Dog Breeds - Deutscher Wachtelhund

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed exhibits towards family members and other people they know well can vary. Some breeds tend to be highly affectionate and form strong bonds not only with their owner but also with other family members or individuals they are familiar with. These breeds often treat everyone they know as their best friend, showing enthusiasm, wagging their tails and seeking affection from anyone they encounter.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The degree of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior along with their overall family-friendly disposition is a crucial aspect to consider. It is important to supervise dogs whenever they are in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness and compatibility of a breed towards other dogs can vary. It is recommended to always supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, regardless of the breed. However, some breeds do tend to be more inclined to get along with other dogs both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur or hair a breed leaves behind can vary. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency tend to leave more hair around the house, on furniture, and on clothing. These dogs typically require more frequent brushing to manage the shedding and to minimize loose hair around the living environment. It is worth noting that high shedding breeds may also be more likely to trigger allergies in individuals who are sensitive to pet dander.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed include bathing, brushing, trimming, and other forms of coat maintenance. It is important to consider your available time, patience, and budget when assessing the required grooming effort. Remember, regular nail trimming is necessary regardless of the breed.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
It's important to consider how prone a specific breed is to drooling. If you have a particular preference for cleanliness, dogs that have a tendency to leave trails of slobber on your arm or big wet stains on your attire may not be the ideal fit for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double, Wavy
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
Assess the likelihood of a breed being receptive to strangers. While certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior towards unfamiliar individuals, irrespective of the environment other breeds will express delight in encountering new people whenever the opportunity presents itself!
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
Evaluate the degree of playfulness a breed is likely to exhibit, even after the puppy stage. Some breeds will continue to enjoy activities such as tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult years, while others will primarily seek relaxation and prefer spending time with you on the couch.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Consider how prone a breed is to alerting you about the presence of strangers. These breeds are more inclined to react to potential threats, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, these breeds tend to become more receptive to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
Assess a breed's adaptability to change encompassing modifications in living conditions, noise levels, weather fluctuations, daily schedules and other shifts encountered in their day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
Discover the remarkable ease with which you can effectively train your beloved canine companion, and witness their unparalleled enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge. Certain breeds exhibit an innate desire to bring joy to their owners exemplifying impressive willingness to learn. Conversely, there are those breeds that lean towards pursuing their own desires, choosing to follow their instincts without restraint or limitations.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
Understanding the level of physical activity and mental engagement required by different breeds is essential. High-energy breeds exhibit an unchallenged enthusiasm, always eager to embark on their next thrilling expedition. Their days are filled with a flurry of running, jumping and engaging in spirited play. On the other hand, low-energy breeds can be likened to contented couch potatoes finding solace in relaxing and dozing off for extended periods of time.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency and manner in which a breed vocalizes vary significantly. Certain breeds tend to bark or howl incessantly at every person walking by or bird perched on a window sill, while others reserve their barks for specific situations. Additionally, even barkless breeds can find alternative ways to express themselves through various vocal sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
Providing adequate mental stimulation is crucial to ensure the happiness and overall wellbeing of a breed. Purpose-bred dogs, possessing traits geared towards specific tasks, thrive when presented with opportunities that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and similar qualities. Without sufficient mental exercise they might resort to creating their own endeavors to keep their minds occupied. However, these self-created projects may not align with your preferences or expectations.

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of affection a breed exhibits towards family members and other people they know well can vary. Some breeds tend to be highly affectionate and form strong bonds not only with their owner but also with other family members or individuals they are familiar with. These breeds often treat everyone they know as their best friend, showing enthusiasm, wagging their tails and seeking affection from anyone they encounter.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The degree of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior along with their overall family-friendly disposition is a crucial aspect to consider. It is important to supervise dogs whenever they are in the presence of young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The general friendliness and compatibility of a breed towards other dogs can vary. It is recommended to always supervise interactions and introductions between dogs, regardless of the breed. However, some breeds do tend to be more inclined to get along with other dogs both within their home environment and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur or hair a breed leaves behind can vary. Breeds that have a high shedding tendency tend to leave more hair around the house, on furniture, and on clothing. These dogs typically require more frequent brushing to manage the shedding and to minimize loose hair around the living environment. It is worth noting that high shedding breeds may also be more likely to trigger allergies in individuals who are sensitive to pet dander.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed include bathing, brushing, trimming, and other forms of coat maintenance. It is important to consider your available time, patience, and budget when assessing the required grooming effort. Remember, regular nail trimming is necessary regardless of the breed.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

