Episode 20: Pointers and Setters on the English Moors with David Hudson
Release Date: 03/12/2021
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_outlineKicking off our exploration of the methods of hunting with a dog, we start on the grouse moors of England and Scotland. We welcome our first guest to the show, David Hudson, who is an author, photographer, and pointing dog enthusiast with a rich history in the world of Pointers and Setters in the UK.
Before we can get too far, a language lesson is in order. What we call “hunting” in North America is typically referred to as “shooting” in the UK; there, hunting refers to pursuing game with hounds. David describes a typical shooting day afield with Pointers and Setters, which is significantly different from the driven shoots which are more popular in English field sports.
British field trials are designed to mimic a typical day afield with this style of shooting. The key difference is that all of the trialing dogs will be walking along with the group, leashed and absolutely silent. Total silence is required of the dogs who are awaiting their turn to run. Any slight noise will result in immediate disqualification. As a result, British dogs are expected to be very calm and quiet in an otherwise highly stimulating environment.
The field trial scene in the UK is very small as it has only a niche following among enthusiasts. It is not nearly as lucrative as retriever trials, so it means that the participants are primarily doing it for love of the dogs. This small community is tight-knit and is often found cheering each other on as the dogs compete.
We discuss the lack of crossover between British and Irish Pointers and Setters and the rest of continental Europe, which traces back to early rabies quarantine laws. Despite vaccines being prevalent, the two communities really haven’t exchanged much in the way of field trial participation or dog breeding stock. Of course, England had to look to other places to rebuild their dog populations after two world wars, but never really continued importing dogs for their breeding programs.
Finally, we talk about the traditions of British shooting culture and the unique language that goes along with it. Tune in to learn the unexpected definitions of “eye wipe” and “feathering,” among others.
As always, we thank you for listening and invite you to submit feedback or questions to us at [email protected] . We would love to feature your questions in an upcoming episode! Record a voice memo and email it to us to be featured on the show and to have your question answered.
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Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and supported by Dakota 283.