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German Spaniel Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about German Spaniel so you can get to know the breed more.

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OriginGermany flagGermany
Other Names
What other names does the German Spaniel have?
Deutscher WachtelDeutscher WachtelhundGerman Quail Dog
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Purebred

German Spaniel Size and Weight

Size
Is a German Spaniel small, medium or large dog?

How big do German Spaniel get?

What is the average size of a German Spaniel?

Large
Weight
How much does the German Spaniel weigh? How much should a German Spaniel weight? What is the normal weight of a German Spaniel? How much does a full-grown German Spaniel weight?
40–55 pounds (18–25 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a German Spaniel?
47.5 pounds (21.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the German Spaniel? German Spaniel height:
Male: 19–21 inch (48–54 cm), Female: 18–20 inch (45–52 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a German Spaniel?
Male: 20 inch (51 cm), Female: 19 inch (48.5 cm)

German Spaniel Price and Availability

Price
How much does the German Spaniel puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a German Spaniel in the United States? How much money is a German Spaniel?

Where to buy a German Spaniel with a good pedigree?

$800-$1000
If you choose to purchase the German Spaniel, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a German Spaniel for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the German Spaniel gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a German Spaniel? How many German Spaniel are there in the world?
Average: The German Spaniel is a commonly available dog breed. There is less risk of overbreeding compared to the very popular dogs.

Of course, they may be more popular in some countries, and inbreeding may occur, so be careful.

German Spaniel Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the German Spaniel? Is the German Spaniel breed dumb or smart?
Smart: The German Spaniel dogs have great intelligence. They understand and memorize new commands in 15-25 repetitions.

The German Spaniel is among the smartest dogs in the intelligence ranking.

Trainability
Are German Spaniel dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a German Spaniel?
German Spaniel dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Ability
Is German Spaniel good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
German Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do German Spaniel dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
German Spaniel dogs are not the best to protect their territory. Better to have the protection of your house and property supervised by others.

German Spaniel Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the German Spaniel have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
EnergeticAlert
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? German Spaniel sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. German Spaniel dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a German Spaniel a good family dog?
Average to High: German Spaniel dogs are highly affectionate dogs. They like being involved in the family's life. This breed isn't considered an aloof dog.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Deutscher Wachtel need? German Spaniel social needs:
German Spaniel dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the German Spaniel to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does German Spaniel roam?
The wanderlust potential of the German Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home. They have a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does German Spaniel have high prey drive?
German Spaniel dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that German Spaniel dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

German Spaniel Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
German Spaniels are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Barking
Do German Spaniel dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Deutscher Wachtel bark?
Average: The German Spaniel barks occasionally. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is German Spaniel good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a German Spaniel in an apartment?
It is not recommended to keep the German Spaniel breed in the home. It does best in the garden, but if you do want to keep it indoors, it should be exercised thoroughly with long daily walks, so you can keep the German Spaniel indoors by introducing daily routines.

German Spaniel Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
German Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a German Spaniel be left alone? How long can you leave a German Spaniel alone?
German Spaniel dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

German Spaniel Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the German Spaniel has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a German Spaniel? How much bite force does a German Spaniel have? How strong is a German Spaniel bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

German Spaniel bite force: Ordinary. Bite force German Spaniel measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a German Spaniel is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This German Spaniel bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. German Spaniel bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a German Spaniel puppy not to bite from an early age.

The German Spaniel, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the German Spaniel bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a German Spaniel can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do German Spaniel bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Deutscher Wachtel? What are the odds of getting bitten by a German Spaniel? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The German Spaniel has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the German Spaniel do?
German Spaniel dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but German Spaniel dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

German Spaniel Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do German Spaniel dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
German Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the German Spaniel breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the German Spaniel see the vet?
Rare
The German Spaniel should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do German Spaniel dogs live? How old can a German Spaniel be? What is the age limit of the German Spaniel? How many years can the oldest German Spaniel live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a German Spaniel?

How long is the lifespan of a German Spaniel?

12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spaniel: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur. Dogs with a double coat of fur have a layer of fur that insulates their skin and helps protect them from the cold and the heat.

German Spaniel Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the German Spaniel have? What is the activity level of the German Spaniel?
German Spaniel dogs are high-energy dogs. An active lifestyle makes them happy.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a German Spaniel need? How much exercise do German Spaniel dogs require per day?

Do German Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises?

German Spaniel dogs need a lot of exercises. Long walks should be on a daily schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the German Spaniel breed need?
German Spaniel dogs don't need too much sleep. They are energetic and desire to live active life. If you think naps are overrated, this breed can be the best choice for you.

German Spaniel Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a German Spaniel need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a German Spaniel breed eat per day? What is good dog food for German Spaniel? How much food should I feed my German Spaniel?
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? German Spaniel risk for obesity:
Average: The German Spaniel has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the German Spaniel weight regularly.

German Spaniel Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the German Spaniel have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
WavyThick
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper German Spaniel coats?
BrownBrown RoanSolid RedRed & White
Grooming
How to groom the German Spaniel and how often? How often should I take my German Spaniel to the groomer?
Advanced: The German Spaniel requires a lot of grooming. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer can be helpful sometimes.

Regular brushed dog's coat is less likely to shed. Ears and eyes should be cleaned often to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Occasional dog nail trimming and dog baths are important.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and to give your German Spaniel a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your German Spaniel, search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Shedding Level
How much do German Spaniel dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Deutscher Wachtel? Do German Spaniel dogs shed a lot?
German Spaniel dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the German Spaniel need a bath? How often should you give a German Spaniel a bath? Can I bathe my German Spaniel every day?
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

For example, short-haired dog breeds can go a very long time in between baths. These short-haired breeds shed regularly and that shedding works to naturally remove excess dirt and oil. So unless your weenie dog got into the garbage can, you can probably hold off on a bath for a while.

