Hunting Dog Confidential

Dog historian and author Craig Koshyk explores one of Europe's most fascinating hunting breeds as he traces the remarkable history, genetics, and legacy of the Český Fousek. From medieval Bohemia through two world wars and the breed's near extinction, Craig uncovers how the Český Fousek survived, evolved, and may have influenced the development of other wirehaired pointing breeds, including the German Wirehaired Pointer, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, and Stichelhaar. Drawing on decades of research, firsthand travels in the Czech Republic, and the latest genetic studies, this episode separates myth from history to reveal the enduring story of one of the continent's most important—and often misunderstood—gun dogs.

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. 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 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

In this episode of Hunting Dog Confidential, host and dog historian Craig Koshyk uncovers the turbulent and almost-forgotten story of the Stichelhaar—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, 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 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

In this episode of Hunting Dog Confidential, host and dog historian Craig Koshyk unravels the unlikely origins of the Pudelpointer—the world’s first true “designer dog” that actually worked. From the ambition of German hunters seeking the perfect versatile 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. 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

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