Deutscher Wachtelhund

The Deutscher Wachtelhund, or German Spaniel, is a versatile hunting dog from Germany, known for its skills in tracking, retrieving, and pointing. With an athletic build and wavy coat, this medium-sized breed excels in diverse terrains. Despite their hunting prowess, they are loyal, affectionate, and adapt well to family life. Intelligent and trainable, the German Spaniel is a playful companion, suitable for both active homes and apartments, provided they receive plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

Written byHarper JefcoatHarper Jefcoat

Clock12 min read

Breed GroupBreed Group

Purebred

Breed HeightHeight

18-21 inches

Breed WeightWeight

40-55 pounds

Breed Life spanLife Span

12-14 years

Breed CostAverage Cost

$750-$2500

Breed ColorsColors

Various shades of Brown

Breed UKC GroupUKC Group

Not Recognized

All About Breed

Read about the Deutscher Wachtelhund to see if this energetic and charming breed is the perfect furry companion for your family.

In This Article

  • History/Origin
  • Personality
  • Physical Appearance
  • Gender Differences
  • Feed/Nutrition
  • Deutscher Wachtelhund Health
  • Care and Grooming
  • Rescue Groups
  • Deutscher Wachtelhund for Sale
  • Interesting Facts
  • Best For
  • Top Names
  • Pet Ratings
  • Key Takeaways
  • FAQs
History/Origin

History/Origin

In the 1880s, German hunters set out to recreate the Stober, a versatile breed known for its scent-trailing abilities, mentioned as early as 1719. The Stober had tracking skills similar to a bloodhound. Hunters in Bavaria found remnants of the breed and bred them with other hunting spaniels, creating the Deutscher Wachtelhund (Deutscher Wachtelhund pronunciation 'Valk-tel-hund'), officially recognized in 1903. The German Wachtelhund Club, Verein für Deutsche Wachtelhund (VDW), restricts ownership to gamekeepers and hunters, preventing the breed from being sold to the non-hunting public.

  1. Deutscher Wachtelhund HistoryDeutscher Wachtelhund History- Source: AKC

Several Wachtelhunds were brought to the United States in the late 1950s and 1960s, though they were only bred a few times, resulting in 17 dogs, none of which were registered in North America. However, in Canada, hunters and guides have used the Deutscher Wachtelhund as flushers, retrievers, and to track wounded black bears over the past two decades.

In 1993 and 1994, Dave Pepe imported two Wachtelhunds into the U.S., breeding them four times and producing 38 pups. Since then, additional dogs have been imported, leading to more breeding efforts. Today, there are an estimated 100 to 150 Deutscher Wachtelhunds in the U.S. and Canada.

Personality

Personality

The Deutscher Wachtelhund is known for its vibrant and friendly personality, making it a welcoming companion. This versatile gundog is outgoing, greeting everyone with enthusiasm and showing no signs of fear or timidity. 

Despite being an aggressive hunter with scenting abilities comparable to a Bloodhound, the Deutscher Wachtelhund is affectionate and does well with children. However, he may be too energetic for toddlers or young kids. His loyal nature makes him a devoted family dog, but he thrives best with an owner who is firm and consistent in training.

  • Potential Challenges

While the Deutscher Wachtelhund is a wonderful companion, he does come with a few challenges. His strong prey drive means small pets, like birds or small furry animals, must be kept in sturdy cages, as he may not always see them as part of the family. 

Additionally, he may not respect cats unless raised with them from a young age. Training must be ongoing to ensure he understands his role within the family, and he requires a secure yard with a sturdy fence to prevent him from wandering off in search of prey.

Physical Appearance

Physical Appearance

The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a well-proportioned, athletic gundog with a robust build. They have a distinctive appearance with a strong, muscular body and a keen, expressive face that reflects their alert and energetic nature. Their overall stance is balanced, with a confident and purposeful demeanor.

  • Size

Most Deutscher Wachtelhunds weigh between 40 and 55 pounds and stand 18 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder. However, there can be some variation, with individuals occasionally being smaller or larger than this range.

  • Coat color

Deutscher Wachtelhunds can have coats in solid brown or Brown Schimmel, which ranges from red to dark with white ticking. Their medium-length coat is thick and has a somewhat harsh texture, and it can be either wavy or curly.

  1. Brown Schimmel Deutscher WachtelhundBrown Schimmel Deutscher Wachtelhund- Source: deutscher_wachtelhund
  2. Solid Brown Deutscher WachtelhundSolid Brown Deutscher Wachtelhund- Source: aika_wachtelhund
  3. Brown and White Deutscher WachtelhundBrown and White Deutscher Wachtelhund- Source: AKC
Gender Differences

Gender Differences

There are very minimal differences in temperament between male and female German Spaniels. Unspayed females may be a bit more moody and independent, but they generally adapt better to being left alone compared to males. Males tend to be more affectionate but can be slightly harder to train. 

Additionally, males are slightly larger, usually standing an inch or two taller and weighing 4 to 5 pounds more than females. Ultimately, individual temperament is shaped more by training and upbringing than by gender.

