Pudelpointer

by Kate Barrington

Published: April 18th, 2018

About Pudelpointer

Group

UKC Gundog

Height

21-26 inches

Weight

44-66 lb

Lifespan

11-13 years

Best Suited For

active singles, active families, house with a yard, hunters

Temperament

enthusiastic, intelligent, curious, friendly, eager to please

Comparable Breeds

Poodle, English Pointer

Pudelpointer Basics

Looking at the Pudelpointer, you might not guess that he is a relative of the German Poodle because he has the characteristics of a Pointer. This breed was developed for tracking, pointing, and retrieving but his gentle and affectionate nature gives him potential as a family pet. If you are looking for an intelligent, trainable, hunting breed with a unique appearance, give the Pudelpointer a try.

The Pudelpointer was developed for tracking, pointing, and retrieving.

Origin

The Pudelpointer is a fairly new breed, having only been developed in the late 1800s. German breeder Baron von Zedlitz is credited for developing the breed, using the German hunting poodle (Pudel) and English Pointers to create what he believed to be the ideal pointing, tracking, and retrieving gun dog that was suitable for work on both water and land. Using 7 specific pudels and over 100 different pointers, Baron von Zedlitz achieved his goal over the course of 30 years of selective breeding. The Pudelpointer was first introduced in America in 1956 and while it has yet to be recognized by the AKC, it was admitted into the Foundation Stock Service in 2016.

Pedigree

The Pudelpointer is the result of a cross between the German hunting poodle (Pudel) and the English Pointer.

Food/Diet

As a large-breed dog, the Pudelpointer should be fed a high-quality dry food formulated for large-breed dogs. You should also think about the fact that this breed was developed specifically for hunting – he may do well on an active or working breed formula. Just make sure you keep a close eye on your dog’s weight and body composition to ensure that he doesn’t gain too much weight.

The Pudelpointer is a very intelligent and trainable breed that was developed specifically for hunting.

Training

As a combination of two hunting breeds, the Pudelpointer is a very intelligent dog and relatively easy to train as well. This breed has a natural eagerness to please, so consistent training with positive reinforcement methods will work very well. It is best to start your Pudelpointer with socialization and training from a very young age but make sure that you continue the training throughout his life. This breed is not willful or dominant, but he does need a reliable pack leader.

Weight

The Pudelpointer is a medium- to large-sized dog, standing between 21 and 26 inches tall and weighing between 44 and 66 pounds at maturity.

Temperament/Behavior

The Pudelpointer is a very intelligent and trainable breed that was developed specifically for hunting. This being the case, you should not expect your dog to act the same as the American poodles you may be used to. These dogs are enthusiastic and hard-working in the field and they can make pleasant companions at home, though hunting is their primary purpose. This breed is friendly and curious, as well as being easy to train and eager to please. They get along well with children and have a natural desire for affection so, as long as you have the time to spend with your dog, the Pudelpointer can make a good family pet.

Common Health Problems

The Pudelpointer is a generally healthy breed, though he may be prone to field injuries and ear infections due to his work. There are no inherited conditions known to affect the breed, but some of the health problems that could arise include things like hip dysplasia and bloat, simply due to the dog’s size.

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan for the Pudelpointer is thought to be about 11 to 14 years which is about average for a breed of its size. To maximize your dog’s lifespan, be sure to feed him a healthy, high-quality diet formulated for large-breed dogs or a formula for active breeds.

Exercise Requirements

As a hunting breed, the Pudelpointer is highly active and requires a great deal of exercise on a daily basis. These dogs need at least an hour of vigorous exercise each day and will also appreciate having a fenced yard in which to run. Training the dog for hunting and tracking is another great way to provide additional exercise, if you aren’t training him for hunting already.

The Pudelpointer has a natural eagerness to please.

Recognized Clubs

The Pudelpointer is not currently recognized by the AKC but he is part of the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) and is recognized by the FCI and the United Kennel Club. The FCI classifies him in Group 7 as a Continental Pointing Dog and the United Kennel Club as a Gundog.

Coat

Like most Pointers, the Pudelpointer has a dense coat of harsh, wiry fur. The coat is medium in length on most of the body with a dense undercoat with facial furnishings on the nose and lips. The Pudelpointer typically exhibits a dark brown color but it can range toward chestnut and lighter shades of liver or toward darker shades, almost black. The coat sheds very little, so only occasional grooming is needed.

