Home Forums Birds & Dogs Hunting Dogs Pudelpointer versatility?

I have owned and hunted a Pudelpointer, hunted/trained/tested with scores more, and have owned several German Wirehair Pointers which are closely related. They are considered to be "do all" breed though that does not mean every dog can do every task equally. I use my dogs for most of the tasks you mention except for driven game. I'm not sure what you mean by that but if you are thinking hound work then I would pass as I haven't had any versatile breed sound off when on a trail. For tracking wounded game, that trait would be discouraged as it may get the quarry up and moving again after laying down.


I chose the versatile breeds as they do a good job on most tasks though aren't masters of any. I switched from labs to wirehairs as I wanted a pointing dog that could also handle waterfowl. The various versatile breeds have been able to fulfill the vast majority of my waterfowl needs with the exceptions being marking more than 2-3 downed birds is iffy, not being as quick and responsive as a lab with hand Signals, and my not liking to use them on divers in big waters when rough. The latter is more a mental block for me than a physical problem for the dog. I do my water work with a retriever club so have the tools and expertise to draw from to get the most out of my dog's potential in that area.

As a tracking dog, a Pudelpointerpointer should do well with a little encouragement and direction. Mine was expected to track down winged birds which can end up in some long chases with pheasants. I didn't use him for tracking deer as I had a hard time breaking him from chasing though he did find a bear or two.

I did not encourage my versatiles to hunt small game animals as the versatile have a high drive to kill vermin and it would distract them when bird hunting. In addition, more than one of the dogs would have eaten any rabbit or squirrel I any rabbit or squirrel they were sent to retrieve. The degree of sharpness would depend on the line and the dog but all of mine woul gladly maul a squirrel or rabbit given the chance.

Depending on your needs and desires, the Pudelpointer may be a good fit for you. I don't think it would be a poor choice but maybe not the best. Talk to your buddy more on your expectations and get his thoughts. If you can talk to others that own or use versatile breeds that would be helpful too.

A buddy of mine breeds Pudelpointers. He is big into the field trials and so on. I am not. Just a hunter in need of a do it all dog. Upland, small game, waterfowl, driven game and tracking.

Primarily I would use the dog for waterfowl and tracking.

He has a one year old male that has been going through training primarily for upland. I am told he shows potential as an all around dog.

Anybody hunt this breed? Experiences?

I don’t want to take a good dog and turn him into a pet because I tried to have him do too much...

Wow! I appreciate all the information. I will look up the local NAVHDA chapter and see if I can get involved with them. I made the agreement with my buddy. Panzer will be coming to me at the end of November. I really won’t need the dog to do everything. I was asking what the breed was capable of from the experience of other guys that have owned or hunted them.

Keep in mind they are a very intelligent, high energy breed so need lots of exercise and mental stimulation.

I only use mine for upland. He is great on woodcock but the grouse here don't hold for a pointer.

Mine is a smooth coat and would take another the same if I needed another. I don't think I would look for another breed after this one.

I only use mine for upland. He is great on woodcock but the grouse here don't hold for a pointer.

Mine is a smooth coat and would take another the same if I needed another. I don't think I would look for another breed after this one.

Good looking dog. I have a griff( really like the breed) and debating now between , or a PP.

I get the poodle part, but type of pointer???

German wirehaired