Hunting Dog Confidential
Explore the history, myths, and incredible stories of hunting dog breeds around the world. Co-hosted by Jennifer Wapenski and Craig Koshyk. A Project Upland Podcast.
S4 E3 · Wed, March 26, 2025
Breed, Strain, Variety, and Class: How Dog Breeds Got Their Names
In this episode, Craig Koshyk—renowned hunting dog historian and author—takes us on a deep dive into the fascinating world of breed names. From the earliest landraces to today’s officially recognized breeds, Craig unpacks how language, geography, and hunting traditions shaped the names we use for dogs today. Through engaging stories and expert insight, Craig explores everything from the confusion around the word spaniel , to double-nosed pointers in Spain, to the meaning behind terms like braque , épagneul , and vizsla . Whether you’ve got a German Wirehair, a Picardy Spaniel, or a Labrador, this episode will give you a new appreciation for what your dog’s breed name really means—and where it came from. Listen to past episodes here: Hunting Dog Confidential Podcast
S4 E2 · Sun, January 19, 2025
The German Influence on Hunting Dog Breeds
The episode, hosted by Craig Koshyk , a renowned dog historian, explores how early German immigrants, particularly those who settled in Texas, may have introduced hunting dogs before the popularization of breeds like the German Shorthaired Pointer (GSP). Koshyk, author of Pointing Dogs, Volume One: The Continentals and Pointing Dogs, Volume Two: The British and Irish Breeds , provides historically accurate insights, suggesting that settlers arriving in the 1830s and 1840s could have brought ancestral hunting breeds, challenging the belief that German gundogs first appeared in America in the 1930s.
S4 E1 · Sun, October 13, 2024
The Rise of the Pointer in America
Craig Koshyk, author of Pointing Dogs, Volume Two: The British and Irish Breeds , explores the unlikely story of how the Pointer rose to fame over the English Setter in America. At the time, this was something no one in the field trial circuit ever imagined possible, and before long, the Pointer dominated trialing. This is a story of culture, changing times, and America's continued efforts to advance everything they put their hands on.
S3 E33 · Fri, June 14, 2024
A Quick Update on HDC
Don't adjust your sets - we are back with a brief update on all things HDC! We've been getting lots of questions about the podcast, the magazine, and what other projects we have in the works. Craig and Jennifer are here to answer those questions and let you know what's in the pipeline for Hunting Dog Confidential!
S3 E32 · Wed, June 08, 2022
Episode 32: Drahthaars, Langhaars, Bretons, and Other International Breeds in America
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 translate, the use of the German name signifies a very specific system and methodology that exists behind the individual dog. Each of these breeds is managed by a U.S.-based chapter of the German parent club, rather than an AKC or NAVHDA-based breed club. The German clubs, along with their U.S.-based chapters, tie together a dog’s performance, health, and conformation into a single system. Before a dog can be bred, it must successfully complete a series of tests and evaluations. The purpose of this system is to ensure that the dogs maintain their consistent form and function, generation after generation. This fits in with the German hunting culture which requires “certified” hunting dogs in the field—in other words, it’s based on qualification rather than competition. So is a Drahthaar the same thing as a GWP? We settle on the answer of “it depends”—at least when it comes to an individual dog. One dog may be the offspring of two Drahthaars but if the parents weren’t tested and certified for breeding within the regulations, then the puppies can’t be considered Drahthaars…even if the genetics are the same. But if this continues for five, ten, or twenty generations, at which point do enough differences creep in that they could be considered different breeds altogether? So rather than studying any one individual dog, it’s more productive to look at the GWP vs. DD discussion at the larger population level. In that case, they are not the same thing, since the breeds are managed in entirely different manners. Is a German-bred dog right for you? Again, it depends . Jennifer talks about what drew her to the Deutsch Langhaar club, ultimately causing her to jump in feet first. But as with anything else, it’s a matter of personal preference. If the idea of a standardized system with strict protocols resonates with you, then it could be a great fit. On the other hand, if you bristle at the idea of being governed by a strict system, then it likely won’t be a good fit for you. Craig talks about the importance of evaluating the culture around a breed before deciding if it’
S3 E31 · Thu, March 31, 2022
Episode 31: The Modern Era of Bird Dogs in North America
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, big-running dogs over the versatile, jack-of-all-trades dogs produced in Germany. As the new breeds looked to gain a foothold in North America, some clubs sought marketing help to take advantage of the growing influence of television and mass media to generate interest in their breed. The Weimaraner is a classic example of publicity and popularity gone wrong—while the efforts to market the breed were wildly successful and led to an explosion in popularity, the dog failed to live up to all the wonder-dog hype and quickly fell out of favor. As with anything, popularity is a double-edged sword; breed clubs have long sought to straddle the line between promoting the dogs to hunters without losing control of the messaging and, ultimately, the natural hunting abilities. The introduction of the versatile breeds from the European continent eventually led to the formation of NAVHDA, which represented a stark departure from the competitive nature of traditional field trials. This new system was based on the German versatile hunting dog system with some changes made to better suit the North American hunting traditions. What began as an idea in a living room in Canada eventually became an international club with thousands of dogs tested annual and membership growing every year. The late part of the twentieth century saw a major transformation in the availability of technology and information, ultimately culminating in the introduction of the internet and, later, social media. Suddenly, hunters could connect with like-minded people across the globe. Breeding decisions were influenced by genetic testing. Litters could be advertised and promoted with the click of a button. Information that was once limited to members of certain clubs is now widely available to anyone with an internet connection. This modern era is characterized by technology, information, and—ultimately—connection. What does this new era mean to the future of breed clubs and registries? Craig has a few ideas about how these organizations will need to change, or else risk becoming irrelevant. Tune in to hear his vision and encouragement for riding the inevitable waves of change. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Share | Comment, review and di
S3 E30 · Wed, February 09, 2022
Episode 30: The Golden Age of Hunting Dogs in North America
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 apply a consistent technique along with a form of quality control. Registries were formed, pedigrees were issued, and dogs were judged according to newly established standards. The result was consistency in breeding and a standardized form and function for the dogs. While hunting was still an everyman’s activity, dog enthusiasts knew that they needed “men of means” in order for dog breeding to really gain momentum. Before long, success in the show ring and in field trials was accompanied by increased social standing. This increased attention—and financial backing—was exactly what hunting dogs needed to reach their golden age. Pointers and Setters were the first breeds to become established in North America, but imported dogs from Europe soon followed. The “Russian Setter” (likely a Wirehared Pointing Griffon) was an early arrival, followed soon after by the Brittany, German Shorthaired Pointer, and the Labrador. We discuss some theories on why—with the exception of the Griffon—those early imported breeds went on to become some of the most popular hunting dogs in North America today. We end the episode right around the end of the second World War, when returning servicemen and women were bringing new German hunting dog breeds back home to North America. The economic boom and the growth of the middle class fueled an explosion in popularity for many of these dog breeds. For some dogs, popularity was both a blessing and a curse. Stay tuned for the next episode where we discuss some of these examples. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and supported by Syren USA and Kent Cartridge .
