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German Spaniel
Health grade B- Shoulder height45–54 cm
- Weight18–25 kg
- Life expectancy12–14 yrs
- Puppy price1,200–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a robust, passionate working dog—a classic Stöberhund (flushing dog) bred almost exclusively by hunters for hunters to flush out game in dense forests and track with a loud bay.
- Health grade B: In the Deutscher Wachtelhund, the primary health risks are hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), and the occurrence of epilepsy.
- You are an active hunter or forester looking for an untiring companion for flushing and blood tracking work in the woods.
- You live in a rural area, ideally with a large, securely fenced property right next to nature.
- You are actually just looking for an athletic companion for jogging—he was bred to follow tracks, not to mindlessly trot along beside you.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verein für Deutsche Wachtelhunde e.V. (VDW)
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Is the German Spaniel right for you?
At a glance
German Spaniel overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Shoulder height
45–54 cm
Weight
18–25 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Dense, medium length, undercoat present
- Origin: Germany
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a German Spaniel, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the German Spaniel come in?
The coat colors that occur in the German Spaniel — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Illustrative imageMedium
Illustrative imageLong
Double coat
Illustrative imageCurly
Perfect for you if:
- You are a confident and consistent leader, as his high level of hunting independence requires clear rules from day one.
- You are looking for a dog that is a balanced, people-oriented family dog at home after a hard day's work in the hunting grounds.
Less ideal if:
- You live in a densely populated area or city where hunting by scent and constant wildlife smells will become a source of permanent stress for both of you.
- You expect him to stay on the path by himself during forest walks—his nose will instinctively pull him deep into the undergrowth.
The real vibes check
A Wachtelhund is not a hobby, but a professional partner. When he catches a fresh scent in the undergrowth, his brain switches into work mode—and at that moment, you are merely a bystander. If he gets this hunting outlet, you will have a deeply relaxed cuddler on the sofa in the evening; if you deny him his purpose, he will find his own territory.
Breed Profile
The German Wachtelhund is a medium-sized, powerfully built dog that is bursting with energy. Its medium-length, dense fur with ample undercoat, which can vary in shades of brown from chocolate to roan, offers it protection from harsh weather and thorny undergrowth. This fact, combined with its strong legs and well-developed chest, makes it a resilient and versatile working dog, able to work efficiently in both the field and the water. The German Wachtelhund belongs to FCI Group 8, the retrieving, searching and water dogs. This breed does not differentiate between performance and show lines, meaning that all German Wachtelhunds, regardless of whether they are kept for hunting or as pets, should share the same physical characteristics and temperament.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 45 - 52 cm (Female), 48 - 54 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 18 - 25 kg (Female), 18 - 25 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 14 yrs
- Character
- Loyal, energetic, learnable
- Coat
- Dense, medium length, undercoat present
- Coat Color
- Brown, chocolate or roan (brown and white hair mixed)
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The German Wachtelhund is a highly energetic and persistent dog who loves his work. His commitment, combined with his drive and perseverance, makes him one of us valuable companion for hunters. But he can also use his energy well in an active household, as long as there is enough exercise and mental activity. A German Wachtelhund is also a very people-oriented dog. He is loyal to his family and loves spending time with his people. He can learn to stay alone, but he prefers the company of his family and should not be left alone for long periods of time. Despite its energetic and active temperament, the German Wachtelhund can also enjoy quiet moments if it has been sufficiently exercised. However, it is important to remember that this dog is primarily a working dog and therefore requires plenty of exercise and activity to be happy and balanced. Regarding its hunting behavior, the German Wachtelhund shows a pronounced prey-catching and hunting behavior. This should be taken into account when keeping them. It is advisable to raise and train the dog well to control its hunting instinct and teach it to reliably come back when called. The German Wachtelhund is also a vigilant dog that wants to protect its family and territory. He doesn't bark unnecessarily, but he will alert his family if he notices anything unusual. It is therefore important to teach him from the beginning when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not. In conclusion, the German Wachtelhund is a loyal, energetic and people-oriented dog that can be a wonderful companion in the right environment, with enough exercise and activity as well as consistent training.
