• Hungarian Language
  • English Language

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.

Group Gun Dog
Popularity Rank297
Reviews1
User Ratings
Compare the German Spaniel With Other Dogs
Select at least one dog breed to make the comparsion.
 
 
German Spaniel dog profile picture
OriginGermany flagGermany
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a German Spaniel known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Deutscher WachtelDeutscher WachtelhundGerman Quail Dog
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a German Spaniel? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

German Spaniel Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a German Spaniel? Learn how big the German Spaniel breed typically grows.
Large
Weight Statistics
How much does a German Spaniel weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the German Spaniel breed.
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 Range
How much does a German Spaniel puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting German Spaniel costs.
$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

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a German Spaniel? Discover the German Spaniel's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
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.

Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a German Spaniel? Learn about the German Spaniel's trainability and response to training methods.
German Spaniel dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a German Spaniel as a watchdog? Learn about the German Spaniel's alertness and guarding instincts.
German Spaniel dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is a German Spaniel protective of its territory? Learn about the German Spaniel's guarding instincts and behavior.
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

Personality Traits
What personality does a German Spaniel have? Learn about characteristic German Spaniel temperament and behavior traits.
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

Barking Frequency
Does a German Spaniel bark a lot? Learn about typical German Spaniel vocalization patterns and triggers.
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.

Playful Nature
How playful is a German Spaniel? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the German Spaniel breed.
German Spaniels are not the most playful dog breed. Sometimes they do like playing, but that's not their favorite activity.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a German Spaniel live in an apartment? Learn about the German Spaniel's suitability for apartment living.
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

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a German Spaniel to lifestyle changes? Learn about the German Spaniel's flexibility to new situations.
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.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a German Spaniel be left alone? Learn about the German Spaniel's tolerance to solitude.
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 Risk Assessment
What is a German Spaniel biting potential? Learn about the German Spaniel's bite risk factors.

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.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a German Spaniel mouthy? Learn about the German Spaniel's tendency to use mouth during play.
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.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a German Spaniel bite? Learn about the German Spaniel's bite force measured in PSI.

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.

German Spaniel Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a German Spaniel live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the German Spaniel breed.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of German Spaniel: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a German Spaniel handle different weather? Learn about the German Spaniel's climate adaptability.
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.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a German Spaniel? Discover typical conditions affecting the German Spaniel breed.
German Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a German Spaniel need vet visits? Learn about the German Spaniel's veterinary care requirements.
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.

German Spaniel Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a German Spaniel? Understand daily activity needs of the German Spaniel breed.
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

Obesity Tendency
Is a German Spaniel prone to weight gain? Learn about the German Spaniel's obesity risks.
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.

Food Consumption
How much food does a German Spaniel need daily? Learn about the German Spaniel's feeding requirements.
2 to 2.5 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

German Spaniel Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a German Spaniel hypoallergenic? Learn about the German Spaniel's suitability for allergy sufferers.
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.
Coat Colors
What colors does a German Spaniel come in? Discover all possible German Spaniel color variations.
BrownBrown RoanSolid RedRed & White
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a German Spaniel need? Learn about German Spaniel coat maintenance requirements.
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.
Drooling Tendency
Does a German Spaniel drool a lot? Learn about the German Spaniel's drooling habits.
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.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a German Spaniel smell bad? Learn about the German Spaniel's natural odor levels.

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.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a German Spaniel have? Learn about the German Spaniel's fur characteristics.
WavyThick
Bathing Needs
How often does a German Spaniel need baths? Learn about the German Spaniel's bathing requirements.
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.

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.

German Spaniel Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a German Spaniel good with children? Learn about the German Spaniel's behavior around kids of different ages.
German Spaniel dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a German Spaniel get along with other pets? Discover the German Spaniel's compatibility with other animals.
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.
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 Capability
Can a German Spaniel be a service dog? Learn about the German Spaniel's service work potential.

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 Work Suitability
Is a German Spaniel good as a therapy dog? Learn about the German Spaniel's therapy work aptitude.

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.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a German Spaniel good at detection work? Learn about the German Spaniel's scenting abilities.

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 & Rescue Potential
Can a German Spaniel do search and rescue? Learn about the German Spaniel's SAR capabilities.

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.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a German Spaniel good on boats? Learn about the German Spaniel's maritime capabilities.

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.

Draft Work Capability
Can a German Spaniel pull carts? Learn about the German Spaniel's drafting abilities.

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.

Military Service Background
Was a German Spaniel used in military service? Learn about the German Spaniel's military history.

Not really

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

German Spaniel Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a German Spaniel usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a German Spaniel pregnant? Learn about the German Spaniel's gestation period.

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.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a German Spaniel have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

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.

German Spaniel Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a German Spaniel in? Learn about the German Spaniel's AKC classification.
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a German Spaniel in? Learn about the German Spaniel's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Retrievers - Flushing Dogs - Water Dogs group, in the Flushing Dogs section.

German Spaniel Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Intelligence Rating: Smart: The German Spaniel dogs have great intelligence.
  • Training Difficulty: German Spaniel dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: German Spaniels are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Lifestyle 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
  • Allergy Friendliness: German Spaniel dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Apartment Adaptability: It is not recommended to keep the German Spaniel breed in the home.
  • Grooming Requirements: 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.
  • Alone Time Tolerance: 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