S3 E29 · Thu, December 30, 2021
Episode 29: Early America, Part 2
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. Some of these dogs bear a strong resemblance to old varieties of pointers and hounds. In order to better understand the development and use of hunting dogs during this time, it’s important to understand the culture around hunting at the time. Back home in Europe, hunting was reserved by law for the elite landowners as a leisure activity. Even though North America offered the legal and geographic freedom for everyone to hunt the abundant game, it was still frowned upon, especially as a form of recreation or sport. This mindset was largely due to religion, which tended to view any sort of idle leisure activity as a sin. It was also believed that consuming wild meat could lead to savage, wild behavior. So while people did hunt in colonial North America, it was only done out of necessity and rarely as recreation. Attitudes began to change in the mid-1800s as the population boomed and the cities became increasingly polluted and crowded. Americans started to look toward the wilderness not as a place to fear, but as a place of solitude and rejuvenation. Writers around this time are credited with changing the very definition of a “sportsman” from a gambling, drinking man to a self-sufficient hunter or angler. Men who worked and lived in the dirty cities began to yearn for the clean air and freedom to roam in pursuit of game and fish. This transformation was swift and effective. Hunting as a form of recreation was soon widely enjoyed and even prescribed by doctors for better health. While they didn’t have the language of mental health at the time, evidence points towards a culture that recognized outdoor activities as a healthy pursuit for both the body and spirit. Before long, the newly rebranded sportsmen looked at their hunting dogs as an essential part of the hunting experience. Suddenly there was interest in breeding and training better dogs, along with the realization that such activities would take an investment of serious time and money. Early enthusiasts looked to England as an example of how competitions, trials, and shows could lead toward the development of superior dogs. This cultural transformation reflects the beginning of the golden age of hunting dog breeds in North America, which we will explore in the next episode. Offering the same disclaimer as we do in the last podcast episode, we acknowledge that North American history is fraught with bias, racism, and erasure. While our research is conducted with that in min
S3 E28 · Thu, December 09, 2021
Episode 28: Early America, Part 1
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. Fossil and DNA evidence suggests that dogs arrived in North America about 5,000 years after the first humans arrived. These dogs were descended from wolves but were partially domesticated. It’s believed that these dogs participated in hunts and likely provided guardian assistance around indigenous camps, too. Tales abound of tribes using dogs to pursue everything from polar bear in the far north to otters and fish in the most southern reaches of South America. Many of the stories share similar characteristics, such as small dogs being used to distract the quarry from the approaching hunter. This is reminiscent of the way in which terriers are still used today in Germany once larger dogs have a boar at bay. Early North American dogs were not selectively bred in the same way that we produce “breeds” today, but circumstances certainly led to the selection of dogs with certain characteristics and abilities. Those that were useful were kept around and allowed to reproduce, while those that weren’t useful were likely culled. Offering the same disclaimer as we do in the podcast episode, we acknowledge that North American history is fraught with bias, racism, and erasure. While our research is conducted with that in mind, we also realize that the facts we report are not free from bias. Please don’t hesitate to reach out via email if you have any corrections or alternate perspectives to share. We read a few passages from the book A Dog’s History of America by Mark Derr https://books.google.com/books/about/A_Dog_s_History_of_America.html?id=9Xa6q-mT5xwC As always, we thank you for listening and invite you to submit feedback or questions to us at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and supported by Dakota 283</
S3 E27 · Thu, November 18, 2021
Episode 27: A Sense of Place
We are back with a new episode providing 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. As a recap, season one explored the what …what breeds are used as hunting dogs and what were they developed to do. We did a quick survey of all the hunting dog breeds, ranging from pointing dogs to spaniels, retrievers, hounds, terriers, and many more. In season two, we explored the how … how are these dogs used to hunt and what are the methods people use with their dogs to hunt game. We explored traditional bird hunting with a pointing dog and a shotgun, we discussed small game hunting, big game tracking, driven hunts, and falconry. Now, we want to dig a little deeper and establish a sense of place by asking where. The location where hunting dogs developed played a huge role in their characteristics and their use. This includes not only their geographic location, but also the time in which they were developed and refined. This is still true even today, where breeds can develop regional differences as dogs are bred to excel in the local terrain and culture where they are hunted. The possibilities for exploring rabbit holes are endless and we are so excited to launch this new season by digging deeper into the stories behind our hunting dogs. This third layer will go even deeper into the cultural fabric and human connections where our hunting dogs were created and continue to be refined today. As always, we thank you for listening and invite you to submit feedback or questions to us at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and supported by Dakota 283 , Syren USA , SportDOG Brand and Kent Cartridge .
S2 E26 · Wed, September 01, 2021
Episode 26: Hawking and Bird Dogs with Anthony Williams
Anthony Williams is the epitome of versatility when it comes to the bird dog world. Growing up in Queens wasn’t going to dissuade him from his goals of hunting, running bird dogs, and flying a hawk. His initial exposure to birds was raising pigeons in urban New York, followed by his first experiences with falconry in an overgrown junkyard. This eventually led him toward bird dogs, where Anthony developed a love for the versatile breeds and also became a hound trial judge. Now, he has wirehaired Teckels, a Drahthaar, and a wirehaired Vizsla in addition to his hawks. We follow a few rabbit trails with Anthony in discussing raising pigeons in the inner city, including pigeons that race and those that perform somersaults in the air. Many of us become familiar with pigeons during the course of training a pointing dog, but raising and competing with pigeons is a whole universe unto itself. Turning to falconry, we discuss the various aspects of hunting with a bird of prey and how different species are particularly well-suited for different game and terrain. For example, hawks make great urban or suburban birds, but falcons are at their best when given lots of room to fly on the prairie or in the desert. Even the way in which the birds attack and kill their prey is different between species, so knowing your quarry is a key part in deciding which facet of falconry is right for you. As always, we explore some of the unique language around falconry, such as the difference between hawking and falconry, why a male hawk is called a tiercel, and how the term “bird dog” actually refers to falconry rather than the pursuit of game birds. Returning the discussion to dogs, we discuss the role of a dog in a partnership with a raptor and how it differs from hunting over a dog with a shotgun. We talk about the traits that work well and those that don’t, what’s expected of the dog, and how to train them for the task of hunting for a hawk or falcon. Finally, Anthony shares some candid advice and wisdom on how to decide if you’re really up for the commitment of falconry—and if you’re serious about it, where to start learning more and taking your first steps toward becoming a falconer. As always, we thank you for listening and invite you to submit feedback or questions to us at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . 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. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. </p
S2 E25 · Sat, July 10, 2021
Episode 25: Conservation and Forestry Management in Germany with Nadja Niesner