It's important to consider how prone a specific breed is to drooling. If you have a particular preference for cleanliness, dogs that have a tendency to leave trails of slobber on your arm or big wet stains on your attire may not be the ideal fit for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double, Wavy

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

Assess the likelihood of a breed being receptive to strangers. While certain breeds may exhibit reserved or cautious behavior towards unfamiliar individuals, irrespective of the environment other breeds will express delight in encountering new people whenever the opportunity presents itself!

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

Evaluate the degree of playfulness a breed is likely to exhibit, even after the puppy stage. Some breeds will continue to enjoy activities such as tug-of-war or fetch throughout their adult years, while others will primarily seek relaxation and prefer spending time with you on the couch.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

Consider how prone a breed is to alerting you about the presence of strangers. These breeds are more inclined to react to potential threats, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, these breeds tend to become more receptive to strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

Assess a breed's adaptability to change encompassing modifications in living conditions, noise levels, weather fluctuations, daily schedules and other shifts encountered in their day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

Discover the remarkable ease with which you can effectively train your beloved canine companion, and witness their unparalleled enthusiasm for acquiring new knowledge. Certain breeds exhibit an innate desire to bring joy to their owners exemplifying impressive willingness to learn. Conversely, there are those breeds that lean towards pursuing their own desires, choosing to follow their instincts without restraint or limitations.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

Understanding the level of physical activity and mental engagement required by different breeds is essential. High-energy breeds exhibit an unchallenged enthusiasm, always eager to embark on their next thrilling expedition. Their days are filled with a flurry of running, jumping and engaging in spirited play. On the other hand, low-energy breeds can be likened to contented couch potatoes finding solace in relaxing and dozing off for extended periods of time.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

Providing adequate mental stimulation is crucial to ensure the happiness and overall wellbeing of a breed. Purpose-bred dogs, possessing traits geared towards specific tasks, thrive when presented with opportunities that involve decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and similar qualities. Without sufficient mental exercise they might resort to creating their own endeavors to keep their minds occupied. However, these self-created projects may not align with your preferences or expectations.

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Red	140
Brown	061

PATTERNS

Description	Registration Code
Black Points	019
White Markings	014
Ticked	013
Patched & Ticked	068

About The Breed

The Deutscher Wachtelhund exhibits an impressive scenting capability and blood tracking skills on par with those of the Bloodhound. It possesses the remarkable ability to trail wounded game that is up to 40 hours old. When actively pursuing fresh game it utilizes vocalization to alert hunters of its location. This breed's versatility renders it virtually unknown to the non-hunting populace of Germany as it is primarily owned by hunters, gamekeepers and professional hunters in the country.

Physically, the Deutscher Wachtelhund is a medium-sized gun dog with a noble head, robust bone structure, and a luxurious, long-haired coat. Their intense hunting drive and exceptional skills make them an outstanding choice for hunters. Furthermore, their innate affinity for water makes them well-suited for hunting waterfowl. The breed's name, German quail dog hints at its proficiency as an excellent upland bird flusher. It is also recognized as the German Spaniel further emphasizing its versatile and multi-faceted nature.

