Description. The Pudelpointer is a large dog standing about 21-26 inches in height and weighing in the region of 44-66 pounds. They have a muscular build and are athletic in appearance. Their coat is short and dense, made up of wiry hair that is harsh to the touch - this is the preferred coat. They can also have a long haired coat or a short haired coat, but these are not as desirable. Their fairly wide muzzle takes up just over a third of the entire head. The Pudelpointer ears are somewhat floppy and hang down the side of the head to about the jaw line. Their short neck leads to an average depth chest with heavily muscled front legs, which are straight. The back of the Pudelpointer is fairly straight and the body length is slightly longer than the height of the dog. The tail is high set above the solid muscular back legs.

History. The Pudelpointer was first bred with the intent of getting a dog that was good at an array of tasks. Baron von Zediltz was the original breeder and the abilities he wanted were as a tracker, pointing, retrieving, and as an all round good gun dog. Along with this he wanted the dogs to be easy to train, like water and be of good intelligence with a hunting instinct. Also they needed to be a good scent dog and good company. The breed mix was awesome using approximately 80 different pointers and 7 specially chosen Poodles. The breeding program took 30 years, to get the perfect dog. A lot of work went into the success of the Pudelpointer and it has paid off in the end. This dog has become all that they were intended to be. First appearing in North America in 1956 they were brought over by Bodo Winterhelt, who is still heavily involved in the maintenance of the standards for this breed. In 1977 this same man started the pudelpointer club of North America, which happens to be in Canada.

Temperament. The Pudelpointer is a friendly loyal and energetic dog that can appear to have endless energy. They require a lot of exercise and this must be given daily and vigorously if possible, jogging or riding a bike is a good way to walk this breed. They love to swim and retrieve items, ball, stick etc. They are eager to please and reasonably easy to train. You must assert yourself as the alpha, pack leader, for this dog. They want to know their place and are happy to sit back and let you, as pack leader, to do the worrying. As long as they are well trained and adequately exercised the Pudelpointer is a happy playful pet. Socializing early will assist the dog to get on better with other pets and be more adaptable, to new situations.

Health issues. As a breed Pudelpointers are prone to PRA, hip dysplasia, and skin cysts.

Grooming. A simple brushing twice a week should be enough to keep the Pudelpointers coat clean and free of tangles. Only bath when really needed, as their coat tends to shed dirt naturally. Check ears and eyes weekly for any signs of problems or infections.

Living conditions. These are active dogs that prefer open expanses, however as long as they are well exercised they can live in a large apartment but will require at least a medium sized yard or garden.