This episode is the continuation of the discussion we started last time with German hunter and hunting instructor, Nadja Niesner. Before we get into the conversation, though, we address a listener question regarding the colors of hunting dogs. A simple question of “why do German hunting breeds tend to be darker and English breeds tend to have a white base” sent us down a long rabbit hole about the theories and origins of the variety of colors and patterns that dogs come in. The overarching theme seems to be that selective breeding always involves the bias of the person doing the selecting, so personal preferences and ideas about camouflage or visibility influenced which dogs were selected for breeding. Color is also influenced by superstition, with black dogs sometimes having an association with evil or doom. When selective dog breeding began but prior to a scientific understanding of color genetics, the nature of dominant versus recessive genes often caused questions about the “purity” of a litter. This led to the breeding of recessive colors, since two brown dogs would produce a litter of all brown dogs, as opposed to the dominant black gene which was capable of producing a variety of colors in the offspring. Moving on to the continuation of our interview with Nadja, we picked up with a discussion about conservation and forestry management in Germany. We discuss how, for example, training with live ducks is limited to a certain number of ducks used over a dog’s lifetime. This reflects a federal government that seeks to strike a balance between developing hunting dogs but also preserving the limited resources of animals available for dog training. We also discuss how dogs are used to hunt various predators and invasive species such as raccoons, raccoon dogs, foxes, and nutria. The German hunting culture is focused on a holistic approach to wildlife management, which not only involves the taking of game but also the control of predator populations to maintain a suitable equilibrium. Finally, we discuss the changing demographics of hunting in Germany. As a hunting instructor, Nadja has a front row seat to the incoming hunter population and seeks to understand who is joining the community and why they were drawn to hunting. Just like in North America, most new hunters cite an interest in nature as well as a growing interest in knowing where their food comes from. As always, we thank you for listening and invite you to submit feedback or questions to us at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . 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. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our <a href='https://w
S2 E24 · Fri, June 18, 2021
Episode 24: Big Game and German Utility Dogs with Nadja Niesner
We start this episode with a discussion about versatile dogs or, as they are known in Germany, “useful” or “practical” dogs. In North America they are primarily used for bird hunting, their roots stretch back to a variety of purposes related to hunting and tracking. We discuss a couple of fun examples of the usefulness of hunting dogs, including a Boykin Spaniel who finds and retrieves box turtles in the name of science, as well as a hunting dog that is used to locate invasive Burmese pythons in the Florida Everglades. 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. We discuss the mechanics of hunting in Germany, which is entirely unlike the North American experience. Hunters are required to undergo an extensive education and testing system in order to be licensed to hunt. Similarly, the dogs must be tested and evaluated for their abilities in the field. Hunting is taken very seriously not only as a recreational activity but also as a crucial management method for the wildlife of Germany. We split this interview into two episodes, so this first installment focuses primarily on the hunting of big game such as roe deer, fallow deer, and boar. This is traditionally done in a large group setting with a driven hunt, where various dogs are released into the forest to move the game toward the waiting hunters. Contrary to what you might expect, the dogs do not chase all of the game out of the woods. Instead, they are expected to locate and carefully move the game without setting it off at a sprint. This allows for a safe encounter with the waiting hunters and a better overall experience for all participants. Because the dog work is done almost entirely out of sight of the handler, it is important for the dogs to be spurlaut , or scent-loud, on the fresh track of the game animal. This alerts the hunters to the incoming game and, if you know your dog’s voice well enough, can even allow you to identify the species of game before it arrives. The German philosophy and approach to hunting is unlike anything that most North Americans have ever experienced. This rich culture provides the context for some of our most popular bird dogs as well as the foundations of NAVHDA. Understanding this context can enrich your experience with your own versatile hunting dog. As always, we thank you for listening and invite you to submit feedback or questions to us at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . 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. <s
S2 E23 · Sat, May 15, 2021
Episode 23: Irish Water Spaniels with Russell Dodd
We start this episode with a discussion about the practice of tail docking. Depending on where you are located, this may be a well-accepted practice or it may be controversial or even banned. We discuss the historical context of docking tails as well as the modern applications for working and hunting dogs. It’s our hope that this will better inform your discussions when this topic comes up in dog circles. Our guest interview this week is with Russell Dodd, an AKC hunt test judge who has owned Irish Water Spaniels for many years. Although he grew up hunting, he did not get into bird hunting until he found this quirky dog breed who was at its best when hunting waterfowl and upland birds. We discuss the characteristics of the Irish Water Spaniel and how it occupies an interesting space between the prey drive of traditional flushing spaniels and the devotion of traditional water retrievers. This “hybrid” personality may be seen as a versatile advantage or, perhaps sometimes, as an unwelcome surprise when the dog doesn’t always respond in the way that you expected. The bottom line, though, is that these are amazing dogs with an unquenchable desire to hunt in cooperation with their owner. We also cover the details of AKC hunt tests for spaniels, which involve multiple testing segments covering upland hunting and water retrieving. While the Irish Water Spaniel may not be uniquely specialized for either of those tasks, its versatility makes it a great fit for AKC hunt tests. It was also educational for two pointing dog owners to talk to someone who regularly hunts with a flushing dog. We discuss the safety elements involved in hunting with a spaniel and why steadiness is important for the dog’s safety and for the hunter’s peace of mind. As always, we thank you for listening and invite you to submit feedback or questions to us at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . 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. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and supported by Dakota 283 , Syren USA , and Kent Cartridge.
S2 E22 · Thu, April 29, 2021
Episode 22: Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers with Grant St. Germain
We’ve been talking about the development of hunting dogs and how they were shaped by the humans and cultures where they originated. We received an interesting listener question asking us to consider the inverse of this concept: would human development have been any different if we did not have dogs at our side? It’s a fascinating thought experiment to consider what might have been different, which of course leads us down a few trails. Back on the topic of hunting methods, we also addressed some listener input regarding the current status of hunting with crossbows across the United States. While their use (where legal) is primarily for big game hunting, we muse about the possibility of reenacting historic bird hunting methods…after you check your local regulations, of course! Our guest interview this week is with a Canadian waterfowler who grew up hunting ducks in Nova Scotia. As a kid, Grant St. Germain was introduced to the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, or Toller, through family friends who were among the early advocates for the breed. Tolling for ducks means luring the ducks to shore and within shotgun range. This is an ideal technique on a calm day when ducks are rafted up offshore with no reason to move around or seek protection from the weather. The Toller is enticed to play and frolic along the shoreline, which triggers the ducks to move in for a closer look. As the ducks approach the shore, the concealed hunter waits for them to come within range and then jumps up for a couple of shots. While the exact reasons for why the ducks are attracted to the dog are up for debate, Grant supposes that it’s related to their nest protection instinct. Since Tollers are bred to look and behave like foxes, it’s thought that ground-nesting ducks instinctively come to see the “fox” along the shore to see if it is raiding their nests. This theory is supported by the fact that tree-nesting ducks can’t be effectively tolled. Utilizing the tolling technique is quite simple as long as you have the right kind of location where the rafted ducks can see the shoreline, yet you can remain hidden and close enough to the water. It’s typically an opportunity-based hunt when the situation presents itself, rather than something that can be planned in advanced. There’s no special training required for the dog—you simply throw a stick or ball to get the Toller running back and forth along the shoreline in a playful manner. Tollers are passionate about retrieving, so this comes very naturally for them and they won’t tire of the game. The only trick is to make sure that the dog ignores the approaching ducks—one look in the wrong direction could spook the ducks and end the hunt. Tolling is rarely practiced today, but there’s no reason the technique should be lost to history! If you give it a try with your dog, please let us know how it goes.
