Parkers, Poodles, Pheasants and Friends

[10ga Hammer]

David, The Poodle DOES NOT shed or drop dander, that's why everyone is cross breeding them, to get that hypoallergenic trait.
Poodles do not have fur like other breeds, they have hair like you and me, so every 4-5 weeks they need a hair cut!
If there is a down side, that's it, frequent grooming.
My wife learned to groom them herself since we have two,! and saves a ton in grooming costs.

As far as junk in the coat, how bad is an English Setter to clean up after a hunt? Last Saturday had Riley on state game land, lots of nasty junk in the fields, took me half hour to 45 min. to clean him up before we were allowed back in the house. Just part of the fun.
If you do get a Pup show us some pictures.

Jeff, I have a friend with a Pudelpointer, your right they are a fantastic do it all dog. The breeders work hard to keep that line pure. My friend had to sign an agreement to hunt the dog before he could buy it.

[Jeff Christie]

Thanks for the story on the PP in the USA. I have seen a few references to breeders but have never seen one in the field. It is a shame they aren't more popular. It would seem to be an ideal gun dog for a waterfowl and upland hunter. The ones I saw in Germany and Luxembourg were generally used for drive hunting boars and small game (roe deer, hasen, etc) in drive hunts and as blood dogs for trailing up wounded game. I am sure your friend is very happy. Does he shoot a Parker??

[Marc Retallack]

Robert,

Is your friend with the Pudelpointer Jan C.? I attended a RGS banquet with him a few years ago and recall him mentioning he hunts with one.

Cheers,
Marcus

[10ga Hammer]

Hi Marc ! Yep Jan is the guy. First met him on the 16ga forum.
Learned he worked in my town, and only lived about 5 miles away from me. Have attended many Ruffed Grouse Society banquets, shoots and work days with him. He's one of the "Good Guys", and has a fine young son who's going to be a "chip off the old block".

Jeff, I don't think he owns a Parker.
But one day I shot with him, he was carrying an A.H. Fox.
Still a SXS so I won't hold it against him.

[Eldon Goddard]

I have always like standard poodles and my dad has always said he would like to have one as a hunting dog one day. It is funny what has happened to dogs. Most people do not even know that poodles were originally a hunting dog and I once told a bull dog owner that the origin of the breed was used for bull baiting and I was met with shock and denial.

[Marc Retallack]

Thanks Robert. The short amount of time I spent with Jan, he came across as a stand-up guy. Glad to hear his son is taking after his dad. I should have stayed in better contact with Jan, what with him having that nice grouse property in NY...

Hope you're still finding a good Parker buy at Horst every so often.

All the best,
Marcus