Pet Wiki

German Spaniel

Also called Deutscher Wachtelhund, German Quail Dog

Recognised breedFCI group 8Short profile

From Germany12

At a glance the quick version

Weight18 to 25 kg12
Height, male48 to 54 cm12
Height, female45 to 52 cm12
Sizemedium

FCI gives 18-25 kg for males; females slightly lighter.

friendly and adaptable
keen tracker and retriever
eager to work
1

Coat and looks how to spot one

wavy, dense with undercoat

A strong, medium-sized flushing dog with a close, mostly wavy coat (sometimes curly or flat), a thick undercoat and good feathering on the legs and tail.12

Colourssolid brownsolid redbrown roanred roanpiedbrindle (tiger)white or ticked markings12

Personality what they are like

A lively, passionate hunter that is friendly, self-assured and very biddable. It adapts well and is neither nervous nor aggressive.1

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Bred for woodland hunting in thick cover and water, so it needs a lot of daily exercise and nose work.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush weekly and check the feathering and ears after outings in brush or water.1

Home where they are happiest

Happiest with hunters or very active outdoor owners who can give it field and water work.12

Company who they like around

A cooperative, people-focused dog that works closely with its handler.1

The story where it all began

It descends from the old German Stöberer, a flushing dog used for centuries. Around 1890 Frederick Roberth began crossing Stöberer dogs with water dogs and spaniels, and the breed club was founded when the breed was recognised in 1903.12

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    'Wachtelhund' means 'quail dog' in German.2

  2. 2

    Breeders keep separate colour lines to protect genetic variety in the breed.1

  3. 3

    In Canada some German Spaniels track black bears.2

  4. 4

    Traditionally the breed has been bred only by hunters, especially foresters.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed's German name, Deutscher Wachtelhund, translates to 'German Quail Dog'. The term 'Wachtelhund' has historic origins, referring to a dog used for flushing game, particularly quail.3

Name ideas for your new friend

GretaFritzBlumeJägerWaldSchnitzelBellaHeidiRübeTrixieKugelZopf

A day in the life told by a German Spaniel

This morning, I sniffed the dew on the grass and wagged my tail at the robin. My human threw my squeaky ball into the bushes, and I dove right in, leaves stuck to my ears! Then we went to the stream; I splashed and chased a floating stick. Back home, I curled on the rug, dreaming of tomorrow's adventures. Life is good when you're a German Spaniel.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

FCI
Standard No. 104, Group 8, Section 2 (Flushing Dogs), with working trial; standard published 24 Jul 19961
UKC
Recognised 1996, Gun Dog Group2
VDH
National breed standard2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a German Spaniel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my German Spaniel, and at what times?

Feeding frequency depends on your dog's age. Adult German Spaniels should have at least two meals a day, while puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts and timing, check the food label and ask your vet.4

What should a German Spaniel eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food appropriate for its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and raw dough. Always keep these out of reach.5

How often should I bathe a German Spaniel?

Furry Diary's plan suggests a bath every 28 days, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if your dog gets very dirty or spends a lot of time outdoors.6 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a German Spaniel need brushing?

Brush your German Spaniel weekly to keep its wavy coat and feathering in good condition. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every 2 days for extra care, especially after outdoor adventures.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a German Spaniel's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 28 days, or sooner if you hear them clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part) to avoid pain. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if unsure.6 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a German Spaniel need?

This breed needs a lot of daily exercise and nose work, as it was bred for woodland hunting. Furry Diary suggests daily walks and playtime, plus opportunities to use its natural hunting instincts.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a German Spaniel's teeth and ears?

Brush your dog's teeth several times a week using a dog-safe toothpaste. Check ears weekly and dry them after swimming or baths, as floppy ears trap moisture. Never push anything into the ear canal.16 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a German Spaniel live?

Lifespan varies by individual and care. For a reliable estimate, ask your breeder or vet, as this information isn't specified in our sources.

Is a German Spaniel good with children and other pets?

Yes, the German Spaniel is friendly, self-assured, and not aggressive, making it good with children and other pets when properly socialized. It's a cooperative, people-focused dog that enjoys family life.1

Can a German Spaniel be left alone?

This breed is very people-focused and works closely with its handler, so it may struggle with long periods alone. It adapts well, but it's happiest with active owners who can give it plenty of company and outdoor time.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. FCI Standard No. 104 Deutscher Wachtelhund fci.beused for classification, size, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history
  2. German Spaniel - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, names, UKC recognition, facts
  3. fci.be fci.be
  4. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.