S2 E21 · Fri, April 16, 2021
Episode 21: Hunting and Field Trials in Continental Europe with Marjolein Kamman-van Eijk
Continuing our discussion of the various methods with which hunters use hunting dogs, we discuss the origins of the term “gun dog” and how bird dogs developed right alongside modern firearms. Both pointing dogs and breech-loading shotguns tended to reach their peak at the same time in the same locations: the mid-nineteenth century in England, but not until the early twentieth century in places like North America. Because of their shared history, it’s no accident that bird dogs and bird guns were developed and perfected on similar timelines. Our guest interview this week stayed in the pointing dog theme, but we stepped across the English Channel into continental Europe to explore hunting opportunities and the field trialing scene on the mainland. Marjolein Kamman-van Eijk is an accomplished field trialer, dog breeder, and all-around hunting dog enthusiast. She began with longhaired Weimaraners, but as her interest in field trials grew, she started keeping and breeding English Setters along with the Weims. We discuss the challenges with hunting and training big-running setters in the limited space available in Holland, which often requires traveling to France just to allow the dogs to really run. While bird hunting is almost nonexistent in Holland, there are still plenty of opportunities to hunt hare and geese, although that style of hunting favors the versatile Weimaraner and not so much the field trial setters. Marjolein’s passion for hunting has taken her across the Atlantic and to the prairies of Manitoba and North Dakota, which opened her eyes to what’s really possible with these dogs when the landscape is endless. She found a love for sharptailed grouse and that all-too-familiar scene of beautiful dogs working birds on the American landscape. Unlike what we discussed in last week’s episode with David Hudson, the field trial scene in continental Europe is enormous. Hundreds of dogs are entered into big-stakes events, most of which are dominated by Italian lines of English Setters. We cover the ins and outs of running these events as an amateur and navigating this sport which is often dominated by professionals. Finally, we explore the differences and similarities in hunting and trialing culture around the world, and how the dogs always find a way to adapt and thrive no matter the location or the limitations. As always, we thank you for listening and invite you to submit feedback or questions to us at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . 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. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community</
S2 E20 · Fri, March 12, 2021
Episode 20: Pointers and Setters on the English Moors with David Hudson
Kicking 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 HDC@northwoodscollective.com . 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. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidenti
S2 E19 · Thu, February 25, 2021
Episode 19: Hunting Methods
We are back with season two of the Hunting Dog Confidential podcast. In the first season, we answered the question of “what dogs are used as hunting dogs?” We looked at various breeds and types of dogs that are hunted all over the world, both in the modern day as well as throughout history. Now, we turn our attention to the “how.” How are dogs used and what are the various methods of hunting with dogs? Since the beginning of the human-dog partnership, dogs assisted humans in finding game, pursuing game, catching game, and bringing that game back to the hunter. We still see these behaviors today, whether it’s pointing dogs, flushing dogs, sight hounds, scent hounds, spitz dogs, terriers, or retrievers. Dogs use their superior senses to enhance the human hunter’s ability to locate and ultimately kill prey. We will introduce a slight change in format for this season by welcoming guests onto the podcast. These experts will share their firsthand knowledge in a variety of hunting methods. For this episode, we introduce these various methods as a bit of a teaser for what’s to come. For bird dog owners, the most common method of hunting is with a bird dog and a shotgun. But hunting with a bird dog might look a little different in North America as compared to continental Europe or the United Kingdom. Special training techniques reflect the normal behavior of the native birds, which partly explains why Pointers are bred to be unerringly steady upon finding and pointing a bird. Falconry introduces another element: the care and training of a bird of prey. The dogs must be trained to work cooperatively with the bird in a way that’s effective for the hunt and safe for the bird. Big game hunting is often done with hunting dogs, whether that’s versatile hunting dogs being used on driven deer hunts in Europe or packs of hounds being used on bear or mountain lion in North America. Small game hunting takes many forms, whether that’s squirrel hunting with a feist, raccoon hunting with coonhounds, or chasing rabbits with beagles. In the UK, ferreting rabbits is frequently done with a dog that can catch the rabbits once they are chased out of their warren by the ferret. The bottom line is that dogs solved the question of “how,” both for the ancient human nomadic hunter as well as the modern dog enthusiast who is looking for recreation and purpose. Our dogs can take us on a pretty incredible journey if we are smart enough to follow them. As always, we thank you for listening and invite you to submit feedback or questions to us at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . 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. Share</stron
S1 E18 · Thu, January 07, 2021
Episode 18: Terriers
We wrap up our survey of hunting dogs with a look at working terriers. Terriers developed to fill a need where humans needed to get to game in a situation where we were ill-equipped to do so. Just like sight hounds were developed to be faster than us to catch running game, retrievers were developed to swim better than us to get game out of the water, and scenting dogs were developed with better noses than us to find otherwise-camouflaged game… terriers were developed to be able to locate and access game below ground in tunnels and dens. Hunt terriers were valuable members of a hunting party because they could get the fox or rabbit out of a hole. The foxhounds and hunters relied on the terrier whenever the game “went to ground” so that the hunt could continue on with the chase and pursuit. In order to pursue game underground, the terrier needs to have a small circumference, a huge amount of courage, and the tenacity to keep after the badger or fox to prevent it from digging deeper. This may involve nipping at the animal to keep its attention, or maneuvering around the animal in order to push it toward the burrow’s entrance. Either way, the terrier is adept at working in small, confined spaces with hostile game in its own den. Terriers also proved their worth as effective vermin control, especially with rats and other rodents around the farm. This eventually gave way to the blood sport known as rat pitting, where terriers were placed in a pit with a number of rats and bets were placed on how quickly they could kill all of the rats. This was a popular entertainment event in pubs and, while not exactly hunting, is evidence of the terrier’s hunting origins and sheer tenacity. We talk about a couple of popular working terrier breeds: the Jack Russell, the Fell Terrier, and the Jagdterrier, which was Germany’s versatile answer to the British terrier breeds. All of these dogs continue to enjoy strong working lines today. In wrapping up the survey of hunting dogs, we wrap up season one of the Hunting Dog Confidential Podcast. In season two, we will host some guest interviews and invite listener questions and input. Would you like to have your question featured on an upcoming episode? Record a voice memo of your question, include your name and location, and email it to us at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . We look forward to hearing the voices of our listeners, answering your questions, and hearing your stories! We thank you for listening and look forward to launching season two shortly. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast.
S1 E17 · Thu, December 10, 2020
Episode 17: Teckels and Feist
In this episode, we explore two very different types of hunting dogs, both of which defy any attempt to fit neatly within a single category. Dachshunds, also known as Teckels or Dackels, are incredibly versatile hunting dogs that excel at hunting birds or tracking wounded game. Feist, on the other hand, are a category of dogs that represent the varied needs and preferences of squirrel hunters throughout North America. Both dogs are relatively unknown as hunting dogs outside of their circles, but within their community lies a fiercely devoted and passionate group of enthusiasts. The Dachshund, or Teckel, originated in Germany and soon became a popular companion and hunting dog. War caused international interest in this German symbol to wane, leading to a short-lived attempt at renaming the breed “Liberty Hound.” The resilient little dog soon rebounded, though, and was once again popular around the world with hunters looking for a capable, driven dog with an expertise in tracking game as well as both bird dog and terrier-like skills. Feist are a uniquely North American creation, bred to accompany squirrel hunters throughout Appalachia. They locate small game and tree it, keeping the animal in position until the hunter arrives to take the shot. While only two breeds of Feist are currently recognized by external registries, the category as a whole encompasses a huge array of local varieties and specialties. As always, we explore some etymology in this episode. We explore the origin of the name “Teckel” and why the German word “Dachshund” isn’t often used within German to refer to this breed. We look into the meaning of “Feist” and how these dogs carry the name of an antique slang term. Finally, we start to build a dictionary of jaegersprache , or hunter’s language. The first entry in this list is “backing,” a term important in pointing dog culture but likely not understood outside of that world. Tune in to learn more about Teckels and Feist! You’re nearly guaranteed to learn something new in this episode. We thank you for listening and hope you’ll continue to reach out with your comments, questions, and ideas. We can be reached at HDC@northwoodscollective.com . Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and supported by Dakota 283.