Hypoallergenic
Is the German Spaniel breed hypoallergenic?
No
German Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Medium

The German Spaniel has an average chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the German Spaniel drool?
The German Spaniel is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool much more than others, just like the German Spaniel.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

German Spaniel Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do German Spaniel dogs get along with other pets? Are German Spaniel dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
German Spaniel dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? German Spaniel temperament with other people:
German Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are German Spaniel dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? German Spaniel temperament with children:
German Spaniel dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do German Spaniel dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the German Spaniel breed live with a cat?
German Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is German Spaniel good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do German Spaniel dogs get along with other dogs?
German Spaniel dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is German Spaniel breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is German Spaniel breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
German Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are German Spaniel dogs good office canines? Do German Spaniel dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
German Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do German Spaniel dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Deutscher Wachtel temperament with senior people? Are German Spaniel dogs good for elderly owners?
German Spaniels are commonly okay with elderly people.

German Spaniel As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can German Spaniel be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

German Spaniel is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can German Spaniel be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a German Spaniel be an emotional support animal?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

German Spaniel is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can German Spaniel be a sniffer dog?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

German Spaniel is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can German Spaniel be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The German Spaniel is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can German Spaniel be a boat dog?

Not really

German Spaniel breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can German Spaniel be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

German Spaniel is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where German Spaniel dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

German Spaniel Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a German Spaniel pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the German Spaniel breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female German Spaniel: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the German Spaniel have in a litter? How many puppies can the German Spaniel breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a German Spaniel have? How many puppies can a German Spaniel give birth to?
4-8 puppies

German Spaniel Recognition

AKC Group
Is German Spaniel recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is German Spaniel recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.

German Spaniel Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligent Rank: Smart: The German Spaniel dogs have great intelligence.
  • Trainability: German Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Issues: German Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Adaptability: German Spaniel dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Good For First Time Owners: German Spaniel dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: German Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Friendly: It is not recommended to keep the German Spaniel breed in the home.
  • Grooming: Advanced: The German Spaniel requires a lot of grooming.
  • Drooling Tendency: The German Spaniel is a big drooler, so if you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, you should choose a dog from another breed.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: The wanderlust potential of the German Spaniel is strong enough to escape from home.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: German Spaniel dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: German Spaniel dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: German Spaniel is not the best dog breed for office environment.

German Spaniel History

Origins

The German Spaniel, in its home country also known as the Deutscher Watchtelhund (German Quail Dog), is a breed of dog that was developed in Germany around 1890. The man who is credited with the creation of the breed is called Frederick Robert. While various breeds have been bred into the contemporary breed, the most notable dog breed to be bred into it is the now extinct Stoeberer. The Stoeberer was known to have a scent following ability similar to that of a Bloodhound and it was described in the literature as early as 1719. Following the Revolutions of 1848 in the German states, the common men were allowed to hunt and needed a versatile hunting dog, and that dog was the Stoeberer. Moreover, in the late 19th century when Robert was working on his new breed, he found specimens of the Stoeberer in Bavaria and crossed those dogs with water dogs and sporting spaniels to create the modern German Spaniel. In 1903, the Deutscher Wachtelhund was recognized as a breed, and following that, the German breed club, the Verein fur Deutsche Wachtelhund was organized. The term Stoeberer has since become a category of hunting dog in Germany, with the Wachtelhund being the sole member of that category. The VDW chose four male dogs and seven female dogs as the foundation for the German Spaniel breed standard in 1910. Those canines were chosen from around Germany, with one from each region and two from Hannover. Those eleven dogs are the ancestors of all present registered German Spaniels.

The breed’s job

As mentioned above, they are versatile hunters traditionally being used for upland game birds, but equally adept at hunting rabbits and waterfowl. Whether hunting in open fields, woodlands, farmlands, along fencerows, or marshland, a German Spaniel can get the job done. They are not usually kept as pets, but often owned by foresters and professional hunters. In the second half of the 20th-century, people started importing them into the United States, and descendants of those dogs are now very popular in Canada. For the past twenty years or more, some individuals, guides, and hunting outfitters in Canada have kept German Spaniels and used them as flushers, retrievers, and to track and hold wounded black bears at bay.

Furthermore, it is also interesting to highlight that John Scott, 1st Earl of Eldon, Lord Chancellor of Great Britain owned a German Spaniel named Pincher, thought to be his favorite dog. The dog was even painted by Edwin Henry Landseer. The dog originally belonged to his son William Henry, but became his constant companion.

Moreover, the breed has also gained popularity in Sweden, thanks to an increase in the number of wild boars in the south of the country, as well as crossbreeding with native spitzhounds to produce tough and brave dogs that will both chase and stop the boar, allowing the hunter to sneak in and kill the prey. If they are trained, they will also emit a death bark or hunt down wounded prey.

Recognition

As I mentioned before, the official breed club, Verein fur Deutscher Wahtelchund, was established in 1903. In 1908, performance tests were approved and implemented and the official breed standard was accepted by the official German Kennel Club in 1910. However, sometimes it is a long process for owners to get their German Spaniel officially registered into the German Spaniel Association’s breeding book. The breed is also recognized by the United Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club.

Rate The German Spaniel Breed

German Spaniel Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • Osprey

    Nov 15, 2020, 1:51:01 PM:

    Very intelligent dog. Easily trainable if one is consistent. They do need regular exercise. This breed is best kept for regular hunting households. NB error in the characteristics - this breed is definitely not a drooler