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Warms up quickly and is generally welcoming. | Friendly |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Although the German Wachtelhund is a working dog, in its native Germany it is also affectionately known as the “Dachshund for the grown-ups” because of his similar body proportions and his cheerful and affectionate character.
What Awaits You
The German Wachtelhund has tracking and blood-sniffing abilities comparable to those of the bloodhound and can track down wounded game that is 40 hours old. On a fresh game trail, he has to communicate his location to the hunters by vocalizing. The German Wachtelhund is a versatile breed that is virtually unknown to the German non-hunting public and is only kept in Germany by hunters, game wardens and professional hunters.
Housing & Care
The German Wachtelhund is an active and energetic dog that is best kept in a house with a garden where it has enough space to play and exercise. It is less suitable for keeping in a city apartment because it has a high need for exercise and requires a lot of activity. Despite its active and robust nature, the German Wachtelhund gets along well with children. He is friendly and playful and can be a great companion for older children. However, he may be too boisterous for smaller children due to his size and energy. Regarding other pets, the German Wachtelhund can get along well with other dogs, but its strong hunting instinct could be a problem when keeping smaller pets such as cats or rodents.
- Family Friendly
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Family-oriented - Child Friendly
Takes boisterous and affectionate children in its stride.
Patient with children - Dog Friendly
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Dog-friendly - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
Raising and training a German Wachtelhund can be challenging, but also very rewarding. They are intelligent, strong-willed dogs that require consistent and positive training. Because of their hunting instincts, it is particularly important to train retrieval and teach them to control their impulses. The German Wachtelhund is an energetic and hard-working dog that likes to be kept busy. Activities like retrieving, tracking or agility can be good ways to put its energy to good use. But it is also important to ensure a good balance between physical and mental workload and to avoid the dog being “over-busy.” Otherwise, this can lead to stress and behavioral problems.
Nutrition & Care
A balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential for the health and well-being of your German Wachtelhund. This breed can tolerate both dry and wet food well, as long as it is of high quality and contains all the nutrients it needs. When it comes to grooming, the German Wachtelhund is relatively uncomplicated. It has a dense undercoat and a medium-length topcoat that should be brushed regularly to prevent matting and keep the coat clean. The German Wachtelhund sheds moderately, so regular grooming can help remove loose hair and reduce the amount of hair in your home. With its thick fur, the German Wachtelhund can cope well with the German climate, whether in winter or summer. However, in very high temperatures, care should be taken to ensure that the dog has enough shade and water available.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Picks up commands quickly and wants to please. | Eager to learn |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
B
Solid
Health grade
In the Deutscher Wachtelhund, the primary health risks are hip dysplasia (HD), elbow dysplasia (ED), and the occurrence of epilepsy. The Verein für Deutsche Wachtelhunde e.V. (VDW) therefore makes X-ray examinations for hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED) mandatory for breeding. A responsible breeder also ensures seamless tracking of breeding lines regarding epilepsy in order to consistently exclude affected animals. Before buying a puppy, have the official findings of the parent animals with HD A to C and ED 0 to 1 presented to you and ask specifically about the ancestors being free of epilepsy.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
You should regularly check and clean his heavy, floppy ears, ensure he is raised in a way that is gentle on his joints, and always keep a close eye on his eyes and behavior.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have the parent animals tested for hip dysplasia (HD) and elbow dysplasia (ED), and exclusively mate lines that are verifiably clear of epilepsy.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
4
Risks tracked
3
Core standard
4
High severity
Head & nerves
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Verein für Deutsche Wachtelhunde e.V. (VDW) requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Verein für Deutsche Wachtelhunde e.V. (VDW) for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a German Spaniel cost?