S1 E16 · Thu, November 26, 2020
Episode 16: Scent Hounds, Running Hounds, and Badger Hounds
In this episode, we continue our journey through the hounds, moving into the well-known category of scent hounds. These dogs are characterized by their extraordinary ability to follow a scent trail, not only the fresh trail of a wounded animal, but also the “sweat trail” of an animal that may have passed through days earlier. Scent hounds have enjoyed a prominent place in pop culture, with references and well-known examples ranging from Disney cartoons to the iconic song, “Hound Dog.” We dig into the meaning of the epithet “hound” and why Elvis—and many others—found reason to sing about it. Scent hounds may be the great equalizer among the history of hunting dogs, because they were (and continue to be) used and loved by people across all economic and social classes. Working hounds run the gamut from fox hunts across wealthy estates in the English countryside to houndsmen and women running coonhounds in the southern United States. Whether the purpose is simply the thrill of the chase or to put meat on a table or pelts in the bag, the shared love for the dogs of the pursuit is universal. For a little word trivia, we look into the etymology of “cur” and what makes curs especially versatile dogs for working and hunting. We also discuss the Dachshund and what makes this little Swiss Army knife dog so incredibly difficult to categorize. Tune in to learn more about scent hounds and running hounds. 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 HDC@northwoodscollective.com . Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and supported by Dakota 283.
S1 E15 · Thu, November 12, 2020
Episode 15: Lurchers and Longdogs
In this episode, we take a detour off the path of well-known sighthound breeds and venture into the somewhat murky and mysterious world of lurchers and longdogs. A lurcher is a hybrid dog resulting from the cross of a sighthound with another working breed of dog. Their origins reach back far into history, when purebred sighthounds were highly revered and could only be owned by the wealthy and noble. Commoners secretly took advantage of opportunities to breed their farm dogs to the noble greyhounds and deerhounds, thereby creating a versatile hybrid that could hunt, protect, and work with great speed and drive. By their very foundation, lurchers have historically been affiliated with poachers and other “below the radar” activities… an association which is not readily rejected by modern day enthusiasts! Longdogs, by contrast, are the result of a cross between sighthound breeds. These hybrids are intended to capture the best traits of the two hounds, uniquely suited to a particular application. Both lurchers and longdogs represent hybrid dogs that are intentionally developed for a very specific purpose, pursuing very specific game, and covering very specific terrain. For example, the needs of a rabbit hunter in rolling heather meadows is slightly different from that of a farmer looking to keep the coyotes away from the chicken coop. Sighthounds are of great use in both cases, but the characteristics can be further dialed in with particular breed influences. Tune in to learn more about the murky world of lurchers and longdogs, including some unusual examples such as the Alaunt and the Nebraska Coyote Dog. 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 HDC@northwoodscollective.com . Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and supported by Dakota 283.
S1 E14 · Thu, October 29, 2020
Episode 14: Introduction to Sight Hounds
In this episode, we look at the group of hounds known as sight hounds or gaze hounds. These dogs are known for using their eyesight to find and track prey, but more importantly, these dogs use their incredible speed to pursue and overtake their quarry. Having been developed almost exclusively for speed, sight hounds even have larger hearts and different blood chemistry from other breeds of dogs. Sight hounds are commonly thought of as originating from the desert regions of the Middle East and the Arabian peninsula, but in fact, sight hounds were developed in many different regions around the world. What these places have in common are large, open spaces where prey animals can be seen from great distances. Commonly known breeds include the Greyhound, the Saluki, the Afghan Hound, the Irish Wolfhound, the Scottish Deerhound, the Whippet, and many, many more. Hare coursing was (and in some places, continues to be) a popular means of competing with sight hounds. Dogs are released to chase a hare; while the hare is not commonly caught, it provides a conclusive method of determining which dogs are the fastest and most agile. Lure coursing is a modern day replica of this event whereby a “lure” (sometimes even just a plastic bag) is pulled at high speed via a cord and pulleys to mimic fleeing prey. Tune in to learn more about the common and obscure breeds of sight hounds as well as how they are hunted and competed today. In the next episode, we’ll get into more detail about modern hunting methods using sight hounds developed for more versatile uses. 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 HDC@northwoodscollective.com . Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and supported by Dakota 283.
S1 E13 · Thu, October 15, 2020
Episode 13: Overview of Hounds
In this episode, we begin a broad survey of hounds, beginning with a linguistic exercise to uncover the meaning of the word “hound.” The general nature of the word perhaps explains the very broad range of hound dogs today. Hounds are separated into categories such as sight hounds, scent hounds, leash hounds, podengos, and pariah dogs. Perhaps the oldest of these categories is the pariah dog, which is thought to have originated at the refuse piles out on the outskirts of early towns and villages. Pariah dogs and podengos are perhaps among the most versatile of the hound dogs. They exhibit a combination of developed skills such as the use of their nose to locate hidden game, the use of their eyes to track running game, a bounding gait to overcome dense brush, their speed to overtake and capture game, and a retrieving instinct to bring the game back to the handler. An example of this type of hunting can be found with the Ibizan Hound, or the Podenco Ibicenco, which hunts rabbits in the brushy landscape of the island of Ibiza off the coast of Spain. Sight hounds include commonly known breeds such as the greyhound, whippet, and wolfhound. These dogs rely on good eyesight, but more than that, they rely on speed to overtake their prey. Mixes between the sight hound breeds were called “long dogs” and were frequently used by poachers to take game off of private estates under cover of darkness. Scent hounds include well-known favorites such as the foxhound, the bloodhound, and beagles. These dogs are known for their incredible sense of smell and the ability to follow a trail to find game. Scent hounds are often used in packs to run down prey, often using their incredible stamina to outlast the game. Upcoming episodes will dive deeper into each of these categories of hounds, uncovering a surprising number of breeds both well-known and obscure. Hounds have an incredibly diverse history stretching all across the world as they were used to hunt a variety of prey in a variety of human cultures. Hounds eventually led to the development of many of our pointing dog breeds. Stay tuned to learn more about this unexpected origin story. 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 HDC@northwoodscollective.com . Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food and
S1 E12 · Thu, October 01, 2020
Episode 12: The Spitz Breeds
In 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 HDC@northwoodscollective.com . Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. </p
S1 E11 · Thu, September 17, 2020
Episode 11: Duck Tolling and the Murray River Retriever
