How the German Wirehaired Pointer Put Performance Over Pedigree

How the German Wirehaired Pointer Put Performance Over Pedigree

In this episode of Hunting Dog Confidential, host and dog historian Craig Koshyk explores the remarkable history of the Deutsch-Drahthaar, known in English as the German Wirehaired Pointer [https://projectupland.com/dogs/the-difference-between-a-deutsch-drahthaar-and-a-german-wirehaired-pointer/]. Tracing the breed’s origins to turn-of-the-century Germany, Craig explains how a small group of forward-thinking breeders broke with convention by opening the studbook and prioritizing performance over pedigree purity. Against the backdrop of nationalism, war, and strict dog breed [https://projectupland.com/tag/dog-breeds/] politics, he follows the rise of the Drahthaar from a controversial experiment to Germany’s most dominant versatile gundog. Along the way, Craig examines the philosophy of “form follows function,” the breed’s survival through two world wars, its spread to North America, and the enduring debate over names, systems, and identity that still surrounds the breed today. Listen to past episodes here: Hunting Dog Confidential Podcast [https://projectupland.com/category/project-upland-listen/hunting-dog-confidential/]

Stichelhaar: The Rare German Pointing Dog You’ve Probably Never Seen

In this episode of Hunting Dog Confidential, host and dog historian Craig Koshyk uncovers the turbulent and almost-forgotten story of the Stichelhaar [https://projectupland.com/dogs/stichelhaar-german-rough-haired-pointer-dog-breed-profile/]—Germany’s oldest rough-haired pointing breed and one that nearly vanished more than once. From 19th-century arguments over its origins to the nationalist politics, studbook battles, and misguided purity standards that choked its gene pool, Craig charts how this rugged old hunting dog survived in spite of its breeders rather than because of them. Along the way, he reveals its deep connections to the drahthaar [https://projectupland.com/dogs/the-difference-between-a-deutsch-drahthaar-and-a-german-wirehaired-pointer/], its close kinship with the Český fousek, and the small circle of modern hunters and breeders fighting to keep it alive. The episode follows Craig’s own journey to finally see the breed in northern Germany, offering a rare glimpse into a resilient gundog [https://projectupland.com/dogs/what-is-a-gun-dog/] whose story is as tangled and wiry as its coat—yet still deserving of recognition, respect, and a future. Listen to past episodes here: Hunting Dog Confidential Podcast [https://projectupland.com/category/project-upland-listen/hunting-dog-confidential/]

Pudelpointer: The Dog That Challenged the Breeding World

In this episode of Hunting Dog Confidential, host and dog historian Craig Koshyk unravels the unlikely origins of the Pudelpointer [https://projectupland.com/dogs/pudelpointer-dog-breed-form-function-history-and-more/]—the world’s first true “designer dog” that actually worked. From the ambition of German hunters seeking the perfect versatile gun dog [https://projectupland.com/dogs/what-is-a-gun-dog/] to the barons, breeders, and field trials that defined a generation, Craig traces how this bold experiment challenged tradition and reshaped the very idea of what a versatile hunting dog could be [https://projectupland.com/dogs/the-reasons-to-consider-a-versatile-hunting-dog/]. Along the way, he explores the breed’s enduring success, its contrast with modern designer dogs, and why the Pudelpointer remains a symbol of purpose-driven breeding done right. Listen to past episodes here: Hunting Dog Confidential Podcast [https://projectupland.com/hunting-dog-confidential-podcast/]

Where Did the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon Come From?

In this episode of Hunting Dog Confidential, host and dog historian Craig Koshyk takes us deep into the fascinating history of the Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. Beginning in the 1800s with Eduard Korthals’s vision as a young Dutchman working for a German prince, through international debates over crossbreeding, nationalism, and breed standards, Craig traces how the Griffon emerged as a versatile gundog with its own unique identity. Along the way, he explores the myths about the breed’s hunting style, its ups and downs through wars and club politics, and the passionate breeders who shaped it into the dog we know today. Listen to past episodes here: Hunting Dog Confidential Podcast [https://projectupland.com/category/project-upland-listen/hunting-dog-confidential/]

Can Dog Shows Judge Hunting Dog Performance?

In this episode, host and hunting dog historian Craig Koshyk joins co-host Jennifer Wapenski—co-owner and director of operations at Project Upland—to unpack where show-ring conformation meets real field performance. Can the show ring judge a dog’s ability to hunt? Are parts of show-ring culture promoting lines that haven’t hunted for generations? They trace how standards originated, question assumptions such as straight-set legs and “ideal” shoulder angles, and compare Europe’s performance-anchored evaluations with North America’s ring-centric culture—arguing that form and function are inseparable for true working dogs. They also dig into ethics and honesty in breeding: what “champion” really means without field proof, why lifetime records of structure and performance matter, and how breeders can give hunters clear, evidence-based guidance. Whether you come from the show side, the field side, or somewhere in between, the conversation offers a practical path forward—education, transparent evaluation, and testing that prioritizes real-world work. Listen to past episodes here: Hunting Dog Confidential Podcast [https://projectupland.com/hunting-dog-confidential-podcast/]