German purebreds like the Deutscher Wachtelhund are quite rare. With a dog like this one, you can't go wrong. He's empathetic, intelligent, and adaptive. It is also known as the German Spaniel in addition to the German Spaniel and Quail Dog.
Dogs like this can thrive in rural areas because they are both adaptable and natural predators. In addition, they are kind and kind, making them appropriate for any type of family or home. Separation anxiety can develop in children who are left alone for long periods of time. They'll keep you on your toes, but German Wachtelhunds will always have your back. Find out all you need to know about the German Wachtelhund dog breed right here!
Highlights
- There are a variety of coat colours for the German Wachtelhund, ranging from red to black with white ticking.
- People with allergies should avoid these dogs. Matting and excessive shedding can be avoided if they brush their hair once a week or more.
- Although they are friendly to everyone, Deutscher Wachtelhunds will bark if they see anything suspicious approaching the house. Some of them can be loud, but not all of them are yappy.
- Dogs like these need at least one big walk a day, as well as a few energetic play sessions and shorter walks.
- German Wachtelhunds may develop separation anxiety if left alone for an extended period of time.
- If you're looking for a dog that can get along with everyone in your family, a German Wachtelhund is a great choice. Prey drive makes them likely to pursue smaller creatures as well.
Characteristics
Social Appearance
Adaptability
It's a common misconception that a little dog is better suited to living in a limited space. Many tiny dogs have too much energy and are too yappy to live in an apartment building. An apartment dog's best attributes include being quiet, low energy, somewhat peaceful indoors, and respectful to the other inhabitants. Your dog's personal space in your apartment can be improved by purchasing one of these fantastic dog cages.
Sensitivity Level
Depending on the dog, a strong rebuke can be taken in stride by some, while others regard even the tiniest hint of disapproval as a personal attack. If you have a loud or pushy owner, a chaotic home, or a routine that is unpredictable or variable, your low-sensitivity dog, often known as "easy-going," "tolerant," "resilient," or even "thick-skinned," will be able to handle it better. Do you have young children, host a lot of parties, or have a hectic lifestyle? Choose a dog that isn't overly sensitive.
Intensity
You can't tell from looking at them whether or not they're hyperactive, but when they do anything, they do it vigorously. They tug at their leashes (unless you teach them not to), they push their way through barriers, and they down their meals in huge, gobbling gulps. A home with young children or an elderly or feeble person may not be the best place for these dynamos to learn proper etiquette. On the other side, a dog with poor vitality adopts a more reserved demeanor.
Potential for Playfulness
The playful nature of certain dogs never fades away, and they're always ready for a game, whereas the reserved and serious tendencies of other dogs develop through time. Think about how many times a day you want to play fetch or tag with your dog, and whether or not you have children or other dogs who can act as substitutes.
Personality Appearance
Intelligence
In the same way as working dogs, such as those that herd sheep, are bred for intelligence and decision-making, working dogs like those who run all day need to exercise their bodies. The two most common activities that a bored pet engages in are digging and chewing, both of which require mental stimulation. There are several ways to keep a dog's brain active, including obedience training, interactive dog toys like tug of war, and dog sports like agility and search and rescue.
Energy Level
Energy-draining dogs are always on the lookout for a new activity. There are several jobs that require a lot of stamina from dogs, such as herding livestock or recovering prey for hunters. Children are more likely to engage in activities such as jumping, playing and exploring new sights and smells as a result of this change in their environment
A low-energy dog is more like a couch potato than a dog that needs a lot of exercise. Think about your level of physical activity and whether or not you find a hyperactive dog irritating before making your final choice.
Easy To Train
Easy to train dogs can more easily form associations between a cue (like "sit"), an action (like sitting), and a reward than dogs that are more difficult to train. Dogs that require more time, patience, and repetition are more difficult to train.
Getting your dog interested in training will require incentives and games because many breeds are intelligent but have a "What's in it for me?" mentality when it comes to learning new things.
Family Affection Level
Affectionate With Family
Since puppyhood, some breeds remain aloof and independent; others form deep bonds with one individual but are uninterested in the rest of the family; still other types shower their entire family with affection. Canines raised in homes with people tend to be more open to human interaction and develop stronger ties, regardless of their breed or upbringing.
Kid-Friendly
Kids-friendly dogs are calm, strong enough to bear the hefty hugs and pets kids can dish out, and have an unfazed attitude about rushing, scream-inducing children. There are several names you may not expect to see on the list: Fierce-looking Both Boxers and American Staffordshire Terriers are regarded as family dogs (which are considered Pit Bulls). Chihuahuas, which are small, sensitive, and potentially sharp, are not always family-friendly.