In this episode, we respond to some listener feedback about a couple of more unusual retriever breeds and a strange way of attracting ducks to waiting hunters. First up, we discuss the Murray River Curly-Coated Retriever. A listener from Australia alerted us to this rare landrace which has been used for centuries along the Murray River of South Australia. This dog’s short, strong build and curly, brown coat share many similarities with other breeds developed around the same time. While its exact origin story is unknown, several theories abound. Could it be the result of Flat-Coated Retrievers mixed with curly coated water dogs such as the Irish Water Spaniel? Could it be an offshoot of the Curly-Coated Retriever? Or, most curiously, could it be a surviving landrace from the now-extinct Norfolk Retriever? Descriptions of the Norfolk Retriever certainly seem to fit the look as well as the working style of the Murray River dog. Whatever the origins of the Murray River Retriever, it maintains a small but passionate group of enthusiasts who are striving to gain breed recognition within the Australian Kennel Club. The last of the retriever breeds to cover in this series is the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The “Little River Duck Dog” is a symbol of Nova Scotia and a nod to the rich history of duck hunting in local waterways across the eastern seaboard of North America. But what exactly is “tolling” and how did it originate? We discuss the various origins of canine tolling behavior, which is when a dog plays along the shore to lure curious ducks closer to within gun range. Foxes exhibit this behavior in the wild, but there are no confirmed records of foxes and dogs breeding to form hybrids. Instead, domestic dogs were selected for a fox-like appearance and trained to mimic the fox’s behavior in cleverly luring ducks toward a waiting hunter. The English and Dutch used similar methods to lure ducks into a cage, pipe, or trap called a “decoy”, but there are no records of them using guns to kill the ducks trapped while using a tolling dog. This unique method of hunting appears to have originated from French practices, which may well explain the origins of the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. We wrap up the episode with a discussion of the forthcoming Hunting Dog Confidential Magazine. We are in the final stages of editing Issue One and can’t wait to take readers on a journey to learn about hunting dogs from all around the world. The articles and photography are firsthand accounts from many of the sources that we’ve used for episodes of this podcast. If you are enjoying the podcast and like learning about the history and modern-day use of all kinds of hunting dogs, you will love this coffee-table-quality magazine. Subscribe at projectupland.com to get ahold of the first issue in October! As always, we thank you for listening and hope yo
S1 E10 · Thu, September 03, 2020
Episode 10: Curly-Coated, Flat-Coated, and Golden Retrievers
This episode continues our path through the origins of today’s modern retriever breeds by focusing on the Curly-coated, Flat-coated, and Golden Retrievers. All three of these breeds were developed in England and came to be known by the characteristics of their coat as opposed to a geographic name. The least well-known of these breeds is the Curly-coated Retriever which, despite a reputation for a strong work ethic and agreeable personality, has never enjoyed much popularity in the retriever world. The Curly is one of the oldest of the retriever breeds but has never had more than a couple hundred new dogs registered in any given year. Their unique, tightly-curled coat is effective for shedding water as well as providing additional warmth. The origins of this coat aren’t known with any degree of certainty; it could harken all the way back to the St. John’s Water Dog, or it could be the result of adding in Barbet or Water Spaniel breeding stock along the way. The Flat-coated Retriever actually enjoyed a high degree of popularity in the English hunting scene prior to the explosion of the Labrador. Their beautiful, raven-black coat and noble gait have earned them a reputation of being almost royal in their appearance and carriage. In fact, author David Hancock went so far as to suggest that Flat-coats be renamed the English Retriever due to the fact that no retriever breed ever maintained an eponymous link to the country… and what better candidate than the noble Flat-coated Retriever. Among these breeds, the Golden Retriever has enjoyed the most popularity by far, whether as a companion, a mascot, a service dog, or as a hunting dog. The Golden’s lovable, good-natured personality leaves no doubt as to why they have found so much success in the pet market. Field lines, however, have produced some outstanding hunting dogs with the same capacity for running in field trials and hunting birds as the rest of the retriever breeds. We wrap up the episode with a discussion of the now-extinct Norfolk Retriever which, based on the descriptions that remain, sounds awfully similar to today’s Chesapeake Retriever. Its origins are unknown, but it’s not unreasonable to guess that the shipwrecked puppies that led to the Chessie may have had relatives that did in fact make it to England. There is no question that none of our dog breeds were developed in a vacuum; instead, their rich history is intertwined and connected with other dogs of the same era. Tune in to hear more about the development of these retrievers and how they came to be the world-class athletes and trusted companions that they are today. 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 HDC@northwoodscollective.com . And don’t forget this week’s big announcement, that Hunting Dog Co
S1 E9 · Thu, August 20, 2020
Episode 9: The History of the Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Continuing on our path through the origin stories of the retriever breeds, this episode focuses on two of the most well-known hunting retrievers: the Labrador Retriever and the Chesapeake Bay Retriever. Both of these breeds trace their roots back to the St. John’s Water Dog of Newfoundland, but the similarities end there. Wealthy, noble Englishmen were importing the St. John’s Water Dogs from North America and breeding them to suit their style of estate hunting. Two men in particular, the Earl of Malmesbury and the Duke of Buccleuch, were especially instrumental in the foundation of what is now known as the Labrador Retriever. These hardy, strong, athletic dogs displayed exceptional skills in the water and were also well-suited for pheasant shoots on land. Across the Atlantic Ocean, two St. John’s puppies were on a ship bound for Poole, England, at the request of another English nobleman. Unfortunately, the ship foundered and the crew had to be rescued off the east coast of the United States. The rescuer purchased the two pups and kept them along the eastern seaboard. Based on the descriptions of the dogs and of their hard-hunting progeny, these are assumed to be the two foundation dogs of the Chesapeake Bay Retriever breed. So while the Labrador was developed in England on wealthy estates for gentlemen’s shooting, the Chessie found its roots in the rough-and-tumble world of American duck hunters and market hunters. While the Labrador was expected to be polite and quiet, the Chessie was valued for its boldness and protective instinct. The Labrador eventually rocketed to the top of the retriever world through its success in field trial competitions. Understanding the key differences between American and British retriever field trials opens up a new understanding of the difference between American and British Labs. Tune in to hear more about the development of the Labrador and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and how they came to be the world-class athletes that they are today. As always, we thank you for listening and hope you’ll continue to share the great feedback about this series. We can be reached at HDC@northwoodscollective.com with your ideas, comments, and questions. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food
S1 E8 · Thu, August 06, 2020
Episode 8: Origins of the Retrieving Dogs
Our exploration of the history of hunting dogs has led us to North America, where we uncover the earliest origins of the retriever breeds. In this episode, we discuss whether the Labrador Retriever is really a North American breed, or whether it’s a British breed that owes its roots to the back-and-forth trade between England and the new communities on the eastern coast of North America. For the purposes of this discussion, “Retriever” is meant to refer to the breeds that were specifically bred to specialize in retrieving: the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Curly Coated Retriever, Flat Coated Retriever, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, and the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. Many other water dogs share similar characteristics, and of course continental pointing dogs and spaniels are also expected to retrieve game. But the Retrievers were truly designed to be specialists in the new landscape and the new hunting techniques found in North America in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Our story begins on the east coast of what is now Canada, in the province now known as Newfoundland and Labrador. These coastal communities were known for their near-mythological fishing grounds, so early contacts are suspected to have been made by the English, the Portuguese, and perhaps even the Vikings. Over time, at this fishing outpost, the various cultures and their dogs combined to form a land race called the St. John’s Water Dog. This wasn’t a specific breed of dog, but rather a particular type that was commonly found in the area. These dogs were described as having a short thick coat, rudder-like tail, high endurance, and a great love of swimming. All modern retrievers eventually descended from these dogs. The St. John’s Water Dog was a favorite of fisherman and hunters alike. They could be found all over the island of Newfoundland. They were used in the water to fetch lines, waterfowl, and even dive for fish that escaped the nets. Hunters used the dogs in a method of attracting waterfowl known as tolling , where the dog played along the shore and lured the curious ducks to within gun range. Early writings describe highly intelligent and capable dogs used in this manner to help the hunter put food on the table. These dogs were frequently being sent back to England with the fishermen and merchants that traveled back and forth across the Atlantic. In England, the St. John’s Water Dog was crossed with other dogs to meet the demands of the pet and hunting markets. Eventually this land race of dogs split into a much larger variety, what we now know as the Newfoundland Dog, and a smaller variety that led to the formation of the Labrador Retriever. But that’s a story for the next episode. Tune in to hear more about the earliest origins of the Labrador Retriever and, by extension, all of our modern day retriever breeds. As always, we thank you for listening and hope you