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN CARING FOR A DEUTSCHER WACHTELHUND

Holding the title of a dog owner is not just a luxury. It’s a critical responsibility. They require from us the basics - food and shelter at a minimum but they are worthy of so much more. Welcoming a dog into your life necessitates an understanding of the depth of commitment involved in caring for a pet.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Deutscher Wachtelhund: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	The Wachtelhund is known to be a robust and healthy dog breed, typically free from significant genetic issues. However, it is essential for prospective owners to collaborate with responsible breeders who can provide valuable knowledge about any specific health concerns associated with the breed. By working closely with reputable breeders potential owners can acquire the necessary education and guidance to ensure the well-being and longevity of their Wachtelhund. Health Assessment Recommendations from the Breed's National Association:

Grooming

	The German Spaniel, or Deutscher Wachtelhund, showcases a unique coat that exhibits distinct characteristics. While the head features a short and fine coat, the body flaunts long, strong, thick, wavy, or curly fur, accompanied by a substantial undercoat that provides protection. Additionally, the breed possesses ample feathering for an enhanced appearance. Regular weekly grooming sessions complemented by occasional baths are essential to maintain the cleanliness and optimal appearance of your dog. Moreover, grooming can serve as a delightful bonding experience between you and your furry friend.

Exercise

	There are several options available to provide ample exercise for the German Spaniel. Playtime in a securely fenced backyard is highly recommended, allowing the dog to freely engage in activities. Additionally, taking the dog for multiple walks throughout the day proves beneficial. Indoor activities, such as engaging in games like hide-and-seek or chasing a ball along the floor, can offer stimulation and exercise. Teaching them new tricks also contributes to their mental and physical well-being. Outdoor activities hold exciting possibilities as well. Swimming, hiking, and playing fetch with balls or flying discs are excellent ways to help the German Spaniel expend energy. Engaging in dog sports like agility, obedience and rally training can also serve as a fantastic means of exercise. It is important to note that being a hunting breed the German Spaniel thrives with a moderate amount of space to roam, play, and indulge in their natural instinct to sniff and explore.

Training

	The Dogue de Bordeaux breed necessitates both socialization and early obedience training for optimal development. This particular breed is highly sensitive and relies on trust making it imperative to avoid trainers who adopt rough or heavy-handed methods. Discipline, while firm and consistent should never veer into harshness. It's essential to note that owning a Dogue de Bordeaux requires dedication and is not recommended for individuals lacking assertiveness or those leading busy lives.

Nutrition

	To ensure your Deutscher Wachtelhund receives appropriate nutrition tailored to its specific digestive requirements at different life stages opting for a formula designed for its breed size is recommended. Many dog food companies offer breed-specific formulas catering to small, medium, large and extra-large breeds. For the German Spaniel being a medium-sized breed, selecting an appropriate formula is important. Choosing the right dog food for your Wachtelhund remains an individual decision, but consulting with your veterinarian and/or breeder is highly advisable. They possess the expertise to guide you in determining the ideal meal frequency during the puppy phase and the best adult diet to promote your dog's longevity. Additionally, it is essential to provide your dog with access to clean and fresh water at all times to ensure optimal hydration.

Historiography

During the 1880s, a group of German hunters embarked on a mission to revive an esteemed breed known as the Stober. This versatile breed, mentioned as far back as 1719 in German history, possessed remarkable scent following abilities reminiscent of the bloodhound. The German hunters managed to locate remnants of the Stober breed in Bavaria and proceeded to crossbreed them with other sporting spaniels known for their unwavering hunting fervor. The outcome of this careful breeding program was the creation of the Wachtelhund (pronounced 'Valk-tel-hund'). In 1903, the breed received official recognition.

In Germany, ownership of Wachtelhunds is limited exclusively to gamekeepers and hunters and not offered for sale to the non-hunting public. The German Wachtelhund club, known as the Verein fur Deutsche Wachtelhund (VDW) oversees the breed's welfare and development. A few Wachtelhunds were introduced to the United States in the late 1950s and early 1960s, but breeding efforts were limited resulting in only 17 dogs. Unfortunately, none of them were registered in North America. In Canada, over the past two decades several individuals including guides and hunting outfitters have embraced Wachtelhunds utilizing them as flushers, retrievers and skilled trackers used to hold wounded black bears at bay.

In 1993 and 1994, Dave Pepe undertook the importation of a pair of Wachtelhunds to the United States, successfully breeding those four times resulting in the birth of 38 puppies. Since then, additional dogs have been imported, leading to numerous breedings. Presently, the estimated population of Wachtelhunds in the United States and Canada ranges between 100 to 150 dogs.