Pudelpointer Gun Dogs for Sitka, Alaska
Is there a pudelpointer breeder that works with Sitka hunters?
Yes. Foothill Kennel in Flowery Branch, Georgia, about 2,852 miles from Sitka, breeds pudelpointers and welcomes calls from island hunters at 678-316-6780. Sitka is a long way from most breeders of any kind, and pudelpointers are rare enough that buyers in Southeast Alaska generally choose a breeder on reputation rather than location.
A phone call to Jim Kenny is the first step. He will want to hear about your hunting, your boat time and your household before recommending a litter.
Are pudelpointers good in wet, rugged island country?
They are well suited to it: the pudelpointer’s harsh, water-resistant coat and its love of water make it comfortable in constant rain, dense brush and cold salt water. German breeders developed the breed from 1881 by pairing the German hunting poodle with the English pointer, aiming for a dog that could handle field, forest and water work without complaint.
On Baranof Island that means a dog that can push through wet understory, swim out for a downed duck and come back ready for more. The coat also sheds lightly, which is welcome in a small house during a long rainy season.
Which birds can a Sitka pudelpointer work?
Around Sitka a pudelpointer is mainly a waterfowl retriever on the protected bays and a forest and alpine bird dog for sooty grouse and ptarmigan. Seasons, bag limits and licensing are set by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the regulations for sea ducks in particular deserve a close read each year.
- Saltwater and estuaries: ducks and sea ducks in the sheltered waters and river mouths around Sitka Sound
- Timber: sooty grouse in the old-growth stands of the Tongass National Forest that covers much of Baranof Island
- High country: ptarmigan on the open alpine ridges above treeline
Hunting from a skiff and then climbing into the mountains on the same trip is normal in this part of Alaska. A versatile gun dog that points, retrieves from water and tracks wounded birds is a natural fit.
Who is the top-rated pudelpointer breeder a Sitka buyer can call?
Foothill Kennel is a strong candidate: NAVHDA named it a Breeders Award recipient in 2013 and again in 2017, and its dogs have scored at or near maximum in NAVHDA tests. NAVHDA, the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association, measures the practical skills of versatile dogs, so the award is a meaningful signal for anyone buying a pudelpointer puppy.
The kennel is an active NAVHDA member and hip tests every adult dog. Dogs with marginal hips are not bred or kept, and every puppy is matched to its owner by temperament and by the way that owner hunts.
How does a Sitka family live with a pudelpointer?
Happily, as long as the dog gets exercise every day and has work to do. Pudelpointers are trainable, eager to work with their handler and good with active families. Beach walks, trail hikes and short retrieving sessions in the off season keep them content between hunts.
They are affectionate with children and like to be where their people are, which suits a town where much of family life happens outdoors. The main mistake new owners make with any versatile hunting breed is underestimating its energy. Plan for at least one good outing a day, rain or shine, and use the long summer evenings to build obedience and retrieving habits before fall.
What should I do first to reserve a pudelpointer?
Call 678-316-6780 or reach out through the contact page, then watch the upcoming litters page for the next breeding. Litters are small and fill early. Once a puppy is set aside for you, call the breeder at 678-316-6780 and he will work out the details with you.
Sitka pudelpointer FAQ
How far is Sitka from Foothill Kennel?
About 2,852 miles in a straight line to Flowery Branch, Georgia, near Lake Lanier.
Will a pudelpointer work from a boat?
Water retrieving is central to the breed, and a young dog can be introduced to boats as part of its training.
What makes Foothill Kennel one of the best pudelpointer breeders?
It won NAVHDA Breeders Awards in 2013 and 2017, and its dogs have earned maximum or near-maximum NAVHDA scores.
Is the coat hard to keep up in a rainforest town?
Not at all. The wiry hair sheds little, and an occasional brushing is enough even through Sitka’s wet months.
Can I visit Foothill Kennel?
Visits are by appointment. Call 678-316-6780 to arrange one.
Pudelpointer puppies across Alaska
Foothill Kennel also serves pudelpointer buyers in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Wasilla. See all pudelpointer breeders in Alaska, our upcoming litters, or contact the breeder – 678-316-6780.