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Deutscher wachtelhund

The Deutscher Wachtelhund, or German Spaniel, was developed in Germany in the 1890s from old German bird dogs, to make a versatile hunting dog for foresters and professional hunters.

It works game birds, tracks wounded deer and boar, and retrieves from water.

It stands 48 to 54 centimetres, weighs 18 to 25 kilograms and lives twelve to fourteen years, with a long wavy coat in brown or brown roan. It is almost entirely a working breed: German clubs restrict registration largely to hunters, and the breed has not been reshaped for the show ring or the pet market. It is consequently sound, driven, and unsuited to a non-working home.

Origin
Germany, 1890s; a versatile hunting spaniel
Size
48–54 cm; 18–25 kg
Lifespan
12–14 years
Coat
Long and wavy, brown or brown roan
Purpose
Working hunting dog; sales usually restricted to hunters
Health
Sound; ear infections, hip dysplasia

2 deutscher wachtelhund photos, newest first

  • Jetty, a deutscher wachtelhund

    Jetty

    Jetty was promoted to archaeologist uncovering a giant spoon; unfortunately, a tiny red carpet refuses to lie flat.

    FrostyOtter · 1 week ago

  • Jetty, a deutscher wachtelhund

    Jetty

    Took eleven attempts. Jetty moved for ten of them.

    SunnyHeron · 2 weeks ago

Living with a deutscher wachtelhund

This is a working dog and German breed clubs sell it as one. A Wachtelhund in a pet home is typically a frustrated dog: the hunting drive is intense and does not redirect into a walk.

If you have one, mantrailing, blood-tracking and gundog work are the substitutes that come closest.

Ears are long and pendulous and the dog swims. Clean and dry after every session.

The wavy coat needs brushing twice a week and picking clean of burrs after work.

Because the breed has been kept for work rather than appearance, health is generally good. Ask for hip scores regardless.

General guidance, not veterinary advice. Individual dogs vary, and anything about a specific animal is a question for a vet who has seen it.

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