S1 E7 · Thu, July 23, 2020
Episode 7: From Spaniels to Retrievers
We are in the midst of talking about the origins of hunting dogs; specifically, we are covering the history of flushing spaniels, retrievers, and hounds. In this episode, we pick up where we left off with some further discussion about spaniels. A running theme for Hunting Dog Confidential has been the idea that hunting dog breeds are a reflection of the culture from which they originated. Two spaniel breeds are particularly good examples of this idea: the Welsh springer spaniel and the Russian spaniel. Both breeds have a fascinating history as they followed cultural lines and not necessarily geopolitical borders. The movement of people –whether soldiers at war or merchants on trade routes– is largely responsible for the movement and intermixing of these early dogs. Both the hunting spaniel and the pointing dog are examples of questing dogs, meaning they leave their handler and independently search for game. This behavior was perfect for locating birds in a field, but it wasn’t ideal for a new kind of hunting that involved waiting for game to approach, or perhaps luring that game to the unseen hunter. Generations of purposeful breeding for the desire to run independently meant that these dogs simply weren’t suited for sitting patiently by the master’s side and awaiting a command to spring into action. Hunters looked for ways to infuse the hunting spaniels with the newly desired traits of patience and unquestioning obedience, which led them to working dogs. They found exactly what they were looking for aboard ships: hearty, capable dogs were living aboard merchant and fishing vessels that traveled back and forth between Europe and North America. These dogs were intelligent, willing to work, strong swimmers, and –perhaps most importantly—thrived in the confining environment of a boat at sea. Eventually, the retriever was born. Tune in to hear more about the earliest origins of the retriever and the unusual hunting methods that eventually gave way to shooting waterfowl on the wing. As always, we thank you for listening and hope you’ll continue to share the great feedback about this series. We can be reached at HDC@northwoodscollective.com with your ideas, comments, and questions. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe, and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food
S1 E6 · Thu, July 09, 2020
Episode 6: Hunting Spaniels
This episode kicks off a new mini-series on other types of gun dogs: flushing spaniels, retrievers, terriers, scent hounds, and sight hounds. This broader look at hunting dogs will explore the history of each type of dog and how it fits into the overall timeline of hunting dogs as they developed alongside their human partners. We’ll also look at where these dogs are today and how they are being used in the field. Like always, we dive into some linguistics to better understand the cultural origins of the dogs. To an English speaker, a spaniel is a spaniel is a spaniel. But to a French speaker, there’s a significant difference between l’épagneul and le spaniel. Perhaps most curiously, what do spaniels even have to do with Spain, anyway? Spaniels were developed before pointing dogs but after hounds had found favor with humans as hunting companions. The more cooperative nature of hunting and retrieving birds – but not injuring the hunter’s falcon – required a much more cooperative dog. The earliest spaniels were selected for their strong bond with humans, their ease of training, and their overall cooperativeness. This was the first time that man and dog were truly working together and sharing game captured in the field. Modern spaniels are set apart from other hunting dogs by their small size, their close working style to stay within gun range, and the way in which they quarter in front of the hunter in a windshield-wiper pattern. Their energy and enthusiasm are unmatched. Starting with water spaniels, we discuss the Irish water spaniel, the American water spaniel, and the Boykin spaniel. These three breeds can [likely] trace their origins back along the same path, having been adapted to meet the specific size and temperament needs of their human companions. The English water spaniel, although now extinct, also played an important role in the foundation of today’s spaniels. On land, there are no spaniel breeds more popular than the cocker and the springer spaniels. Believe it or not, these were originally a single breed, differentiated only by their size. A single litter could contain both smaller “woodcocker” spaniels as well as larger “springer” spaniels better suited for working heavier cover and larger birds. Eventually the breed split, followed by the later split between the English and American cocker spaniels. We also discuss lesser-known spaniels such as the Field spaniel, the Sussex, and the Clumber spaniels. Not all spaniels were developed in the United Kingdom and Ireland, either. The Germans developed their own “quail dog”, the Wachtelhund. This dog has exceptional intensity in the field and, like its German versatile cousins, is renowned for its tracking and game-driving abilities. Across the border in the Netherlands, the Kooikerhondje was developed for the unusual task of luring ducks into a trap. Rather than flushing bi
S1 E5 · Thu, June 25, 2020
Episode 5: Breed Origins Part 3 - United Kingdom and Ireland
In the final chapter of this mini-series on the origins of pointing dogs, we cross the English Channel to talk about Pointers and setters. Some might argue that by crossing the channel we are leaving behind the versatile breeds and are now looking at more specialized bird dogs. However, like everything else in the bird dog world, it’s a lot more complicated than that. Pointers and setters likely came to England in the 1600s and 1700s, most likely originating from the area now serving as the border between France and Spain. However, it’s entirely possible that there were already longhaired hunting dogs in England that had shown some pointing behavior. The history is a little muddy, but one thing is for certain: Pointers and setters soon exploded in popularity among the wealthy and elite in England. The agricultural revolution led to a better understanding of livestock breeding practices to enhance desired traits. Cows were bred to produce more milk, sheep were bred to produce more wool… and soon dogs were bred to point and hunt better. Dog shows and field trials became a natural extension of the livestock shows and trials. Competition took off and the dogs became supercharged versions of themselves. Over in Ireland, setters were developing as skilled hunting companions in the moors. The original setter was likely red and white, but soon breeders were looking for that gorgeous, solid red coat of today’s Irish setter. The red and white setter nearly died out, but thankfully breed enthusiasts fought to bring it back from the brink of extinction. At the same time, little black and tan dogs were being bred and shaped into the Gordon setter that we know today. When considered as a group, the British and Irish breeds represent hunting dogs with style . They perform all the same tasks as the rest of the pointing breeds, but they do it with an undeniable beauty and intensity. It’s not hard to see why they were desired throughout Europe and nearly caused the loss of many of the continental breeds. Tune in to learn more about some of the trickier questions. What does “setter” really mean? Are we supposed to put “English” in front of the Pointer? And perhaps most fascinating… why has retrieving traditionally not been a priority for these dogs? And don’t forget about our very first giveaway! We have a few free download codes for Project Upland’s first upland classic release on Audible: Woodcock Shooting by Edmund Davis. Want to check it out? Lucky winners will be chosen from those who make a meaningful contribution to the podcast this week – so leave a review and send us a note at jennifer.wapenski@northwoodscollective.com to be entered to win! Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our <a href='https://www.facebook.com/groups/23209
S1 E4 · Thu, June 11, 2020
Episode 4: Breed Origins Part 2 - East of the Rhine
