| origin | Germany | Life expectancy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FCI standard | FCI Group 8: Retrieval Dogs – Browsing Dogs – Water Dogs | function | Hunting dogs |
| size | Medium-sized breeds of dogs | Common diseases | No |
| Weight | 18-25 kg | Fur length | long, mostly wavy |
| Character / essence | Hunting dog very devoted to humans | Coat color | brown, red, monochrome or as mold |
| particularities | |||
| is only given to hunters | |||
Origin and breed history
The German Wachtelhund is a classic hunting dog. He is a versatile hunting dog and at the same time a specialist in rummaging. It searches for the game in its cover and sets it in motion.
In the case of injured game, it searches quickly and safely, so that a wild boar or deer that has been shot or hit by a car can be found quickly. The German Wachtelhund feels at home in the forest as well as in the water. Its appearance is somewhat reminiscent of the hunting spaniel.
No wonder, the German Wachtelhund is an ancient dog breed just like the spaniel . He is one of the classic hunting dogs that has been attested for many centuries. Quail dogs are among the ancestors of many modern hunting dog breeds, such as the Münsterländer or the Deutsch Langhaar .
In antiquity and in the Middle Ages, quail dogs were considered to be bird dogs that primarily stalked waterfowl, drove towards the hunter and fetched them from the water after being killed.
They still do this job excellently today. But also with dangerous game like a seasoned wild boar, the Wachtelhund does just as well. At first he follows the game in a noisy manner.
He is able to scare away a whole pack and barks permanently at a wild boar that sits ironically in his castle – as the hunters call it.
The Association for German Wachtelhunde eV has looked after this breed of dog since 1903. With great success he ensures that the dogs are healthy and vital in every respect.
Attention is paid to many things that one would only wish for in many companion dog breeds. For example, “the most important breeding principle is to preserve the genetic diversity in the breed.”
Only dogs that pass the extremely demanding tests are bred anyway. Males are only allowed to do more than 5 mating acts after at least 10 offspring have been checked from the first litters and many more very sensible and practicable provisions.
Association for German Wachtelhunde demonstrates in a very practical way that healthy pedigree dog breeding is feasible.
The association is a member of the Association for German Dogs (VDH) and of the Hunting Dog Association (JGHV). The German Wachtelhund is bred exclusively by hunters for hunters as a rummaging and versatile hunting dog.
Therefore, as a non-hunter, this beautiful dog is unfortunately rarely seen – although it is by no means rare. Every year around 600 puppies come under the umbrella of the VDH. Nevertheless, the demand from hunters is usually higher than the number of fallen puppies, which underlines the efficiency of this classic hunting dog.
Description
The German Wachtelhund is a medium-sized hunting dog that is somewhat reminiscent of a spaniel with its long, mostly wavy coat and drooping ears.
It has a height at the withers between 48 and 54 centimeters in males and between 45 and 52 centimeters in bitches. Accordingly, the weight is around 18 and 25 kilograms, bitches are a little lighter. The standard determines its essence:
“The German Wachtelhund is a medium-sized, long-haired, very muscular rummage dog, with a noble head and strong bones. Overall longer than high, in no way looking high.”
The coat should have strong, close-fitting, mostly wavy, occasionally curly or straight long hair. Dense undercoat is the order of the day.
The German Wachtelhund is bred in two different colors: solid brown, more rarely red; often with white or moldy markings on the chest and toes. Or as a brown, more rarely red mold. The tail should be carried straight or downwards in continuation of the back line.
Character and essence
The German Wachtelhund is a thoroughbred hunting dog and should be accepted as such. He is very family-friendly and fond of children and otherwise extremely sociable.
However, this requires qualified hunting leadership and good training. Only when the dog is challenged according to its nature can one speak of a species-appropriate life.
What his nature is, his association aptly describes: “The German Wachtelhund itself is a very versatile hunting dog.
It is one of the browsing dogs and is bred exclusively by hunters for hunters. Its main area of use is certainly rummaging in the forest.
But also when it comes to welding work and retrieving water game, for example, he knows how to convince with his fine nose, and his joy in bringing and water. ”
Attitude
The German Wachtelhund must be hunted. Although a pure hunting dog, it can occasionally happen that a specimen is given to non-hunters.
But even such dogs are thoroughbred hounds. You should take this to heart if you are toying with the idea of leading such a dog even as a non-hunter.
They are definitely great dogs that are worth a special effort. But only then are they great dogs. It can quickly become a case for dog therapists if it is not used appropriately or is only kept as a family dog.
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Education
A German Wachtelhund should only be brought up by a competent master or mistress, i.e. in his case: by a hunter or forester.
The German Quail Dog Association offers instructions for first-time guides. His upbringing is geared towards his hunting tasks even as a puppy.
Quasi by the way, he usually learns to make himself an excellent companion at the side of his hunter. In addition, it is necessary to train the German Wachtelhund to hunt and let it work.
For this purpose, his association offers a comprehensive and well-founded training and examination system. Only dogs that have successfully passed the demanding work tests are allowed for breeding anyway.
Care and health
Grooming a German Wachtelhund is undemanding. Brushing the fur regularly is enough.
Diseases typical of the breed
The German Wachtelhund is looked after by his association in an exemplary manner. Accordingly, the average health of the dogs is without any complaints.
Nutrition
A German Wachtelhund is generally completely unproblematic when it comes to nutrition.
Life expectancy
So it is no wonder that quail dogs can live to be 12-15 years old and that they are in the best of constitution. No veterinarian can get rich from the German Wachtelhund .
Buy a German Wachtelhund
The Wachtelhund is bred exclusively by hunters for hunters. If a specimen is ever given to a non-hunter, you should – if you are not a hunter – carefully ask yourself whether you want to and can meet the requirements for a nature-appropriate keeping of this hunting dog. The costs of German Wachtelhund are around 1000 euros (without training).
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