Sporting gun dog Large size 20-30 kg
Poodlepointer
A versatile hunting dog that is calm at home only when heavily exercised - best for an active, outdoor owner who can give it real work.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Large
Size
20-30 kg, 55-68 cm tall
Very high
Activity
All-purpose gundog needing hard daily exercise
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Bonds closely; not for long lone days
Easy
Handling
Eager, focused and quick to learn
Low
Coat care
Wiry coat needs occasional brushing and hand-stripping
Good
Fit with kids
Friendly and steady with family
Good
Other pets
Generally sociable with other dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Hip, ear and eye issues
The Poodlepointer typically weighs 20-30 kg, stands 55-68 cm, and lives 12-14 years.
Consider this breed if…
you hunt or do dog sports and want a versatile field partner,
you can give hard daily exercise plus training, not just a walk,
you want an eager, trainable dog that works closely with you,
you have a securely fenced home and an active outdoor life.
Do not consider this breed if…
you want a calm house dog with modest exercise needs,
the dog would be alone for long workdays,
you have no interest in training or field activities,
you live in a small flat with no easy access to open space.
A typical day with a Poodlepointer
- 6:00 · Morning60+ min run, field work, or off-leash exercise
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest after real exercise; chews and settles
- 12:30 · NoonWalk and retrieving or scent games
- 16:00 · AfternoonTraining session, 15-20 minutes
- 18:30 · EveningLong walk or hike with the family
- 21:00 · NightA well-worked gundog sleeps soundly
Family and environment
Kids Good
Steady and friendly; supervise the bouncy energy around toddlers.
Dogs Good
Generally sociable with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Strong prey drive; safest with cats it was raised with.
Apartment Not suited
Exercise needs and energy make flat life a poor fit.
House with a yard Suitable
A securely fenced yard helps, but does not replace real work.
City Conditional
Only with committed daily access to open space.
Countryside Ideal
Space and work are exactly what this breed was built for.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Hip dysplasia Screen breeding stock for hip scores
Chronic ear infections Check and clean ears routinely
Progressive retinal atrophy Genetic eye disease; DNA testing available
Allergies and skin issues Can cause recurring itching and infections
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Similar versatile wire-coated gundog
German Wire Haired Pointer
A hardy, all-purpose wire-haired gundog for a very active owner, needing a real job and lots of exercise to stay balanced.
View profile →
Another all-round hunting pointer
German Short Haired Pointer
A versatile, athletic gundog that shines with a very active owner, but it needs serious daily exercise and company or it grows restless and destructive.
View profile →
High-drive pointing breed for active owners
Weimaraner Short Haired
A striking, high-drive gundog that needs serious daily exercise and company - prone to separation anxiety if under-stimulated.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Poodlepointer cost?
The Poodlepointer (Pudelpointer) is uncommon outside dedicated hunting circles, so availability is limited and you should expect waitlists and possibly importing from working breeders. Puppies from tested hunting lines commonly run around $1,500-$3,000 in the US. Over a lifetime, feeding a large active dog plus routine and unexpected vet care matters more than the purchase price, so plan for insurance or an emergency fund.
Is a Poodlepointer a good family pet?
It can be, in the right home. It is friendly, biddable, and steady with its family, but it was bred as a hard-working versatile gundog and needs a lot of daily exercise and mental work. In an active, outdoor family it settles well indoors; in a low-key household it becomes restless and destructive.
Does a Poodlepointer need a lot of exercise?
Yes, a great deal. Plan for well over an hour of real activity daily, ideally including running, field work, or dog sports, plus training. A walk around the block is not enough. This is a breed for people who are already active outdoors and want the dog to come along.
Does a Poodlepointer shed much?
Not heavily. The wiry coat sheds modestly and mainly needs occasional brushing and periodic hand-stripping to stay in condition. Coat care is one of the easier parts of owning this breed; the exercise and stimulation demands are the real commitment.