We are deep into talking about the origins of pointing dogs; we’ve been looking back through history and discussing how dogs were developing alongside the hunting culture. In this episode, we focus on the development of hunting dogs east of the Rhine river: primarily in Germany, but also Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Unlike what was going on across the river in France, these breeds owe their development to a qualification system of hunt tests, rather than competition through field trials. Up until the early 1800s, this region was a collection of independent municipalities, each with their own wealthy lords and dukes. Hunting game was an exercise in excess; killing animals was done for sport without any thought of conservation or ethics. As the journey began to become a unified Germany, considerable effort was put into developing a system for an ethical and responsible approach to hunting game animals. As a result, there was a tremendous focus on using versatile dogs as conservation tools: the new dogs were to be used for tracking, recovering, and retrieving any shot game. That focus on work “after the shot” has continued today. German breeds are particularly strong trackers and retrievers of both furred and feathered game, owing to this early focus on game recovery. In fact, Germany now places legal obligations on the hunter to ensure that their dog is properly tested and qualified to participate in the hunt. The idea of qualifying a hunting dog through a comprehensive testing system continues to this day, even making the jump to North America as NAVHDA. Hunting in Germany looks a little different from hunting in North America, with more regulations and procedures to learn. Additionally, boar and deer are commonly targeted, usually through a method known as “Independent Forest Search”. Dogs are released into the forest to find game and drive it back toward the line of hunters. Special emphasis is placed on dogs that bark at the sight or scent of game, which alerts the hunters to the incoming animal. Finally, we turn to the history of specific breeds from this region and share anecdotes from their development. How did the mantra “form follows function” lead to the development of the German Wirehaired Pointer? Why did the German Shorthaired Pointer practically overtake the North American versatile dog scene? How did a difference in color preference lead to the German Longhaired Pointer and the Large Munsterlander? Does the Small Munsterlander have a bit of a secret French accent? Why is it so difficult to find a Weimaraner from good hunting lines? Is the Pudelpointer the original designer dog? And finally, we step outside of Germany briefly to talk about the Vizsla: how do the Wirehaired and Hungarian Vizslas reflect the Hungarian people themselves? Tune in to hear the stories, uncover the myths, and discover the history of the dogs that we know and love tod
S1 E3 · Thu, May 28, 2020
Episode 3: Breed Origins Part 1 - West of the Rhine
In this week’s episode, we explore the development of pointing dog breeds in the regions of Europe that fall west of the Rhine River, including Italy, Spain, and France. Aside from being a convenient geographic divide, the Rhine also roughly divided the hunting dog culture in how people used and promoted their dogs. Countries to the south and west generally followed the British method of “proofing” their dogs by competing in field trials that crowned a champion. In comparison, countries to the east and north generally followed a system based on meeting certain qualifications rather than a competitive system. The first field trial was held in 1865 and, soon, field trials were being held all over western Europe. The growing popularity came at a time when people had time, money, and the ability to travel regionally to hunt and compete. The field trial approach fit well with the rise of individualism and independence. Our discussion of specific dog breeds starts in Italy with two very old breeds: the Spinone and the Bracco Italiano. Craig shares some interesting history on the usage of the dogs as well as how they both embody the Italian love of style. Moving northward, we discuss Eduard Korthals’s quest to create the perfect hunting dog, which ultimately resulted in the development of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Unlike many other breeds, the history of the Griffon is well-documented as it followed the twists and turns of national politics and cultural identity. Thought it was created in Germany by a Dutch guy, the breed was ultimately adopted by the French and continues to see great international success today. Finally, we move on to France, which is responsible for creating more pointing dog breeds than any other country in the world. After a quick vocabulary lesson on “Epagneul” vs. “Griffon” vs. “Braque”, we move on to cover a variety of French breeds, ranging from the popular Brittany to lesser known breeds like the Picardy Spaniel, Pont Audemer Spaniel, Braque du Bourbonnais, Braque Saint Germain, Braque d’Auvergne, and the Braque Francais. It’s a fascinating dive into French regions and the resilience of the people – and dogs – who survived life at the epicenter of two world wars.
S1 E2 · Thu, May 14, 2020
Episode 2: Culture
In this episode, co-hosts Craig Koshyk and Jennifer Wapenski explore the idea that hunting dogs are a reflection of the culture from which they originate. This broad survey of hunting cultures across time and place will set the stage for future discussions at the regional and breed level. Craig’s experiences while researching pointing dog breeds across Europe were not only educational, but also deeply enriching for his own hunting practices and traditions. Cultural exchanges with hunters from other backgrounds turned out to be valuable for both parties – whether it was the type of game hunted, how the game was prepared, or how the dogs were trained to behave on the hunt. Listen as they share stories about how hunting cultures vary between North America and Europe, which in turn gave rise to a variety of hunting dog characteristics that reflect the preferences and values of those hunters. For example, German foresters needed dogs that could “do it all” – find birds, control predator populations, and stand up to “bad guy” poachers. On the other hand, the French breeds tended to be a little more specialized and laid-back in their approach to life. For someone who is interested in enriching their own hunting experience, a trip to Europe is certainly a great way to expand your horizons. If that’s not possible though, here are a few recommendations: Learn about your own culture and hunting heritage. Why are things done the way they are? What makes them unique? Travel the world with your laptop and see how things are done in other places. Not sure where to get started? Here are the two YouTube links Craig suggested: Learn to blow the German hunting horn with Justin the German cowboy Upland bird hunting in Japan with a miniature longhaired dachshund Tune in to hear the stories, uncover the myths, and discover the history of the dogs that we know and love today. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook group. Enjoy the show and don’t forget to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Hunting Dog Confidential is presented by Eukanuba Premium Performance Dog Food
S1 E1 · Mon, May 04, 2020
Episode 1: Origins
Co-hosts Craig Koshyk and Jennifer Wapenski launch Hunting Dog Confidential by diving into the origins of pointing dogs. This first episode will kick off a mini-series exploring the origins of pointing dog breeds across continental Europe, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. So what’s actually happening when a bird dog goes on point? Did you know that you are likely an experienced pointer? If you’ve ever paused just before swatting at a fly, then you have exhibited this same behavior that makes pointing dogs such effective hunting companions. Discover fascinating stories about early bird hunting and how certain dogs who happened to “pause” before pouncing became an asset to the hunters of the day. Learn about “bird-batting” and “low-belling”, archaic bird hunting techniques where hunters went out at night to find roosted flocks of birds to flush and actually bat to the ground. Early accounts tell tales of skilled dogs that could locate the birds in the dark and point toward the roosts – perhaps the earliest accounts of hunting over pointing dogs. As our hunting styles evolved, our preference in dogs also changed as we developed new styles of dogs to match the new methods. The introduction of firearms was a major game-changer for bird hunting; during the transition period to reliable firearms, long-haired and short-haired pointing breeds entered the scene once an extended search and prolonged point became useful to the hunter. “By the time we get to the 1700s you’ve got light enough guns, and by that time the pointer starts coming out of Spain and starts moving into England. That is the dawn of the golden age of pointing dogs. That’s when the true bird dog - the gun dog, the pointing dog that we know today - came to exist in about 1700.” Finally, Craig and Jennifer wrap up the discussion with some commentary on the current Coronavirus pandemic, how that affects the bird dog community, and what we can learn from history about reacting to a global crisis. READ: The Great Pause – World Crisis, History, and the Hunting Dog World Tune in to hear the stories, uncover the myths, and discover the history of the dogs that we know and love today. Share | Comment, review and discuss this episode of the podcast in our Project Upland Community Facebook grou
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