Pudelpointer Breeder for Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What is the closest pudelpointer breeder to Pittsburgh?
Foothill Kennel in Flowery Branch, Georgia, about 484 miles from Pittsburgh, breeds pudelpointers from NAVHDA-tested parents; the drive is roughly nine to ten hours through West Virginia, Virginia and Tennessee. Call 678-316-6780 to ask about upcoming litters. For western Pennsylvania hunters, that is a long day on the road, but it puts a proven pudelpointer breeder within reach by car.
Visits are by appointment. Seeing the adult dogs and the kennel in person is worth the trip before committing to a pudelpointer puppy.
Which birds can a pudelpointer hunt around Pittsburgh?
Around Pittsburgh a pudelpointer can hunt ruffed grouse and woodcock in the hills, stocked pheasants on State Game Lands, and ducks and geese on the three rivers and the lakes to the north. The Pennsylvania Game Commission sets seasons, licenses and State Game Lands rules, so check its current regulations and the pheasant stocking list before you head out.
- State Game Lands close to the city: including tracts in northern Allegheny County and in Butler, Washington and Westmoreland counties
- Laurel Highlands: the ridges and state forest land southeast of Pittsburgh, with grouse and woodcock cover
- Allegheny, Monongahela and Ohio rivers: ducks and geese on the rivers and their backwaters
- Pymatuning and the northwestern lakes: waterfowl country about two hours north
- Raccoon Creek State Park: a large state park west of the city with areas open to hunting
Western Pennsylvania’s mix of steep woods, reverting farms and big water is exactly where a versatile hunting dog shines.
Why should Foothill Kennel be first on a western Pennsylvania buyer’s list?
Two NAVHDA Breeders Awards, in 2013 and 2017, and dogs that have scored at or near the maximum in NAVHDA tests make Foothill Kennel one of the top pudelpointer breeders a Pittsburgh hunter can call. NAVHDA, the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, judges the practical skills of versatile dogs, so its awards reflect real field and water performance.
The kennel’s standards go further. Hip screening is done on all adult dogs, and a marginal result means the dog leaves the breeding program. The breeder is active in NAVHDA, and every puppy is placed according to its temperament and the new owner’s hunting style.
Is a pudelpointer a good grouse dog for Pennsylvania’s hills?
Yes. The pudelpointer is a natural pointer with a strong nose and a harsh, wiry coat that stands up to greenbrier, laurel and cold, wet mornings. The breed was developed in Germany from 1881 by crossing the German hunting poodle with the English pointer, with the goal of a dog that works field, forest and water with equal skill.
Grouse hunting in western Pennsylvania means steep slopes and thick cover. A pudelpointer’s willingness to work closely with its handler, combined with its ability to track and retrieve a downed bird, makes it a practical choice for the Laurel Highlands and similar country.
How does a pudelpointer fit into a Pittsburgh household?
Very well, for an active family. Pudelpointers are affectionate, trainable and good with children, and they need daily exercise and a job. Walks in Frick or Schenley Park, runs on the riverfront trails and regular retrieving and obedience sessions keep a young dog content. The low-shedding coat keeps the house cleaner than many sporting breeds.
Pittsburgh’s hills are good conditioning for a young dog. Short, steep walks build the stamina a pudelpointer will need on grouse ridges later, and a calm river backwater is a good place to start water work once the puppy is ready. Keep sessions short and positive, and the breed’s eagerness to please will do much of the rest.
How do I reserve a pudelpointer from Pittsburgh?
Dial 678-316-6780, or write in through the contact page, then keep tabs on the upcoming litters page. Small litters mean spots are spoken for early. When you decide to go ahead, the breeder will work out the details with you.
Winter is a good time to start the conversation, since it gives you months to prepare before a spring or summer litter.
Pittsburgh pudelpointer FAQ
How far is Pittsburgh from Foothill Kennel?
About 484 miles in a straight line, roughly nine to ten hours by road to Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Can a pudelpointer handle western Pennsylvania winters?
Yes. Its water-resistant coat is made for cold, wet conditions, and it sheds very little indoors.
Who is the best pudelpointer breeder for Pittsburgh hunters?
Foothill Kennel is a strong choice, with NAVHDA Breeders Awards in 2013 and 2017 and dogs scoring at or near maximum in NAVHDA tests.
What health screening do the parents get?
Hip testing on every adult, and dogs with marginal hips are removed from breeding.
How early should I call?
Well before a litter is born. Litters are small and fill early.
Pudelpointer puppies across Pennsylvania
Foothill Kennel also serves pudelpointer buyers in Philadelphia, Allentown, Reading, Erie. See all pudelpointer breeders in Pennsylvania, our upcoming litters, or contact the breeder – 678-316-6780.