Dog Breed

Deutscher Wachtelhund

RareAdventure Driven
Primary image of Deutscher Wachtelhund dog breed
Full Name
Deutscher Wachtelhund
Alternate Names
German Spaniel, Perdiguero Alemán
Your PupScore
Take the best dog breed quiz to get your Pup Scores!
Life Span
11 - 13 years
Weight
40 - 50 pounds
Description

The Deutscher Wachtelhund, also known as the German Spaniel, is not commonly seen, even in Germany where it originates from. In North America, it is estimated that there are no more than a couple hundred at the moment. However, the German Spaniel is an excellent hunting dog, and has a keen scenting ability, comparable to that of a Bloodhound. They were uniquely bred to be excellent swimmers, so they make an ideal retrieving hunter that involves swamp, or otherwise wet conditions.

The German Spaniel can also make an excellent family dog, as they are eager to please their owner. However, it should be noted that frequent exercise, and giving your spaniel a "job" is extremely important, so they can feel satisfied, and not resort to destroying things around the home, or otherwise being anxious and hyper.

Origin
Germany
Bred For
Hunting, especially water game
Attachments
    Family Considerations
    Child Friendly

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund good with children?

    Yes, the Deutscher Wachtelhund is very friendly with children. We still recommend introductions to children while they are young so they get used to them, but the Deutscher Wachtelhund naturally loves children.
    Stranger Friendly

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund friendly with strangers?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is about average in how friendly they are with strangers. They can be timid or protective, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for any household.
    Dog Friendly

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund friendly with other dogs?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is about average in how friendly they are with other dogs. They can be timid or defensive, but with proper training and socialization can be fine for dog parks and living with other dogs at home.
    Likes to Cuddle

    Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund like to cuddle?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund likes to cuddle up every once in a while. They appreciate physical affection, but probably won't stay in your lap for extended amounts of time.
    Playfulness

    Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund like to play?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is playful both as a puppy and as an adult dog. As they get older they may appreciate their alone time, and may not be in the mood for constant play, but certainly will have plenty of time for play as well.
    Service Dog Ability

    Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund make a good service dog?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is not typically used as a service dog. There are always exceptions to the rule, but a service dog has to have many natural traits in addition to the proper training- smart, patient, and obsessed with pleasing their owner.
    Overall Ease of Breed
    Ease for Novice

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund good for first-time owners?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is not the easiest breed for first-time owners, but can certainly still work out if the owner is willing to put the time into training and exercise.
    Training Potential

    How well can the Deutscher Wachtelhund be trained?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund can be trained very well. With discipline and a routine training program the Deutscher Wachtelhund can be incredibly well-trained.
    Amount of Shedding

    Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund shed a lot?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund does shed, but less than average.
    Ease of Grooming

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund easy to groom?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund requires an average amount of grooming. Taking your Deutscher Wachtelhund to the pet salon will make your life easier, but its possible to groom a Deutscher Wachtelhund on your own as well.
    Exercise Need

    Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund need a lot of exercise?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund has a lot of energy and getting daily exercise is very important, both for their well-being and for their focus, which is important when you train them.
    Personality
    Intelligence

    How smart is the Deutscher Wachtelhund?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is very smart. Above-average intelligence means they can pick up on cues and signals quickly when it comes to training. But it also means that they need to be challenged mentally, in addition to their standard exercise needs.
    Amount of Barking

    How much does the Deutscher Wachtelhund bark? Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund bark too much?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund barks an average amount. It can vary widely between Deutscher Wachtelhunds - some may be much more expressive than others.
    Guard Dog Ability

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund a good guard dog?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is not typically used as a guard dog, although they can be alert and oftentimes notify you if there is a stranger at the door or otherwise something to be concerned over.
    Tolerates Being Alone

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund good at staying alone? Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund independent?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is not very independent and does not do great when left behind for longer than a couple of hours. This is one of the most important things to consider when getting a new dog.
    Home and Environment Considerations
    Good for Apartment Living

