What do y'all think of Pudelpointers? I've been wanting one for a while... mostly for hunting, but I think trapping would occur more frequently

In Maine we are not allowed a bigger body grip than a 5x5. Even if the law allowed I seriously doubt I would use a larger body grip than that on the ground. I would not only be concerned about my dogs I would be concerned about other dogs. Other folks use the woods and I really don't want to be an enemy of any of them.


I would be greatly be concerned about the image of trapping.
Do you want your picture on the news as the guy that helped get trapping banned or more tightly restricted in an area? I darn sure don't need that kind of attention.

And Airedales, and Jagds, and Jackrats, and.......
anything smart and gritty.

Sir, I have been trapping since 1974 and have been around, used, bred and raised game dogs longer than that. I understand full well the implications of mixing dogs and body grip traps. Even though legal in our state, I DO NOT use 160's or 220's on dry ground or in buckets for the dog reason. I can assure you that even a 155 (5x5) in a coon/mink box could be rough on a JacRat, a cross between a a Jack Russell and a Rat Terrier, or a Patterdale terrier, both of which would make excellent trapline dogs.

My question was meant to be more about how well the dogs were trained. What if a guy is trapping Beaver with submerged 330's, do any still take the dog along or are they afraid the dog will take a swim. While I will admit that I may not have articulated my question well, I do not need my trapping ethics questioned by someone that has never met me. Some of you need to stop jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst of your fellow trappers. Thank you for your arrogant and condescending concern none the less.

Just purchased a Mountain Cur pup. Hope to train it as a trapline dog. Right now he is a real handful.

My cur turned 9 this past spring and he has been a handful since day one. Great dog, but a handful.

#11 my dogs goes with me on all my lines. Be it coni or foot holds. Shes either highly intelligent or lucky she acts like she knows were my sets are even rats sets completely under a few foot of water. The only line I run that I worry is otters! I set every point that protrudes into the water. Its a natural pullout for otts and a convinent spot to wade for dogs. Slowly im training her to heal my 4 wheeler. E collars are a gods send for training dogs. I prefer the style with tone over shock! Very seldom do I need to touch the bite button! Hope that helps

^^^^^ Thank you Tony F. Very informative.

They are awesome bird dogs and just as good at waterfowl
I don't think they are great fur dogs but I might be wrong. I would look at a drathaar if you want a similar breed that has excellent fur drive as well. Jmo.

I'm so happy to hear that. What a blast. I've heard the PPs are a little bit more relaxed than the Draht... yay or nay?

I would say the p pointers that I have known are not relaxed.. they have enormous drive to retrieve from water and work the field. I will say that they have a better temperment as a family dog than the drathaars that I have known. Both will gear down in your home. Some of the male drathaars that I had were rough on other male dogs. They were nice with people though. Both are great breeds. I am sure you could teach a p pointer to hunt fur just fine.

Just bought two rat terriers and they will be companion/ location dogs. LLL

That's some good news
Thanks 1

Thanks for the info guys. I now have a few breeds to look at. Wife would like to have a American bulldog. I on the other hand am not set on one initial breed. Looking for something that rides well and is suited for water. I run out of canoe when mother nature allows, so it will have to be comfortable with water and not to easily excited. Figured if I started looking now I would find out what works best. Again thank you for the help.

Great info everyone, thanks!

I would never have a dog in a canoe

Don't forget to check with your local animal shelters. They may not be pups but one never knows when you find a diamond in the rough.

Ive been around dogs and raised dogs most all my life. I've had hounds, curs, terriers, and some mixed up mutts. I've had a few dogs on the trap line. Some things I have learnt along the way....

1)For me the hounds just didn't cut it. They ranged too far and wanted to run a track more than anything.

2)Terriers...I really enjoyed my terriers. Killing machines! There's no backing up once they get started. They're rough on the fur. They're also hard headed and tend to end up in a trap at some point during the day.

3)Curs are probably the best all around dog and can do just about anything you want them to. Most are level headed and have a good handle. They tend to bay more than bite and have really good noses.

It also depends on what style of trapping your doing. If you're in the predator control side of things and you're really combing through a piece of property then a dog will serve you well. If you're road trapping and running around like your hair's on fire trying to get hundreds of sets out, I've found a dog is detrimental and slows you down.

Here's Finn with a couple beaver we caught on a short snare line. Even at a young age he was exceptional in the water. He would dive in and bring the beaver to me...alive. The man who has him now takes him along on his float trips down the river in his CANOE and boat quiet often with no problems.

I've got a little cur I'm playing with now. She's still young but hates a coyote. Not the best Pic but you get the drift.

Ditto!