A hunting dog with other names "German Quail Dog" or "German Spaniel" is a skillful and enduring pursuer of game on land and in water. Thanks to a cheerful and friendly character, it can become a companion to the owner, however, the main purpose of the Wahtelhund is hunting. Natural instincts will always call the dog to the chase, so German Spaniel puppies are sold, as a rule, only to huntsmen.
The German Wachtelhund originated in the 19th century. as a universal hunting dog to help commoners hunters. His ancestors are dogs that inhabited the area around the lakes of Upper Bavaria. Since 1987, German Wachtelhunds have been bred as a pure breed, while distinguishing between two lines: brown - calm and obedient, and brown-gray - more temperamental, which stubbornly led a bloody trail. Crossbreeding dogs of different colors eliminated behavioral differences.
Rather well-fed dog of squat format with thick coat of medium length. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is almost imperceptible, the high-set ears are wide and flat. The coat is usually wavy - sometimes curly, but there are also Wachtelhunds with a straight, smooth coat. Its coloration comes in two varieties: solid brown (red) with white markings on the chest and legs, as well as mottled with white tan. White color with brown spots or spots is also possible.
This dog has the classic temperament of a hunting helper: he is passionate about hunting and has an innate predisposition to search for and fetch game. Searches for feathers or wool, works in mountains, forests, snow, water and even under ice. The Wachtelhund has a lively, cheerful and friendly character, but it is still not worth getting such a dog as an ordinary pet.
The German Wachtelhund has a long list of possible diseases. These include eye and ear problems, bowel torsion, and degenerative disc disease. This dog has hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, melanoma, and epilepsy. A pet can suffer from various types of allergies and other skin conditions.
The best place for a German Wachtelhund would be a country house. Caring for a dog as a whole is not complicated: you should bathe it no more than once every two months, comb its coat - 1-2 times a week. It is important to trim the hair between the toes on a regular basis, especially in winter. The eyes and ears of the German Spaniel need regular inspection and cleaning.
For successful training with the Wachtelhund, a strong personality and the authority of the trainer are necessary. This dog is characterized by the desire to please the owner, so she will learn new commands and tricks quickly. Effective motivation for a German Spaniel is verbal praise and treats. But a harsh and unfair attitude will make the pet withdrawn and intimidated. During the obligatory daily walks, the Wachtelhund needs moderate physical activity.
