In Act 3, Scene 1 of Macbeth, Shakespeare wrote:
“As hounds and greyhounds, mongrels, spaniels, curs,
Shoughs, water-rugs, and demi-wolves are clept (named)
All by the name of dogs”
Our eye is caught by the term, ‘water rug.’ Experts think that Shakespeare was referring the English Water Spaniel mostly because neither the Irish nor the American Water Spaniel existed in Shakespeare’s time. Experts deduce, then, that the Bard must have been referring to the English version.
With respect to Shakespeare, we envisioned a different breed by the term, ‘water rug:’
Photo of German Wirehaired Pointer by Denitsa Kireva
Louie, a German Wirehaired Pointer (and water rug) by Jim Bennett
Shakespeare used the term, ‘water rug’ in Macbeth as part of a broad exploration of human nature, and in particular, an evaluation of the degree of bravery in the murderers Macbeth was about to hire to kill Banquo, a Scottish nobleman and Macbeth’s friend, and Fleance, Banquo’s son (spoiler alert: Macbeth was afraid that Banquo’s descendants would eventually become kings).
We make no apologies for straying far afield from Shakespeare’s intent when he coined ‘water rug’ because it so beautifully describes the German Wirehaired Pointer.
Smart, curious and determined, GWPs can have an independent streak that makes some dogs work only for someone they rather like; it behooves a new owner who hunts to ensure they are in the dog’s good graces. Why? Let us count the ways.
All dogs have some degree of webbing between their toes, but the German Wirehaired Pointer has pronounced webbed feet that increases the surface area of its paws, and enables the dog to propel efficiently through water and on muddy terrain. It is one key trait that supports the breed’s role as a versatile hunting dog on both land and water.
In addition to those magnificent feet, the GWP’s wiry, weatherproof coat is both harsh and flat-lying which enables the dog to perform well even in freezing temperatures. A strong, sturdy, and athletic body easily and tirelessly navigates challenging environments like marshes and lakes. Naturally drawn to water, few GWPs aren’t eager to plunge into water to retrieve game. And oh, that nose! A study at Auburn University placed them second in nose to the Bloodhound (!) so the breed really shines in thick marsh and swamps where downed ducks are quickly out of sight.
Perhaps we should rename this post to “water rug marvel?”
Top photo by Andreas Schnabl