Hunters needed a dog that could operate in both land and water for a variety of game while being compact enough to be transported in a small rowboat and able to stand the native cold water temperatures.
Hunters needed a dog that could work on both land and water, a versatile hunter skilled at bringing in a variety of game. Hunters also wanted a hunting dog compact enough to be transported in a small skiff, one that was able to withstand Wisconsin's cold water temperatures.