German SpanielCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says that, according to hunting literature, dogs similar to today's Wachtelhund have existed for centuries and were used to flush game from cover. Breeding based on a stud book began at the end of the 19th century, and the breed's ancestor was “Lord Augusta”, from Staufenberg in Upper Bavaria.

Wikipedia says Frederick Roberth created the modern breed around 1890, starting mainly from the old Stöberer, mentioned as early as 1719. After the revolutions of 1848, ordinary people gained the right to hunt and needed a versatile dog. The breed was recognised in 1903, and in 1910 the club chose 11 dogs, from which all of today's Wachtelhunds descend.

How the breed developed

• 1719 – The Stöberer, the breed's ancestor, is mentioned in literature.
• After 1848 – Ordinary people can hunt and need a versatile dog.
• Around 1890 – Frederick Roberth creates the modern breed.
• 1903 – The breed is recognised in Germany.
• 1910 – The club chooses 11 dogs as the foundation of the breed.
• 3 December 1954 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The AKC describes it as a medium-sized, long-haired, very muscular hunting dog, with a noble head and strong bones.

General appearance

The coat is strong, close-lying, usually wavy, sometimes curly (astrakhan) or straight and long, with a thick undercoat. The ears are covered with curls or dense wavy hair. The backs of the legs and the tail have rich feathering, and there is often a frill on the neck.

The standard says that at first only brown dogs (sometimes with white) and white and brown dogs were bred, sometimes with small tan markings. The brown roan colour appeared through the bitch “Baby auf der Schanze”. Rudolf Friess introduced separate breeding of the brown and the roan dogs.

The standard describes it as a lively, passionate hunter, friendly, self-confident, very docile and adaptable, neither nervous nor aggressive. It has a great desire to find game, a keen nose, follows a trail steadily, gives tongue on the trail, and loves to retrieve and to work in water.

The AKC says its sense of smell is comparable to a Bloodhound's and it can track wounded game 40 hours old. In Germany it is kept almost exclusively by hunters, gamekeepers and professional hunters.

Tips for effective training

• Give it work in the field. It is bred for hunting.
• Work with its nose. It has an exceptional sense of smell.
• Let it swim. It loves water.
• Practise the recall. It works independently on a trail.

The AKC recommends play in a fenced yard, walks several times a day and activities such as swimming, hiking or retrieving. Indoors, it enjoys hide-and-seek and learning new tricks.

Tips for a balanced life

• It is best suited to hunters.
• Check its ears and coat after every outing.
• The yard must be well fenced.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says that, besides weekly grooming, an occasional bath keeps it clean. The nails grow quickly and should be trimmed regularly, and the ears should be checked for wax and dirt.

Common health problems

There are no known hereditary diseases specific to the breed. As with any active spaniel, it is worth watching for:

Other care

• Check the ears after swimming.
• Look for ticks and burrs after hunting.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC recommends food suited to medium-sized breeds and to each life stage, chosen with your vet or breeder.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two meals a day.
• Increase the portion during the hunting season.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs under the coat without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The “quail dog”. “Wachtelhund” means “quail dog” in German.
• A Bloodhound's nose. The AKC says it can track wounded game 40 hours old.
• Eleven ancestors. All of today's Wachtelhunds descend from 11 dogs chosen in 1910.
• Only for hunters. In Germany it is kept almost exclusively by hunters.
• A relative of the Drentse. It is related to the Small Münsterländer and the Drentse Patrijshond.

What does “Wachtelhund” mean?

It means “quail dog” in German.

How big does it get?

Males measure 48–54 cm and females 45–52 cm; they weigh between 18 and 25 kg.

Is it a family dog?

It is friendly and very good with children, but in Germany it is kept almost exclusively by hunters.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–14 years.