Puppies

The average litter size for the Pudelpointer is 3 to 8 puppies, though larger litters are not uncommon for the breed. Because these dogs grow to more than 50 pounds at maturity, you should feed your puppy a large-breed puppy formula until he reaches about 80% of his expected adult size. At that point, switch to a large-breed adult or working breed formula to prevent him from growing too quickly. You should also start your Pudelpointer as early as possible with both socialization and training – these dogs tend to learn very quickly, so they can start from a young age.

Photo credit: Capture Light/Shutterstock; Barna Tanko/Shutterstock

Kate Barrington

Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats (Bagel and Munchkin) and a noisy herd of guinea pigs. Having grown up with golden retrievers, Kate has a great deal of experience with dogs but labels herself a lover of all pets. Having received a Bachelor's degree in English, Kate has combined her love for pets and her passion for writing to create her own freelance writing business, specializing in the pet niche.

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Blue Ridge Beef, one of the foremost pet food companies in North Carolina, decided to recall their 2-pound kitten and puppy food because of a serious potential threat of listeria and salmonella in their kibble. The pet food in question was distributed to locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.Unfortunately, North Carolina Department of Agriculture discovered a serious issue when analyzing their product, realizing that one lot of each of the food products was positive for salmonella and listeria, on December 15th. This included kitten food lots “N24 1114-N24 1224”, of 2-lb logs of “Kitten Grind” (UPC 8 54298 00101 6), and “Kitten Mix” (UPC UPC 8 54298 00143 6). Also included was the “Puppy Mix” (UPC 8 54298 00169 6).The action was swift to pull these products from the shelves, as both listeria and salmonella can be very dangerous to pets who consume the contaminated food. It can also be harmful to humans who touch the food as well, especially pregnant women and children. Pets who get infected can suffer from vomiting, fever, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite, so if you notice any of these symptoms and your pet has been eating the food that is now recalled, make sure to take them to a vet for treatment ASAP.Luckily, the Blue Ridge Beef company announced that so far it has not received any reports of illnesses that are connected to this recall of food. Likewise, the company is not facing any legal action because of the recall. Pet owners who purchased this food are encouraged to contact Blue Ridge Beef company at  blueridgebeefnc@yahoo.com for a full refund. Consumers can also get in touch with Steven Lea, from 8 am. to 5:30 pm. ET Monday-Friday at (704) 880-4500. 