Dog Friendly
Dog friendship and human friendship are two entirely different things. The fact that a dog is friendly with humans doesn't mean it's immune to aggression or aggression from other dogs; some canines choose to play rather than fight; others will just run away. The type of animal isn't the only consideration. Dogs who have spent a lot of time playing with their littermates and their mother at the age of six to eight weeks are more likely to be socially competent.
Physical Appearance
Amount of Shedding
Having a dog in the house means that you'll have to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothing and in the home. It's worth noting, however, that shedding varies widely among breeds. Some dogs shed all year long, while others ``blow" just during specific times of the year, and still others don't shed at all. If you're a stickler for cleanliness, you'll need to choose a breed that sheds less or lower your expectations. You can use a deshedding tool to keep your house a little cleaner.
Drooling Potential
While greeting you, some dogs may cover their arms with ropes of drool and create large, wet patches on your clothing. If you don't mind a little drool, go for it; but if you're a stickler for cleanliness, you may want to look for a dog with a low drool rating.
Easy To Groom
Some breeds of dogs can simply be brushed and left alone, while others require frequent washing, trimming, and other grooming in order to maintain their health and appearance. If you don't have the time or money to take care of a dog that requires a lot of grooming, you may want to look into hiring a professional.
Exercise Needs
Evening walks around the neighbourhood are perfectly acceptable for some breeds. Others, particularly those trained for physically demanding vocations like herding or hunting, require regular, rigorous exercise.
They can gain weight and release their pent-up energy in ways you don't like, including barking, chewing, and digging, if not given enough exercise. Those looking to train their dog for an energetic canine activity, such as agility, should consider getting a dog that needs a lot of exercise.
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed
Weight
40 to 55 pounds
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
Height
18 to 21 inches
History
The German Spaniel, or "German quail dog" in German, has a lengthy and well-documented history in its native country. The Stoeberers, a now extinct hunting dog, was first referenced in literature in the early 1700s. It is descended from this dog. Proponents of this species believe that they were born with an extremely sensitive nose, which is amazing but hard to establish at the moment.
They were often owned by Germany's ruling elite, which had the exclusive right to hunt throughout this period. That changed in 1848, when farmers were able to hunt on their own and needed a dog that could take the place of several different breeds, and so the Labrador Retriever came to be known as "the universal dog."
Frederick Roberth is credited with establishing the Wachtelhund as a distinct breed about 1890 after significant cross-breeding of Stoeberers with various spaniels and water dogs. In addition to Rudolf Friess, a long time dog enthusiast and breeder, who had a significant impact on the breed's future development, the brown and brown-roan dogs were recognised for their superior short-distance speed and their capacity for bringing game into range, while the brown-roan dogs were noted for their superior long-distance speed and their ability to follow a scent trail over long distances. This breeding policy has been in place for decades, but it is no longer followed.
In the mid-twentieth century, a few individuals of the breed were exported to the United States. Unfortunately, it hasn't had much of an impact because the United Kennel Club only has about 100 German Spaniels listed as registered. In Canada, despite the fact that most are not being utilized for their initial purpose, some are used to kill black bears, which is a testament to their natural bravery. German Spaniels are also popular in southern Sweden for hunting boar, which is another dangerous animal to confront.
Personality & Temperament
This is a fast-paced breed that is always on the lookout for the next adventure. As a result of its calm demeanour and lack of aggressiveness when confronted with strangers, it is a safe bet around youngsters due to its lack of vulnerability to being frightened. Because of the Wachtelhund's strong prey drive, it gets bored rapidly and may resort to destructive behaviour, like digging or gnawing, if kept in a restricted space or otherwise under-stimulated.
Even though it is occasionally housed in kennels, it is happier when it is able to interact with its owners on a regular basis. It is social with other dogs, but it sees smaller animals as prey, making it unsuitable for households with non-canine pets.
Care
The ears of a German Wachtelhund demand specific care. This is due to the fact that they spend the majority of their time outside, where fleas and ticks are a given. Because of their high intelligence, they are prone to boredom, which can lead to behavioural problems. Spending time with your children and having fun with them is therefore essential for your health.
Health
The German Spaniel is commonly referred to as a hunter's dog because it was bred by hunters, and those invested in the breed have done an excellent job of preventing it from developing major genetic defects. Like any lineage, prospective owners should be informed of a number of conditions. Deformities in the limbs, in particular, can lead to reduced mobility and the start of arthritis before its normal time.
Elbow Dysplasia
When a pup's weight reaches a level that irritates the malformed joint, an inherited elbow deformity reveals itself. Breeding animals should be screened for tumours using x-ray technology.
