Pudelpointer Gun Dogs for Erie, Pennsylvania
Is there a pudelpointer breeder for Erie hunters?
Yes. Foothill Kennel in Flowery Branch, Georgia, about 587 miles from Erie, breeds pudelpointers from NAVHDA-tested parents and works with hunters across the Great Lakes region; the drive south is a long day. Call 678-316-6780 to ask about the next litter. Pudelpointer breeders are scarce, so northwestern Pennsylvania hunters often look well beyond the state line for the right one.
The process starts with a conversation. Jim Kenny asks about your hunting, your family and your experience with bird dogs before talking about a specific puppy.
Is a pudelpointer a good dog for Lake Erie waterfowl and northwestern Pennsylvania grouse?
Yes. The pudelpointer retrieves ducks and geese from cold water, points grouse and woodcock in the woods, and tracks wounded birds, which fits Erie’s mix of big water and forest. The Pennsylvania Game Commission sets seasons, licenses and State Game Lands rules, and some areas require special permits, so check the current regulations first.
- Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie: diving ducks and other waterfowl, including designated hunting areas at Presque Isle State Park in season
- Erie National Wildlife Refuge: marshes and fields in Crawford County with waterfowl and upland hunting under refuge rules
- Pymatuning Reservoir and Conneaut Marsh: big wetland complexes to the south with State Game Lands and waterfowl
- Allegheny National Forest: a large forest to the southeast, with ruffed grouse and woodcock cover
- State Game Lands: tracts across Erie and Crawford counties, several stocked with pheasants
Hunting here often means cold wind, freezing water and heavy cover, all of which a pudelpointer was built to handle.
The seasons stack up nicely for a versatile dog. Early fall brings woodcock and grouse in the hardwoods, pheasant releases follow on the game lands, and the lake keeps producing ducks well into the cold months. One dog that can do all of it means more days afield and less time choosing which dog to bring.
Who is the best pudelpointer breeder for a northwestern Pennsylvania hunter?
Foothill Kennel is a top choice, backed by NAVHDA Breeders Awards in 2013 and 2017 and dogs that have scored at or near maximum in NAVHDA field tests. NAVHDA, the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, judges search, pointing, tracking, retrieving and water work, so its awards say a lot about a breeder’s lines.
The kennel keeps its standards high:
- Hip testing on every adult dog, with no dog bred or kept if its hips are marginal
- Active NAVHDA membership
- Puppy placement by temperament and hunting style
Can a pudelpointer handle lake-effect snow?
Yes. Its harsh, wiry coat is water resistant and made for cold, wet work, which suits Erie’s long, snowy winters. The pudelpointer was developed in Germany from 1881 by crossing the German hunting poodle with the English pointer, and it was always intended to hunt in rough weather and cold water.
After a late-season duck hunt on the lake, give the dog a chance to dry and warm up, and check its feet for ice. The coat sheds very little, so it is easy to keep clean indoors.
What is a pudelpointer like with an Erie family?
Friendly, trainable and eager to please, as long as it gets daily exercise and a job. Pudelpointers are good with children and like to be part of family life. Walks along the bayfront, runs at Presque Isle and regular retrieving sessions keep a young dog settled. A pudelpointer left without work will find its own, so plan your routine around it.
How do I reserve a puppy from Erie?
Ring Jim Kenny at 678-316-6780 or leave an inquiry on the contact page, and follow the upcoming litters page for news. Because each litter is small, spots go early, sometimes before the breeding. With a pup chosen, the breeder will work out the details with you by phone.
A good time to call is in the off season, when you have time to talk through what you want and to prepare your home and schedule for a puppy.
Erie pudelpointer FAQ
How far is Erie from Foothill Kennel?
About 587 miles in a straight line, a long day’s drive to Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Can a pudelpointer retrieve diving ducks on Lake Erie?
It can. The breed swims powerfully, and its dense jacket turns water, though rough surf and shelf ice call for caution.
Is Foothill Kennel a top-rated pudelpointer breeder?
It received NAVHDA Breeders Awards in 2013 and 2017, and its dogs have scored at or near maximum in NAVHDA testing.
Do pudelpointers point grouse?
Yes. They are natural pointers and work grouse and woodcock readily.
Where can I buy gun dogs for sale near Erie?
For pudelpointers, call Foothill Kennel at 678-316-6780 to ask about upcoming litters.
Pudelpointer puppies across Pennsylvania
Foothill Kennel also serves pudelpointer buyers in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Reading. See all pudelpointer breeders in Pennsylvania, our upcoming litters, or contact the breeder – 678-316-6780.