The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a rare purebred dog originating from Germany. Friendly, intelligent, and versatile, this adorable pup has some of the best qualities you can find in any dog breed.
The Deutscher Wachtelhund goes by several other names, including German Spaniel, Deutscher Wachtel, and German Quail Dog. Despite their unfortunate status as a rare breed, you can still sometimes find these pooches in your local shelters or rescues. So remember it’s better to adopt. Don’t shop!
These pups are adaptable and natural hunters, so living somewhere in the rural area or countryside works best for them. They’re also affectionate and friendly, so they’re suited for any type of household or family. Although they are great family dogs, they can get some separation anxiety if left alone for too long. If you want an energetic, capable dog who will keep you on your toes and love you unconditionally, then the Deutscher Wachtelhund may be the right dog for you!
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog. And you can find an awesome crate for your dog here to give them a little more personal space in your apartment.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Breeds with very short coats and little or no undercoat or body fat, such as Greyhounds, are vulnerable to the cold. Dogs with a low cold tolerance need to live inside in cool climates and should have a jacket or sweater for chilly walks.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Stranger-friendly dogs will greet guests with wagging tails and nuzzles; others are shy, indifferent, or even aggressive. However, no matter what the breed, a dog who was socialized and exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a puppy will respond better to strangers as an adult. Remember that even friendly dogs should stay on a good, strong leash in public!
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Sporting DogsHeight:18 to 21 inchesWeight:40 to 55 poundsLife Span:12 to 14 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- Deutscher Wachtelhund coats can come in solid brown or brown schimmel–meaning red to dark and ticked with white patches.
- These dogs are not considered allergy friendly. Their coats should be brushed at least once a week to avoid matting and heavy shedding.
- Deutscher Wachtelhunds are friendly to everyone but will bark if they notice someone strange approaching the home. They aren’t considered yappy but will be vocal on occasion.
- These are active dogs who need at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
- If left alone for long periods of time, Deutscher Wachtelhunds can develop separation anxiety.
- Deutscher Wachtelhunds get along with all members of the family but may prefer older kids and adults who know how to properly interact with pets. They may also chase animals smaller than themselves due to their high prey drive.
History
In the late 1800s, German hunters wanted to recreate the Stoeberer, a versatile hunting breed that went as far back as the early 1700s. The Stoeberer were known to have tracking abilities similar to a Bloodhound.
German hunters found remnants of the Stoeberer breed from Bavaria and bred them with other sporting Spaniels who were naturals at hunting. From there the Wachtelhund–pronounced Valk-tel-hund–or quail dog was born and officially recognized as its own pure breed in 1903.
Today, the Deutscher Wachtelhunds in Germany are almost exclusively owned by professional hunters and foresters. There are some that were imported to Canada and fewer in the United States.
Even though the Deutscher Wachtelhunds is somewhat of a rare breed, some have still ended up in shelters and rescues. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you.
Check your local shelters, look up Deutscher Wachtelhunds rescues or even Spaniel rescues as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find them forever homes.
Size
There are some standards when it comes to the Deutscher Wachtelhund’s size. If you’ve never seen a Deutscher Wachtelhund before, you can expect them to be on the medium to large side.
Most weigh in at 40 to 55 pounds and range in height from 18 to 21 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger.
Personality
The Deutscher Wachtelhund are bred to be hunters and trail seekers. They are energetic and love to be outdoors, but they especially love being with their humans.
Although they can be tenacious and assertive while on the hunt, they are relaxed and sociable at home and will cuddle with you. If you’re training a Deutscher Wachtelhund, you need to be confident and calm so they know you are the undisputed head of the pack.
These dogs are friendly to everyone but will bark if they notice someone strange approaching the home. They aren’t considered yappy but will be vocal on occasion. They’re almost exclusively owned by hunters and foresters but are versatile and can be great companion dogs if given the chance.
Though they’re overall great dogs, Deutscher Wachtelhunds can get very attached to their families and might have separation anxiety if left alone at home for long periods of time. They also have a high prey drive, so it might not be the best idea to leave them with pets smaller than them.
Health
The Deutscher Wachtelhund breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that most Spaniels might also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups.
Some of the more common health problems a Deutscher Wachtelhund suffer from include:
- splayed feet
- crooked legs
- allergies
- ear infections
- skin problems
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Deutscher Wachtelhund’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.
Deutscher Wachtelhund are prone to weight gain, if overfed and are not given proper exercise. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
Your main concern when it comes to any dog breed is maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many dogs are prone to dental issues. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.
Feeding
An ideal Deutscher Wachtelhund diet should be formulated for a medium- to large-sized breed with high energy. These dogs need regular exercise and will gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their number of treats, as well.
As with all dogs, the Deutscher Wachtelhund’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Deutscher Wachtelhund’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Deutscher Wachtelhund coats can come in solid brown or brown schimmel–meaning red to dark and ticked with white patches.
The Deutscher Wachtelhund’s overall coat is medium in length. It is thick and somewhat harsh to the touch. Their coat can either be wavy or curly. There can be feathering around the legs and tails. The undercoat is slightly softer that the topcoat. These dogs are not considered allergy friendly. Their coats should be brushed at least once a week to avoid matting and heavy shedding.
Because the Deutscher Wachtelhund are natural hunters and seekers, they are adept at hot or cold weather conditions but tend to do better in colder weather.
Children And Other Pets
The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a medium to large dog and very friendly. They can handle playing with children of all ages, but they may be more appropriate for older kids or adults who know how to interact with pets properly. That said, for children who learn early how to approach and play with a medium to large sized dog, the Deutscher Wachtelhund can make a great, active companion.
When it comes to other pets, the Deutscher Wachtelhund can get along with other animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. It’s best if they get used to other pets early, even puppyhood. That said, you may need to keep smaller pets or animals away from them or in kennels as they have a strong prey drive.
Still, many Deutscher Wachtelhund get along just fine with other dogs and pets, so it really comes down to training, socialization, and the luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
Because the Deutscher Wachtelhund is a somewhat rare breed, it may be difficult to find a breed-specific rescue. However, you can always check with your local shelter, and you may want to try a rescue that caters to all types of dogs. You can take a look at the following:
- Wright-Way Rescue
- Angels Among Us Pet Rescue