Epilepsy
The German Spaniel, like the Springer Spaniel, has a hereditary form of epilepsy, albeit one that affects them less severely. Unless they are given medication, dogs with epilepsy will suffer from seizures of variable intensity for the rest of their lives.
Hip Dysplasia
Leg lameness due to an inherited condition of joint discomfort and stiffness. Stiffness after lying down or a reluctance to leap are common symptoms at seven months old. X-ray examinations can reveal the presence of elbow dysplasia in breeding dogs.
Patellar Luxation
Having bowed hind limbs can cause the kneecap to slip out of place, resulting in discomfort and a three-legged gait that is difficult for the dog to walk on. However, this back-and-forth movement of the kneecap can eventually lead to arthritic changes in the knee joint in the majority of people. The success rate of corrective surgery is relatively high.
Sebaceous Cysts
Oily skin of the German Spaniel makes it susceptible to the development of sebaceous cysts, which are clumps of gooey material on the skin. Cysts are generally safe, but if they become infected or inflamed, they must be removed.
Recommended Health Test
- Skin Scraping
- X-Rays
- Physical Examination
- Allergy Tests
Nutrition
Like most dogs, the Deutscher Wachtelhunds thrives on a diet of high-quality, high-protein dog food. Because of their size and activity, they can consume a great quantity of food in a short period of time. In the event that they are often hunted, they are less likely to become overweight or obese. Overall, this dog does not necessitate a specific diet or a diet that includes additional ingredients.
Grooming
This canine's lengthy hair necessitates brushing on a weekly basis. In general, they don't shed a lot. It is possible to keep their hair from becoming matted and knotted by combining them on occasion.
In some cases, a bath may be necessary. Bathing them after a long day of hunting or playing outside is a good idea because they tend to get muddy.
You should clip your dog's nails and brush their teeth on a regular basis, just like any other dog. In addition to their eyes, you should keep an eye on their ears as well. If you're not careful, dirt and wax can accumulate in their ears and lead to infections.
Exercise
These dogs require a great deal of physical activity due to their heritage as working dogs that are raised to work hard for long periods of time. This need can be met by taking them for walks several times a day, but they also like playing outside in a fenced yard. As a result of their affinity for the water, swimming is a viable alternative. They enjoy a wide variety of games, and one of their favourites is fetch. An old standby is to throw balls into the water for them to chase after.
It's possible for them to participate in events such as obedience and rally. Even if you never compete in these events, training for them can be a terrific way to keep your dog active.
This breed thrives in a moderately sized yard where they may run and sniff freely. For this reason, they do best in enclosed yards.
Training
In general, training the Deutscher Wachtelhund is not too difficult or time consuming. They are very responsive to their owners' directions and learn quickly. Because they were developed for hunting, they are frequently able to perform a variety of household tasks. In addition to hunting, their adaptability extends to other aspects of their lives.
Because they need food and affection, these dogs are easy to train with the help of tried-and-true methods like praise and treats. However, many of them also have a soft spot for games of chance. Toys have proven to be an effective training tool for many pet owners. When a command is correctly executed, you reward your dog with a second of playtime.
Children and Other Pets
The German Wachtelhund is a friendly, medium-sized dog. Children of all ages are welcome to play with them, however they may be better suited to people who know how to appropriately engage with dogs. The Deutscher Wachtelhund, on the other hand, can be an excellent playmate for youngsters who are taught to approach and play with dogs of a medium to big size from an early age.
German Wachtelhunds get along with other pets if they are introduced to them carefully and calmly, and early socialisation can help make this process go more successfully. The sooner they get acclimated to different animals, the better off they'll be in the long run. However, because they have a high prey drive, you may want to segregate smaller pets or animals from them or keep them in kennels.
Although many German Wachtelhunds are fine with other dogs and pets, it all comes down to training and socialisation.
Puppies
The German Spaniel can have litters as large as eight puppies on average. It's a good idea to give puppies a puppy formula intended for larger breeds because these canines fall somewhere in the middle of being a medium and a large breed. You should begin socialising and training your German Spaniel puppy at a young age.
German Wachtelhund puppies typically cost between $800 and $1000 dollars, according to the Deutscher Wachtelhund of North America. When you consider the size and rarity of this dog breed, this is a bargain.
It's possible that you'll have to import puppies from Germany, where there are numerous kennels that breed this particular breed. In the United States, there are a few kennels. However, each year only a few puppies are born to these dogs.
Breeds Similar to Deutscher Wachtelhund
- Coated retriever
- Springer Spaniel
- English cocker spaniel
- Newfoundland
- American cocker spaniel