Let's talk German Spaniels
Originating in Germany, the Deutscher Wachtelhund – otherwise known as the German Spaniel – has traditionally been used as a hunting dog but also makes an exceptional companion. Renowned for being affectionate and loyal, they form strong bonds with their owners. Featuring several of the classic spaniel features, Deutscher Wachtelhunds have a wavy coat, distinctive droopy ears and expressive brown eyes. Then there’s that friendly and easy-going personality for which the breed is known. Last but not least, the Deutscher Wachtelhund is also renowned for having a super-charged sense of smell.Official name: German Spaniel
Other names: Deutscher Wachtelhund, Deutscher Wachtel, German Quail Dog
Origins: Germany
| Drooling tendencies |
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Warm weather? |  |
| Shedding level | |
Suited to apartment living? |  |
| Energy Level (high, low, medium)* | Medium to high | Kid-friendly?* |
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| Compatibility with other pets | |
Can stay alone?* | |
* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.
Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed specifics should be taken as an indication.
For a happy healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socializing your pet as well as covering their basic welfare needs (and their social and behavioral needs.
Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.
Contact your breeder or veterinarian for further advice.
All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.
| Baby age | Birth to 2 months |
| Puppy age | 2 to 12 months |
| Adult age | 1 to 7 years |
| Mature age | 7 to 10 years |
| Senior age | From 10 years |
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Origins of the breed
For many enthusiasts, the Labrador Retriever remains one of the most popular all-round dogs worldwide. It’s thought that Labrador Retrievers originated from the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where fishermen used dogs of this appearance to retrieve fish. The breed as we know it today, however, was established by the British in the early 1800’s.
The Labrador Retriever Club was founded in 1916 and the first standard followed soon after, predominantly tailored to working Labrador Retrievers who found early fame, having been originally introduced to the U.K. in the late 1800’s by Col Peter Hawker and the Earl of Malmesbury.
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2 facts about German Spaniels
1. History in the making
Back in the 1800’s, the Lord Chancellor of Great Britain, John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon, owned a dog called Pincher that is reputed to have been an early variety of the Deutscher Wachtelhund. So attached was Scott to his little companion that he left a sum of money in his will specifically for the dog’s care. At one stage, Pincher was also painted by the acclaimed animal artist Edwin Henry Landseer.
2. A good nose around
With a formidable tracking ability, the Deutscher Wachtelhund is renowned for having an exceptional sense of smell. In fact, their scent-following abilities are reputed to be on a par with that of the bloodhound – which, according to some estimates, is 1,000 times stronger than a human's. So, if you’re ever unfortunate enough to get lost, the Deutscher Wachtelhund might just be able to save the day.
History of the breed
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From head to tail
Physical characteristics of German Spaniels
1. Head
Small, triangular head.
2. Coat
Rough, short, smooth-textured coat, with white as a dominating colour.
3. Body
Compact, muscular and slightly rectangular body.
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Things to look out for
From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your German Spaniel
They generally have a long lifespan
Maybe thanks to all that outdoor exercise and country air, the Deutscher Wachtelhund generally has few health issues. Just look out for everyday things, such as ear infections, skin problems and allergies, and book in a check-up with the vet at least once a year. If you’re wondering how long the Deutscher Wachtelhund lives for, they enjoy a good lifespan, too, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Keep them close to you
With their innate tracking instincts, the Deutscher Wachtelhund likes nothing better than following a scent. Then there’s their fondness for water. For these reasons, you may wish to keep them on the lead when you’re out, just to be sure you don’t lose them. It’s worth checking that your garden is carefully secured, too, with a fence that is high enough to keep them safely contained, or the first hint of a scent and they’ll be off on the trail.
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Caring for your German Spaniel
Grooming, training and exercise tips
With their thick double-coat, and penchant for muddy fields, the Deutscher Wachtelhund does require regular grooming to keep them looking their best. They will need at least one good weekly brush – especially as the Deutscher Wachtelhund sheds a bit too – and a bath on rolling-in-the-mud days. Teeth should be brushed daily, their strong, fast-growing nails trimmed as needed, and their long ears checked regularly for any wax, debris or sign of infection. Naturally outdoorsy animals, they are full of energy, and require a fitness schedule to match. As such, the Deutscher Wachtelhund needs between one and three hours of exercise every day – though this can be divided between walks in the park, games in the garden and even swimming, if there is a safe place for them to do so. They can also excel in canine sports such as agility and obedience. Highly intelligent dogs, Deutscher Wachtelhunds are generally easy to train and have few behaviour problems. Early socialisation, with other humans and animals, will help them grow into well-mannered adults.
All about German Spaniels
If you’ve yet to meet a Deutscher Wachtelhund, they are medium-to-large size dogs. The males reach a top height of around 53.5cm (21in) and the females peak at around 52cm (20.5in). In both cases, the Deutscher Wachtelhund usually weighs from 18-25kg (39.5-55lb). To put that into context, of the other types of spaniel, the Deutscher Wachtelhund is not too dissimilar in size to an English Springer Spaniel.
For now, the Deutscher Wachtelhund remains a very rare breed of dog, little known outside their native Germany. Although they are present in Sweden, the U.S. and Canada, they tend to be few and far between. And, even back in their homeland, they are still regarded as a working dog rather than a companion animal. So, for the time-being at least, this is not an easy breed to come by – but that just makes these sporty spaniels all the more special.
Sources
1 - Veterinary Centers of America https://vcahospitals.com/
2 - Royal Canin Dog Encyclopaedia. Ed 2010 and 2020
3 - Banfield Pet Hospital https://www.banfield.com/
4 - Royal Canin BHN Product Book
5 - American Kennel Club https://www.akc.org/