Deutscher Wachtelhund Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

18-24 kg

Height

45-53 cm

Lifespan

12-14 years

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About the Deutscher Wachtelhund

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Deutscher Wachtelhund, also known as the German Spaniel, is a loyal and intelligent breed known for its versatility and hunting skills. Although the breed is still mostly used by hunters in Germany, they can also make devoted companions to families due to their friendly nature.

They’re tenacious and determined when out hunting but calm and cuddly when at home with their owners and can make good guard dogs because of their protective nature.

In this detailed guide, we’ll give you all the key information about the Deutscher Wachtelhund, as well as a few handy tips so that you can get to know this fascinating, rare breed.

What is the history & origin of the Deutscher Wachtelhund?

The origins of the Deutscher Wachtelhund breed can be traced back to Germany in the late 1800s, when German hunters were trying to create a hunting dog that would be similar to the Stoeberer breed.

They began mixing the Stoeberer with other types of German Spaniel, which were chosen for their hunting abilities, and this led to the creation of the Wachtelhund as a separate breed in 1903.

The Deutscher Wachtelhund’s name translates as ‘German Quail Dog’, and it is renowned for being a muscular gun dog with a keen sense of smell. These days they’re still mostly owned by hunters but also make great family dogs.

They arrived in the United States and Canada in the 1990s, but there are still very few outside of Germany, and their popularity has yet to take off elsewhere. They’re still not officially recognised by the American Kennel Club but have been a member of the Foundation Stock Service since 2011.

What is a Deutscher Wachtelhund breed?

The Deutscher Wachtelhund’s coat is long and either wavy or curly, with feathering around their tails and legs. Their coats are either brown Schimmel or solid brown and are water-resistant, which makes them adept at retrieving waterfowl.

They have long, floppy ears and a strong build, which makes them ideal for hunting in the forests of Germany. Their eyes are hazel-coloured and oval-shaped, and their heads have soft contours that give them a friendly and approachable appearance.

They’re renowned for being a versatile breed that is loyal and affectionate with their owners and brimming with energy. They need plenty of mental stimulation and exercise, but when they’re home with their owners, they also love cuddling on the couch.

Who is a Deutscher Wachtelhund best for?

Deutscher Wachtelhunds are ideal dogs for professional hunters and foresters who will use them for what they were originally bred for. They’re natural hunters who love having a job to do, and they’re happiest when they’re outdoors engaged in physical activities.

However, they are loving and friendly dogs who can make a great addition to an active family. They tend to get on well with children and other dogs if socialised early and form strong bonds with their owners and families.

Prospective owners with other pets may be best considering a different breed as Wachtelhunds have a very high prey drive and will chase other small animals.

Their ideal owners would be a family who is regularly engaged in hunting where the Wachtelhund can use the full range of its abilities and be properly engaged and stimulated.

Deutscher Wachtelhund Grooming & Shedding

The Deutscher Wachtelhund’s long coat needs to be brushed weekly to stop it from becoming matted and tangled and to prevent excess shedding. They don’t normally shed a huge amount, and this amount of brushing should minimise the amount of hair they leave in the house.

As they spend a lot of time outdoors hunting and swimming, they may need to be bathed fairly regularly, as these activities will most likely result in them getting quite dirty.

Their long ears will also need to be cleaned out frequently to reduce the risk of them developing ear infections, to which they are susceptible.

You can tell that your dog’s nails need to be trimmed when you can hear them clicking against the floor when they walk, and you should make sure to brush their teeth with dog toothpaste on a regular basis.

Do Deutscher Wachtelhunds bark a lot?

Deutscher Wachtelhunds are generally a pretty quiet breed, and they don’t tend to be vocal or bark excessively. They will bark to alert their owners of strangers and sometimes other dogs due to their protective nature, but this shouldn’t be much of an issue.

This breed needs a lot of exercise each day to be satisfied, and if they’re bored and have a lot of pent-up energy, this could manifest itself in barking and other unwanted behaviours. If you tire them out each day and make sure they’re properly stimulated, they should be quiet and well-behaved.

What is the average weight & height of a Deutscher Wachtelhund?

The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a medium-sized breed, and they usually weigh between 18kg to 24kg. They usually grow to be between 45cm and 53cm in height.

Are Deutscher Wachtelhunds easy to train?

As they’re such a versatile breed that was bred to perform many different tasks Deutscher Wachtelhunds are very clever and learn quickly. They respond well to training and are eager to please their owners, so training them can be a bit of a breeze.

Many people use treats as rewards when training their dogs, but often using their favourite toys instead can work just as well. This can be more beneficial as it limits the number of extra calories your dog consumes during the day and helps to keep them at a healthy weight.

Deutscher Wachtelhunds will need early socialisation so that they get used to children and other dogs, and they can usually get on with cats if introduced to them early enough.

How do Deutscher Wachtelhunds behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Deutscher Wachtelhunds have high energy levels and love nothing more than being outside engaged in a hunt or a hike. Due to their versatility and intelligence, they also enjoy taking part in various dog sports.

However, the Deutscher Wachtelhund does also make a great family dog and tends to become very close to its owner and its family members.

They have a friendly temperament and make good companions but can be relied upon to alert their owners to the presence of strangers and to warn them of danger.

Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund have any common health issues?

Deutscher Wachtelhunds are considered to be very healthy dogs, but there are several health problems that they can develop, such as:

Crooked Legs – a condition where two bones that are side-by-side in the dog’s leg grow at different times, rather than together. This causes one of the bones to twist and bend.
Hip Dysplasia – this is when the dog’s hip joint doesn’t develop normally as the dog grows, and as a result, doesn’t fit properly into the hip socket. The symptoms include limping and pain and can lead to arthritis.

What is the lifespan of a Deutscher Wachtelhund?

The average life expectancy of the Deutscher Wachtelhund is 12 to 14 years. If you take your pooch for regular medical checkups and give them lots of exercise, then they could very well exceed this.

How much does a Deutscher Wachtelhund need to be fed?

The Deutscher Wachtelhund is not a fussy eater and, like most dogs, will do best with high-quality dog food that’s rich in protein and other nutrients.

Due to their high activity levels, they may need slightly more food than some other breeds, but they don’t tend to be prone to weight gain and obesity.

How much can you expect to pay for a Deutscher Wachtelhund in Australia?

This breed is still rare outside of Germany, and to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder will cost around $1,000-$1,400. Always buy from a registered breeder and make sure you avoid puppy mills.

Deutscher Wachtelhund FAQs

Are Deutscher Wachtelhund dogs prone to separation anxiety?

As Deutscher Wachtelhunds form such close bonds with their owners, they are quite prone to suffering from separation anxiety and shouldn’t be left alone for long periods of time. For this reason, they’re best suited to households where there will usually be people around.

Are Deutscher Wachtelhund dogs protective?

Deutscher Wachtelhunds are very protective of their owners and, although they’re not very vocal, will bark to alert them to strangers. This means they need to be socialised early to prevent their protective nature from developing into a complete mistrust of strangers.

Do Deutscher Wachtelhund dogs like to swim?

Deutscher Wachtelhunds love to swim as they were bred to retrieve waterfowl. Taking your Wachtelhund for a swim is a good way to give them exercise and to keep them happy.