should eat commercial dog food that meets the nutritional recommendations set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) for their respective life stages. How often and how much you should feed your pudelpointer will depend on their age, ideal and current weight, and lifestyle. Although the guide on the back of dog food packaging offers feeding instructions, your veterinarian is your best resource for a diet tailored to your pup. 

Consider incorporating food puzzles, lick mats, and foraging games into your pudelpointers mealtimes; they can help satisfy their problem-solving and hunting instincts. 

Unless recommended by your veterinarian, dogs who eat a complete and balanced diet usually don't need extra supplements. As your pup enters their senior years around 10 or 11 years old, ask your vet about the potential benefits of switching to a senior diet with joint-healthy additions.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Pudelpointer

As Morgan points out, pudelpointers are not widely available in the United States. Purchasing a pudelpointer puppy may require travel or arranging transportation for out-of-state puppies. If there's a local NAVHDA chapter in your area, the organization encourages prospective pet parents to stop by on a training or test day to meet pudelpointers and their people. 

If you're looking to adopt, pudelpointers may be found at local shelters. However, you’re more likely to find an adoptable pudelpointer by contacting organizations such as NAPS, which provide pudelpointer rescue and rehoming services. 

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Whether you’re considering an active dog breed or one who makes an excellent hunting companion and family member, you might enjoy learning more about these versatile pups:

• Irish setter
• German wirehaired pointer
• Portuguese water dog
• Vizsla

There are many wonderful dog breeds out there, including mixed dog breeds. With plenty of research upfront, you're sure to find one that best suits your home and lifestyle.