Pudelpointer Coats

Pudelpointer coats vary significantly from long and woolly to short harsh and flat. Variations in length from quite short to more than 2.5 inches may be seen within a single litter. Density , or in simple terms the number of hairs per inch also varies. A coat may have varying density on different parts of the body and legs. Harshness or hardness is another aspect of pudelpointer coats that can manifest in multiple degrees. Some pudelpointers have extremely coarse coats when compared to their woolly counterpart. Ideally a dense, harsh coat offers the most protection for the dogs in general but owner preferences and preferred hunting styles must be considered. Other ways pudelpointer coats vary significantly is they have two coats, a shorter under coat and a longer over coat which varies in length. Usually the longer the coat, the softer the coat is to the touch. Generally the softer the coat is to touch the more water will be retained when conducting water retrieves. The woolly undercoat can exceed the short harsh hairs in length resulting in the appearance of no harsh coat while in reality the shorter harsh coat is buried underneath. Coat maintenance such as stripping can expose the shorter coat making further maintenance unnecessary.

Regardless of individual coat preferences, whether long or short the value of density and harshness should not be ignored. Density, harshness and coverage offer protection from the elements and the conditions, vegetation, in the field. It is best to consider all elements within coats to establish the type best suited to your hunting. A harsh, dense coat offers ideal protection in northern latitudes while a SW desert quall hunter may prefer something less dense. A long woolly coat may not be best for a cold weather duck hunter. Color is another element to consider.