German Spaniel
Also known as Wachtelhund, Deutscher Wachtelhund, Épagneul allemand
- Height at the withers
- 45 to 54 cm
- Weight
- 18 to 25 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 14 years
- Daily activity
- 120 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 8 · Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- a family with children
- a sporty owner: running, hiking, canicross
Less suited to
- an apartment: it needs space
- a first dog: it needs an experienced owner
- a sedentary life: plan on 120 minutes of activity a day
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
Overview
A medium-sized flushing dog with a long, often wavy coat in brown or roan, the German Spaniel quarters within gun range, flushes game while giving voice, retrieves, and follows the trail of wounded big game. Very keen, tireless and docile with its handler, it is bred by hunters for hunters and does not thrive away from the field.
History and origins
Very similar flushing dogs have existed for centuries in German hunting with hounds, and the name “Wachtelhund,” quail dog, is an old one. Controlled breeding began in the early 20th century with a first registered dog, Lord Augusta, from Upper Bavaria, and a few females; Rudolf Friess then kept the brown and roan varieties apart to preserve the diversity of a narrow breeding base. Recognized by the FCI (standard no. 104, flushing dogs group), it is valued by French hunters for driven hunts and blood tracking, with more than 450 dogs registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF) in 2025.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Hip dysplasia
- Ear infections (drop ears)
- Epilepsy
- Grass awns and hunting injuries
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long, wavy coat. Moderate shedding, average coat care. Coat colors: solid brown, often with white on the chest and toes, brown roan, with brown patches or mantle, solid red or red roan (rarer), tan markings possible.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Boundless, 5 out of 5
- Apartment
- Impossible, 1 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With cats
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Poor fit, 2 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Shedding
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Good, 4 out of 5
In our lists
German Spaniel FAQ
How big does the German Spaniel get?
The German Spaniel stands 45 to 54 cm at the withers and weighs 18 to 25 kg. It is a medium-sized dog.
Does the German Spaniel shed a lot?
It sheds moderately and its coat needs average care.
Can the German Spaniel live in an apartment?
It is not recommended: it needs space, ideally a house with a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the German Spaniel need each day?
Allow about 120 minutes of activity a day: its energy is boundless. Add games and training exercises to keep its mind busy too.
Is the German Spaniel good with children?
Yes, it gets along well with children who respect it. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the German Spaniel live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 14 years, and the breed is hardy. The main health problems to watch for are hip dysplasia and ear infections.