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund a good apartment dog?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is not a good dog for apartment living for several reasons. It is still possible to make it work if the owner is dedicated to plenty of training and daily exercise, but it may be challenging.
    Size

    How big is the Deutscher Wachtelhund?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a medium sized dog breed. They can range in size depending on genetics, and males are larger on average than females.
    Tolerates Heat

    How much does the Deutscher Wachtelhund tolerate hot weather? When is it too hot for a Deutscher Wachtelhund?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund can tolerate some heat, but should not be over-exposed to hot weather. In general, they can live in hot weather climates, but would do best with air conditioning or at least a fan in their home, especially where they sleep.
    Tolerates Cold

    How much does the Deutscher Wachtelhund tolerate cold weather? When is it too cold for a Deutscher Wachtelhund?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund can tolerate some cold, but should not be over-exposed to cold weather. In general, they can live in cold weather climates, but may need clothing on particularly cold evenings or in snow.
    Potential to Run Away

    Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund try to run away?

    It is natural for the Deutscher Wachtelhund to run away. They are easily distracted and excited, so the urge to run away should be expected and prepared for- a fenced yard is important.
    Physical Characteristics
    General Health

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund a healthy dog? The health of a Deutscher Wachtelhund should be measured not just by how many years they live, but also by how many health issues they've had. It is important to know which health conditions your breed is prone to- hip problems, eye problems, bloating, and arthritis are all common dog health problems.

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is very healthy, but it is still important to feed the Deutscher Wachtelhund high-quality food and to live a healthy lifestyle.
    Energy Level

    How energetic is the Deutscher Wachtelhund?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund has a lot of energy and this needs to be considered before bringing the Deutscher Wachtelhund into your home. Can you give your Deutscher Wachtelhund enough exercise? They will need several small daily walks, or a large dog park trip to get all of the energy out.
    Amount of Drooling

    How much does the Deutscher Wachtelhund drool?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund drools very little, typically to where it's never a concern.
    Prey Drive

    Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund have a large prey drive? Does the Deutscher Wachtelhund like to chase birds, cats, and other small animals?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund has a very high prey drive and will naturally chase after any small animals it sees. They can co-exist with cats or other animals at the home, but we would not recommend it without supervision.
    Athleticism

    Is the Deutscher Wachtelhund atheltic?

    The Deutscher Wachtelhund is very athletic and would be well suited for a family that frequently works out or goes on adventures.

Breed Variations

  • Image for the Red variation for dog breed

    Red

  • Image for the Liver Roan variation for dog breed

    Liver Roan

  1. Sporting
  2. Spaniel
  3. Deutscher Wachtelhund
The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a purebred dog that belongs to the Spaniel sub group, which falls under the larger Sporting dog breed group.
Sporting group: Sporting dogs are the natural athletes of the dog world. They have high energy, and always look to be stimulated with some activity or challenge. These dogs thrive in the outdoors- particularly the woods and the water. Sporting dogs include the best swimming dogs, retrieving dogs, and other field activities. They have traditionally been bred to assist hunters find and retrieve birds and other smaller hunting game. Sporting dogs are not known as guard dogs, but because of their alertness and loyalty to their family, with proper training they can be good home protectors as well. Over the years they have become extremely well-rounded, so with plenty of exercise can make excellent home companions. They are willing to please their owners, so if you put the time into training and exercise you will be rewarded with an amazing dog.
Spaniel sub-group: One of the sub-groups with the greatest amount of dog breeds is the Spaniel, there are 15 spaniel breeds recognized by the AKC! Spaniels are "flushing" dogs that not only can retrieve game, but can swim, dig, and find the game in all types of habitat. The breeds of spaniel have been bred more specifically for one type of hunting vs. another, but over the years they have also become excellent home companions. Spaniels all have a distinct "spaniel" look with floppy ears and beautiful curly hair, but each has its own variety both in size and color. Spaniels always seem to be happy and can brighten every day. They are an excellent choice for a first time dog owner.

Deutscher Wachtelhunds for adoption

Similar Breeds