A German Spaniel costs around ~€180 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,800 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13 years) it comes to about ~€30,180.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€4,800
Across the dog's life
~€30,180
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,200 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
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Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative imageIllustrative imageIllustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The German Wachtelhund is an old German hunting dog breed whose origins date back to the Middle Ages. It owes its name to its original task of tracking down game (especially quail) and making it visible to the hunter. In the 19th century, German forester and hunting author Oskar von Riesenthal took up the breeding of the German Wachtelhund in order to create a versatile and hardy hunting dog capable of working in a wide variety of conditions. He crossed different scavenging dogs and created a dog that could locate and track game as well as retrieve it. The German Wachtelhund has been looked after by the German Wachtelhund Club since 1903, and it has been officially recognized as a separate breed since 1910. Today it is particularly popular in Germany as a hunting dog, but is also increasingly being kept as a family dog.
Original Use
The German Wachtelhund was developed as a versatile hunting dog for searching and retrieving.
Origin
Germany
Date
1903
Owner experiences
At home, many owners describe the German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) as a remarkably affectionate, gentle and people-oriented companion.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
At home, many owners describe the German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund) as a remarkably affectionate, gentle and people-oriented companion. With the family and with children, it is usually friendly, patient and even-tempered when kept the right way. It enjoys being close to its people and wants to be part of everything.
By all accounts, though, this relaxed side at home depends entirely on real work. Experienced owners and hunters stress again and again that the German Spaniel is not simply a companion or family dog for ordinary everyday life. Without a challenging job, many become restless and frustrated and start hunting on their own, which can put living together to a real test.
Sources:mit-tier.deeinfachtierisch.deforum.wildundhund.dezooroyal.de
On training, owners regularly highlight the breed's intense passion for hunting and strong drive to follow a scent.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
On training, owners regularly highlight the breed's intense passion for hunting and strong drive to follow a scent. The German Spaniel is intelligent and learns quickly, but as a flushing dog it is very independent. Owners often call the breed, jokingly but accurately, a real stubborn streak that tends to simply tune out commands once on a trail and to work far away from its handler on its own terms.
Owners see building reliable basic obedience, and especially a solid recall, as a long, daily grind. Harshness alone doesn't work with this breed, since many German Spaniels react sensitively to unfair treatment. Owners have the most success with consistent handling, early impulse control around game scent and structured long-line work. Even so, for many owners, letting the dog off-leash in areas with lots of game remains a challenge for life.
Sources:mit-tier.deeinfachtierisch.deforum.wildundhund.desabinemiddelhaufeshundundnatur.net
In owner reports on care and health, the German Spaniel comes across as an exceptionally hardy, weatherproof and tough hunting dog.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In owner reports on care and health, the German Spaniel comes across as an exceptionally hardy, weatherproof and tough hunting dog. Owners often say that vet visits beyond routine checkups are rare. Still, owners who know the breed well point to joint issues such as hip or elbow dysplasia, which breeders need to watch for. After years of intensive work in the field, older dogs sometimes develop wear-and-tear problems such as arthritis.
A recurring point in daily care is how much these dogs love water and mud. Owners report, with a wink, that hardly a puddle gets skipped, so the dense, wavy coat needs proper grooming after outings to get rid of burrs and dirt. The long, hanging ears also need regular checks, since the breed's love of water and undergrowth occasionally leads to ear infections or trapped foreign bodies.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
Community posts
FAQ & more
Is a German Spaniel the right dog for me?
The German Spaniel is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a German Spaniel live?
The average life expectancy of a German Spaniel is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a German Spaniel need?
German Spaniel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a German Spaniel good for families with children?
The German Spaniel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the German Spaniel come in?
The German Spaniel comes in these colors: Brown, Roan, Brown and tan, Brown and white, Tricolor, Red, Red and white.
Are you a German Spaniel breeder?
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred German Spaniel.