How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold

Despite your cat’s luxurious coat, they can feel cold sometimes, and it’s important to make it easy for them to warm up because, if they get too cold, they could become hypothermic. Keep reading to learn how to spot the signs that your cat is cold, and how to help them feel warm and comfortable.Signs Your Cat Is ColdCats of all ages and breeds can feel the effects of the cold, but kittens, seniors, and those who are ill are more susceptible. And, of course, hairless cats can get cold even faster. Here are some of the ways to tell if your cat is cold:Your cat’s body feels cold – Feel your cat’s body to see if they’re cold to the touch. If their ears, paws, and tail are colder than normal, they may need help warming up. Your cat’s posture changes – A cat who’s cold may curl up in a ball to try to warm up. You might also find them puffing up their fur or they might be in a hunched position as they try to conserve heat. Your cat is looking for warmer spots – A kitty who’s feeling the chill in the air will find the warmest spots in the house. They might get under the thick blanket on your bed, or they might insist on sitting in your lap. And you might find them spending more time near a heater or fireplace. During the day, they might also move to areas that get more sunshine to feel its warmth.Your cat isn’t as active – When a cat feels too cold, they may become less active. If your pet is sleeping more or appears lethargic, first make sure that another medical issue isn’t to blame. If it’s because they’re cold, take action to warm them up, including turning up the heat in your home. Bear in mind that cats with certain conditions, such as arthritis, might feel even more discomfort when it’s cold, and this can lead to changes in activity level and behavior too.Your cat starts shivering – Like people, cats shiver when they’re very cold, and this is a sign that you need to warm them up right away. But because this could also be a symptom of other problems, from illness and pain to stress and fear, be sure to determine if temperature is really the culprit.What To Do if Your Cat Is ColdThere are many ways to help your feline friend feel cozy and comfortable, such as:Give your cat a cozy bed and blanket in a warm spotWhen you see that your cat is feeling cold, give them a warm bed that they can rest in to warm up. There are heated beds that you plug in, as well as self-warming beds that work without electricity. Plus, there are heated pads that can be helpful in making your kitty feel cozy. And you can let your cat crawl under a soft blanket for extra warmth. Just be sure to use heated beds and pads as directed to prevent injuries. Let your cat relax in a warm area in the house, such as near a heat source or in a spot where the sunshine streams in during the day. Move your pet away from drafts.Snuggle with your catOnce your cat finds a comfortable spot on the bed or sofa, you can lie down next to them to help them warm up with your body heat. They’re sure to love the attention, and you’ll get to be near your purring feline friend.  Put sweaters on your catAs long as your kitty doesn’t mind wearing clothes, you can use sweaters to keep them warm on chilly days. This is especially useful for hairless kitties. And you can use clothes to keep your cat warm while exploring the outdoors with you.Protect cats who spend time outsideIf your pet is an adventure cat who goes outside with you, or an indoor/outdoor cat who goes out on their own, check outdoor temperatures first. Generally, it’s best to let them spend time outside only when it’s at least 45°F (7°C), but every cat is different, so some might only feel comfortable when it’s even warmer than that.Whenever it’s cold, raining, windy, or snowing, keep them indoors until the weather clears and warms up. Remember, cats who are cold or wet for too long are at risk of frostbite and hypothermia.Note: If you have an outdoor cat, they’ll look for shelter to stay as warm as possible, so give them a safe and dry outdoor enclosure that will protect them from the elements if you can’t bring them into your home, which would be preferable.Check Out These Products That Help Cats Stay WarmHere are a few products we recommend for keeping your cat warm: K&H Thermo-Kitty Bed Deluxe Hooded

This Revolutionary Drug Could Help Extend the Lifespan of Dogs

In a groundbreaking trial that is set to launch in the United States, around 1,000 elderly dogs will be given a pill – in the form of a sweet treat – in the hope that their lives will be extended because of it. Behind this innovative work stands Loyal, a startup company based in Silicon Valley. They are currently gathering a number of senior dogs through a well-developed network of veterinary practices in all US states. The tests are set to launch before the end of 2023, after four years of complex studies.In this case, all dogs must be over 10 years old in order to be included in the study. The study itself is set to be a “randomized double-blind placebo trial”. The director of veterinary medicine at Loyal, the company behind this trial, Dr. Brennen McKenzie, said for  Telegraph that this will “probably be the largest clinical trial in veterinary medical history”.“We’re hoping to show that we can both increase the length of life and, more importantly, the length of time these dogs live healthy and happy and functional lives,” McKenzie states. “We’re looking at the length of time that dogs live on the drug and the placebo, hoping to show that we can extend their lifespan and also hoping to show that they develop less disease.”What the study will potentially show is that dogs who receive the drug will live one year longer - on average compared to those who are taking the “placebo” drug. Still, the length of life gained is only one aspect, Dr McKenzie said at the North American Veterinary Community’s Veterinary Innovation Summit in Kansas City. McKenzie also added that increasing health was their number one priority.“We think of lifespan as the amount of time that you live but healthspan is the amount of time that you have good health, good function, good quality of life,” Dr McKenzie said. “That’s clearly the most important thing”.All of this sounds quite “larger than life”, no pun intended. And, of course, with such advanced propositions, the trial drug and its contents are a closely guarded secret, especially due to commercial reasons. This will be the situation until the trial of the drug is finished. And if the drug happens to be as efficient as hoped, Loyal plans to place it on the market immediately, offering an affordable daily supplement that can extend the lives of dogs. “If we get through this four-year trial and we achieve our endpoints, the FDA will license us to sell this as a prescription medication and it will be the first medication ever to extend lifespan in any species,” Dr McKenzie said. “We are absolutely interested in a product that is accessible to the majority of pet owners.”It is worth noting that the drug in question was already proven to be safe for consumption, and there is a low risk of this potential supplement causing any unwanted side effects. Loyal is a company that has two other products in the works, and they are also scheduled to undergo extensive tests. However, work is not yet finished, and one of the two is expected to go on trial around 2026. 

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