Feed/Nutrition

Feed/Nutrition

To meet the Deutscher Wachtelhund's nutritional needs, including high-quality proteins like chicken, fresh meat, and fish in their diet. Dry dog food designed for active breeds offers a balanced nutrient profile, while fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. 

An ideal diet for this medium- to large-sized, high-energy breed should be carefully managed to prevent weight gain, which can occur if they are overfed. Stick to a regular feeding schedule, avoid leaving food out throughout the day, and limit treats.

Dietary needs will evolve from puppyhood through adulthood and into senior years. Consult your veterinarian for tailored dietary recommendations, as individual factors such as weight, energy levels, and health vary among dogs.

Deutscher Wachtelhund Health

Deutscher Wachtelhund Health

The Deutscher Wachtelhund is generally a healthy breed, but like many Spaniels, they may be predisposed to certain health conditions. Regular veterinary care and a healthy lifestyle are essential for prevention and early detection of potential issues.

  • Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: This inherited joint deformity affects the elbows and hips, leading to mobility issues. While rare in this breed, it can be prevented with responsible breeding, a balanced diet rich in healthy oils, and early detection through regular checkups.
  • Patellar Luxation: Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of place, causing pain and potential arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight and regular vet visits can help manage the condition, and severe cases may require surgery.
  • Epilepsy: Epilepsy can cause seizures of varying severity in some Deutscher Wachtelhunds. This condition is managed with medication, regular monitoring, and working closely with a veterinarian to reduce seizure frequency.
Care and Grooming

Care and Grooming

The Deutscher Wachtelhund requires plenty of daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. Aim for 30 to 60 minutes of activity, including brisk walks, jogging, or hiking. In addition to walks, engage them with games like fetch or scent-based activities to tap into their hunting instincts. 

Check their ears daily for debris or pests, and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim their nails once or twice a month before they get too long, and if they click on the floor, it's time for a trim. Maintaining good oral hygiene is also crucial, so aim to brush their teeth daily to prevent dental issues, following your vet's instructions.

Though not allergy-friendly, their coats should be brushed at least once a week to prevent matting and manage shedding. As natural hunters, Deutscher Wachtelhunds handle both hot and cold weather well but thrive better in colder climates.

weekly grooming- high exercise needs of dogs. thepetworld.org

Rescue Groups

Rescue Groups

Several rescue groups are dedicated to helping Deutscher Wachtelhunds find new homes. These organizations work to rehome dogs in need, offering adoption services and support to potential owners. If you're considering rescuing a Deutscher Wachtelhund, these groups can connect you with available dogs and guide you through the adoption process.

Puppy Finder

Deutscher Wachtelhund North America Club

Deutscher Wachtelhund for Sale

Deutscher Wachtelhund for Sale

If you're looking to buy a Deutscher Wachtelhund, it's important to find a reputable breeder who prioritizes health, temperament, and proper care. Ensure the breeder provides health clearances for the puppies and allows you to visit their facilities. Prices can vary depending on the breeder's reputation, the puppy's lineage, and location.

Hunting Dog Breeders

Gun Dog Breeders

Interesting Facts

Interesting Facts

  • The Deutscher Wachtelhund is an exceptional swimmer and often excels in water retrieval tasks during hunts.
  • In Germany, this breed is primarily owned by hunters and gamekeepers, and it's rare for non-hunting individuals to own one.
Best For

Best For

The Deutscher Wachtelhund is best suited for active individuals or families who enjoy outdoor activities and can meet their high exercise needs. Ideal for experienced dog owners, they thrive with those who can provide consistent training and mental stimulation. They do well in homes with large yards and are great companions for those who love hiking, running, or hunting.

Top Names

Top Names

Male Deutscher Wachtelhund Names

Female Deutscher Wachtelhund Names

Max

Luna

Rex

Bella

Leo

Daisy

Bruno

Nala

Odin

Ruby

Pet Ratings

Adaptability

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Friendliness

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Health and Grooming Needs

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Trainability

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Exercise Needs

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Key Takeaways

Versatile Hunting Breed: Bred for tracking, retrieving, and pointing, they are highly adaptable to various terrains and excel in hunting both on land and in water.

Friendly and Loyal: Though primarily a working dog, they are affectionate, and friendly, and can integrate well into family life with proper training and exercise.

Exercise Needs: They require at least 30 to 60 minutes of daily activity, including walks, play, and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.

Coat and Grooming: Their thick, wavy coat is water-resistant and requires weekly brushing to prevent matting and manage shedding.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of exercise does Deutscher Wachtelhund need?

How can I help my Deutscher Wachtelhund maintain a healthy weight?

What should I know about the Deutscher Wachtelhund’s diet?

What is the Deutscher Wachtelhund's temperament like?

Harper Jefcoat
Written by

Harper Jefcoat

Harper Jefcoat is a dedicated pet enthusiast and expert author at ThePetWorld.org. With a deep-seated passion for animals, Harper brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to his writings. Specializing in canine behavior and wellness, he aims to help pet owners understand and care for their furry friends better.

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