Episode 32: Drahthaars, Langhaars, Bretons, and Other International Breeds in America
Hunting Dog Confidential
We’ve been talking about the role of “place” in the history and culture of hunting dog breeds, but not every breed fits neatly within geographical boundaries. There are several breeds in North America who have a foot in two worlds: the parent country (often Germany) as well as North America. We explore breeds such as the Deutsch Drahthaar, Deutsch Langhaar, and Deutsch Kurzhaar which are known by their German language names in order to differentiate from the German Wirehaired Pointer, German Longhaired Pointer, and German Shorthaired Pointer. Even though the names directly...
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Episode 31: The Modern Era of Bird Dogs in North America
Hunting Dog Confidential
The end of World War II saw thousands of American servicemen and servicewomen returning home to the United States and Canada, many of whom brought home new dogs they’d met while in occupied Germany. These “new” dogs were unlike the setters and Pointers that dominated the bird dog scene in North America. Defying labels, these dogs could search, point, retrieve, and track. Some of these dogs fit in well with the American field trial culture and found success alongside setters and Pointers. Others, however, struggled to find success in the competitive environment that favored fast,...
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Episode 30: The Golden Age of Hunting Dogs in North America
Hunting Dog Confidential
Up until the late nineteenth century, the use and breeding of hunting dogs in North America was rather chaotic. Dogs were used in a variety of different ways, whether it was market hunters using Setters to retrieve waterfowl or big game hunters using Pointers to track and hold wounded elk at bay. There was no consistency in the breeding, either, as different types of dogs were often mixed and matched at will. Before long, though, some of the same concepts from the industrial revolution found their way into dog fancy. In order to achieve consistent results, fanciers knew they needed to...
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Episode 29: Early America, Part 2
Hunting Dog Confidential
We continue the history of hunting dogs as a function of place and time, resuming our discussion about dogs in North America in the colonial era. When Europeans arrived on North American shores—whether it was the Spanish, the French, or the English—we know that they had dogs with them. Early writings and paintings from this era depict a variety of dogs that accompanied the colonists for purposes of protection and hunting.
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Episode 28: Early America, Part 1
Hunting Dog Confidential
This season of Hunting Dog Confidential will explore the history of hunting dogs as a function of place and time. We begin in North America, starting with the earliest evidence of domesticated dogs from about 10,000 years ago. This episode brings us right up to the end of the pre-colonial era in the fifteenth century. We’ll continue our exploration of North American hunting dog history in the next episode.
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Episode 27: A Sense of Place
Hunting Dog Confidential
We are back with a sneak peek of season three of the Hunting Dog Confidential Podcast. Craig and Jennifer catch up on what they’ve been up to since the last episode (hint: they’ve been hunting with their dogs) and what’s new in the Hunting Dog Confidential world. This season will explore the "where" of our hunting dogs, not only the geography but the time in which they were created and developed. The story of dogs is intertwined in the fabric of human culture and we can't wait to dive in even deeper.
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Episode 26: Hawking and Bird Dogs with Anthony Williams
Hunting Dog Confidential
Anthony Williams is the epitome of versatility when it comes to the bird dog world. Growing up in Queens didn't dissuade him from his goals of hunting, running bird dogs, and flying a hawk. His initial exposure to birds was raising pigeons in New York, followed by his first experiences with falconry in an overgrown junkyard. This led him toward bird dogs, where he developed a love for the versatile breeds. Now, he has wirehaired Teckels, a Drahthaar, and a wirehaired Vizsla in addition to his hawks.
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Episode 25: Conservation and Forestry Management in Germany with Nadja Niesner
Hunting Dog Confidential
This episode is the continuation of the discussion we started last time with German hunter and hunting instructor, Nadja Niesner. We discuss how dogs are used to hunt various predators and invasive species such as raccoons and foxes. Before we get into the conversation, though, we address a listener question regarding the colors of hunting dogs.
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Episode 24: Big Game and German Utility Dogs with Nadja Niesner
Hunting Dog Confidential
Our guest interview this week is with Nadja Niesner, a German hunter, dog breeder, and hunt test judge with a vast range of experiences in the German hunting dog world. Her primary breed of choice is the Weimaraner, but she also enjoys her Brandel Bracke, Fox Terrier, and Cocker Spaniels.
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Episode 23: Irish Water Spaniels with Russell Dodd
Hunting Dog Confidential
Learn about upland and waterfowl hunting and AKC testing with a dog that bridges the span between a flushing spaniel and a water retriever: the Irish Water Spaniel.
info_outlineIn this episode, we travel way back in time to some of the earliest types of dogs that developed alongside humans for the mutual benefit of dog and man. These dogs are classified as spitz dogs, named for their pointy ears and muzzle. While the various breeds are found around the world and used in a variety of working tasks, they all share a few key characteristics: a thick coat, pointy ears, a short muzzle, a tail that curls up and over their back, and an independent character that harkens back to their earliest ancestors.
Not all spitz dogs are currently used for hunting, though they can all trace back to early hunting roots. Today, spitzes are used to pull sleds, herd livestock, guard property, provide companionship, as well as hunt birds, small game, and big game.
One interesting example of the spitz, though now extinct, is the Salish Wool Dog. These small, white dogs were developed and raised by the Coast Salish indigenous people of what is now Washington and British Columbia. They were deliberately managed for their thick, luxurious fleeces, which were sheared each spring and spun into prized blankets and other textiles.
As for hunting spitzes, the most primitive style of hunting is that done with Korean Jindos. The hunter would release his pack of dogs, who went out into the forest and hunted down big game such as a deer or boar. Once the animal was down, one dog would return to the hunter to alert him to the kill and to lead him to the site, while the rest of the pack remained with the game to protect it from scavengers.
In Scandinavia, spitzes such as the Finnish Spitz are used to locate and tree forest game birds such as the Capercaillie. Once treed, the dog will carefully bark at the bird to hold its attention and distract from the approaching hunter. This allows the hunter to cautiously approach and take the bird from the tree with either small caliber rifle or a shotgun. Small game is taken in much the same way, with the dog holding the game at bay until the hunter can arrive. Large game such as moose require a similar approach, because the moose will often stand its ground and face down the dog while the hunter approaches undetected.
Overall, hunting spitzes represent a versatile range of skills in pursuing prey and working cooperatively with the hunter. Tune in to hear more discussion of this fascinating type of hunting dog and learn more about how they have been and continue to be used around the world.
As always, we thank you for listening and hope you’ll continue to reach out with your comments, questions, and ideas. We can be reached at [email protected].
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Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food