German Wachtelhound
Other names
Deutscher Wachtelhund, German Spaniel
Origin & history
The German Wachtelhund is a versatile hunting dog with a rich history dating back to the 19th century in Germany. Its name "Wachtelhund" literally means "quail dog ," a reference to its original purpose: tracking and flushing game such as quail, pheasants, and hares from dense undergrowth.
The breed was developed by crossing old German hunting dogs with spaniels and retriever-like dogs. The goal was a dog that was not only adept at tracking and retrieving, but also courageous enough to work in difficult terrain—in forest, water, and fields.
The German Wachtelhund was officially recognized in 1903. To this day, it is valued as a true all-around hunting dog, but also as a loyal and affectionate family dog.
Appearance & body shape
The German Wachtelhund is a medium-sized, well-muscled, and well-balanced dog. It has a sturdy, athletic build with a slightly wavy, medium-length coat that protects it well from cold and wet conditions.
The coat is dense and glossy, usually in shades of brown, reddish brown, or brown with white markings. The tail is long and carried in a slight curve, often with elegant feathering.
His expression is kind and alert, with dark eyes and medium-sized, low-set ears that fall softly along the cheeks.
Format
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Males: 48–54 cm height at the withers
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Bitches: 45–52 cm height at the withers
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Weight: 18–25 kg
Character & temperament
The German Wachtelhund is intelligent, reliable, and energetic, with a strong passion for hunting and a big heart for its owner. It is courageous and persistent when working, but gentle and loyal indoors.
He's independent in the field, but strongly oriented towards cooperation. His obedience and eagerness to learn make him easily trainable, although he needs a clear and consistent owner.
The Wachtel Dog is friendly, loyal and sensitive — a true companion dog within the family, but not a breed that enjoys long days alone.
Good with children and other pets
The German Wachtelhund is known for being sociable and friendly with children. It's patient, playful, and protective, making it a good fit for an active family. Its stable nature allows it to handle crowds and unexpected situations well.
He's generally tolerant of other dogs, especially when properly socialized. However, his hunting instinct makes him less suited to living with small animals like rabbits or birds. Early socialization can, however, significantly reduce this behavior.
In short: with the right training, the Wachtelhond is a reliable family dog that lives harmoniously with children and other pets.
Movement & care
The German Wachtelhund is an active and versatile dog that needs plenty of daily exercise. It thrives when it can expend its energy in nature—running, swimming, retrieving, or tracking are its favorites.
This breed isn't suited to a sedentary lifestyle; it thrives with active owners who enjoy being outdoors. Without sufficient stimulation, it can become restless or mischievous.
Coat care is simple: regular brushing to remove loose hair and dirt is sufficient. After walks, check the ears and paws, especially after contact with water or rough terrain.
Health
The German Wachtelhund is a hardy and healthy breed, with an average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
Points of attention are:
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Hip dysplasia (HD)
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Ear infections because of his lop ears
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Overweight due to lack of exercise
A balanced diet, sufficient exercise and an active lifestyle contribute to a long, healthy life.
Difference with similar breeds
The German Wachtelhund is sometimes compared to the Field Spaniel or Labrador Retriever, but it is clearly more energetic and independent. While the Labrador is more focused on retrieving, the Wachtelhund is more versatile in its work and better suited for rougher terrain.
Compared to German Shorthaired Pointers, it is smaller, but more agile and gentler. It combines the qualities of a Spaniel and a retriever—a true all-rounder in a compact body.
Summary
The German Wachtelhund is an energetic, intelligent, and loyal dog with a strong hunting instinct and a gentle nature. It is athletic, sociable, and loyal to its family—a true companion dog for those who love nature, teamwork, and adventure.
With its versatility and warm character, the German Wachtelhund is not only an excellent hunting companion, but also a loving housemate for active families.