Pudelpointer

My dog, Saber, a.k.a. Birchwoods Erato, pudelpointer male, Born, February, 1986; Died, May, 1998.

Quite obviously a cross between a "poodle" (of some kind) and a "pointer." And, in fact, this line of dogs has been bred since about 1871 when the German field pudel [poodle] was crossed with an English pointer. The intent must have been to create a versatile hunting dog which could point upland birds, retrieve from land and water, and track running game. The breed has been maintained largely in Europe, especially in Germany and Austria, and imported to North America. The Canadian Kennel Club recognizes the breed, but most pudelpointer owners register their dogs with the Pudelpointer Club of North America. Pudelpointers are evaluated for natural ability by the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association before being registered in the pudelpointer studbook. Dogs must show a willingness to hunt, tractability, good temperament, and good nose in order to be registered as breeders. Coat characteristics range from shaggy to flat on the body, with somewhat longer face furnishings. Colors run from solid liver to speckled liver and white.

Saber's best attributes were his good nose and eagerness to hunt. As a puppy, he showed good interest in birds of all kinds, often pointing robins, sparrows and other songbirds. He did best in pointing woodcock, which tend to hold tight. Grouse and pheasants are problematic, depending upon whether the bird chooses to run or to hold. He retrieved reasonably well, but rumour has it that he couldn't be trusted with quail-sized birds. Still, he never swallowed any woodcock, as far as I know.

For an altogether different style of hunting, Saber was often accompanied by his kennelmate, Brandy. Her (cocking) style is finding and flushing game in close cover.  All three of us have shared many days afield in the grouse and woodcock covers of Minnesota, and I doubt that I would continue to seek these birds in the absence of a canine friend. In Saber's later years, as he retired from hunting, I began to seek a replacement for his pointing style in the pheasant and grouse cover.  To that end, at Thanksgiving time in 1997, we acquired Goldenset Lightfoot Gordy, a Gordon Setter from the Springset line of field dogs.  As the field season has only just begun, it is too early to spin Gordy tales, but check back occasionally for updates on Gordy as he develops into a field companion for Brandy and me.

Date created: 12/26/95
Last modified: 10/08/98
Copyright © 1995, 1998 George R. Spangler
 George R. Spangler