Mary Allen
The German Wachtelhund is the result of crossing several small and medium-sized hunting dogs. Find out everything about the behavior, character, activity and exercise needs, training, and care of the German Wachtelhund dog breed in the profile.
The trigger for breeding was the desire of many hunters for a four-legged companion that could get along in any terrain and be versatile. The breed standard has been officially listed in the studbooks since 1903. Then as now, the German Wachtelhund was one of the lesser-known and rare breeds.
General Appearance
The coat of the medium-sized Spaniel is usually wavy and long, including on the ears. As a result, they look longer than they really are. Spaniels are bred in two colors: solid brown or reddish, often with white or roan markings. There is also the variant with brown spots on white fur or as a piebald with a white base color and brown “plates”. Those who do not know the breed often confuse them with Springer Spaniels and Munsterlanders.
Behavior and temperament
The German Wachtelhund was and is bred exclusively by hunters for hunters, as a search and versatile hunting dog, because this work is in its blood and wants to be lived out. Therefore, these dogs absolutely belong in a hunting household. There they get along wonderfully with everyone thanks their friendly nature because the little floppy ears are not only very active but also extremely happy and adaptable.
Need for employment and physical activity
Although sporty people can offer the German Spaniel alternative physical activities (several hours and many kilometers of exercise per day!), they will never be able to control the hunting instinct. This breed has hunting work so much in its blood that there are no alternatives to it.
Upbringing
Definitely needs hunting dog training, should get to know tracking and welding work as early as possible. In the case of inexperienced owners, it can quickly become a problem dog due to the fact that it is kept in a way that is not appropriate to the species, which refuses to obey and e.g. goes poaching or shows behavioral problems.
Maintenance
The German Spaniel has a tough and water-repellent coat that only needs to be brushed through every now and then to remove dead hair. If the dog is mainly used in the field, the claws may not be worn down enough and will have to be trimmed by the vet.
Disease Susceptibility / Common Diseases
Hip dysplasia is said to have occurred occasionally. Only animals that are verifiably healthy are allowed for breeding.
Did you know?
The German Wachtelhund would put any normal dog owner in total panic: One of its characteristics is that it works very independently, i.e. not only stays close to the hunter but consistently follows a track and sometimes only three-quarters of an hour later to its human again joined.