Pudelpointer Breeder Serving St. Louis, Missouri
Who is the closest pudelpointer breeder to St. Louis?
Foothill Kennel in Flowery Branch, Georgia, is about 468 miles from St. Louis, roughly a day’s drive, and it breeds pudelpointers from NAVHDA-tested parents; call Jim Kenny at 678-316-6780 to start. Few breeders anywhere concentrate on the pudelpointer, which makes a proven kennel within driving range a real asset.
Pudelpointer puppies here are usually reserved before they are born, because litters are small. Get your name in early and keep an eye on the upcoming litters page.
What can a pudelpointer hunt near the confluence?
St. Louis sits where the Missouri and Mississippi rivers meet, on one of the continent’s great waterfowl flyways, and the farm country around it holds doves, quail and woodcock, which is ideal ground for a versatile gun dog. The pudelpointer points, retrieves from land and water, and tracks.
Areas St. Louis hunters use:
- Columbia Bottom Conservation Area at the confluence in north St. Louis County, with wetlands and crop fields
- August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area in St. Charles County, known for managed dove fields
- Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area in the St. Charles County bottoms, a waterfowl area
- B. K. Leach Memorial Conservation Area to the north in Lincoln County, with wetland pools along the Mississippi floodplain
The Missouri Department of Conservation sets seasons, permits and area rules, and several of these areas use draw or reservation systems for waterfowl. If you cross the river to hunt, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources has its own regulations. Check the current rules before you go.
What makes Foothill Kennel the best choice among hunting dog breeders?
Its record: the NAVHDA Breeders Award in 2013 and 2017, and dogs that have scored at or near maximum in NAVHDA field tests. NAVHDA judges are independent, and a breeder only earns that award when its dogs perform consistently.
The kennel’s approach:
- Hip testing on all adult dogs
- No dog with marginal hips is bred or kept
- Active NAVHDA membership
- Puppies matched to owners by temperament and hunting style
When you call, expect to talk about how you hunt, where the dog will live and how much time you have to train. Those answers decide which puppy fits. A duck hunter who spends cold mornings in a blind on the river bottoms may suit a different pup than someone who mostly walks dove fields and woodcock covers.
Why choose a pudelpointer over a Lab or a pointer?
Because the pudelpointer does both jobs: it points upland birds like a pointer and retrieves ducks from cold water like a retriever. The breed was created in Germany from 1881 by crossing the German hunting poodle with the English pointer for exactly that reason.
For a St. Louis hunter who shoots doves in September, ducks in November and woodcock in between, one versatile dog can cover the whole season. Its harsh, wiry coat protects it in brush and ice-cold water, and it sheds very little at home.
The breed also tracks, which matters more than many hunters expect. A wounded duck that dives and swims into flooded timber, or a crippled dove that runs into standing corn, is exactly what a good tracking dog recovers. Pudelpointers are bred to follow a trail with patience, and that makes them a conservation-minded choice for anyone who wants to bring home every bird they shoot.
Is a pudelpointer easy to live with in St. Louis?
Yes, for an active owner: pudelpointers are friendly, eager to learn and good with families, but they need daily exercise and a job to do. A long walk in Forest Park or a retrieve session in the yard keeps one happy between hunts.
They bond closely with their people and do best living indoors. In the humid St. Louis summer, train early and keep water handy. In winter, the coat handles the cold well. Ticks are common in Missouri fields, so check your dog after every outing.
How do I get a pudelpointer puppy to St. Louis?
Call the breeder at 678-316-6780 and he will work out the details with you. Visits to the kennel are by appointment, and many buyers within a day’s drive like to meet the parents in person.
St. Louis pudelpointer FAQ
How far is St. Louis from Foothill Kennel?
About 468 miles in a straight line, roughly a day’s drive to Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Is a pudelpointer a good duck dog on the Mississippi?
Yes. It swims well, retrieves naturally and has a water-resistant coat.
Are there gun dogs for sale near St. Louis?
For pudelpointers, call Foothill Kennel at 678-316-6780. Availability depends on the current litter.
Does Foothill Kennel health test its breeding dogs?
All adult dogs are hip tested, and no dog with marginal hips is bred or kept.
Is a pudelpointer good with kids?
Generally, yes, especially in active families that exercise the dog daily.
Pudelpointer puppies across Missouri
Foothill Kennel also serves pudelpointer buyers in Kansas City, Springfield, Columbia, Independence. See all pudelpointer breeders in Missouri, our upcoming litters, or contact the breeder – 678-316-6780.