Description

The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a strong boned, muscular, medium sized gundog with long thick wavy hair. It is solidly-built which allows it to retrieve heavy game such as hares and foxes. The ears are fairly long and should reach from half way to the nose, to the tip of the nose. The size is approximately 18 to 22 inches. Body length, nose to base of tail is twice the height. It is slightly larger than the Springer Spaniel. The coat is short and fine on the head, and of long on the body, where it is strong, thick, wavy or curly, with enough undercoat to provide protection. It is well feathered.

Origin

Germany

Temperament

The Deutscher is an exceptional versatile gundog. They are used to hunt upland game, will match the retrieving ability of any other breed, excel at tracking and blood trailing large game. All round bird dogs and will hunt all other types of game. Vibrant friendly personality, intelligent, aggressive hunters, and love water work. Scent following ability of a blood hound, birdiness guaranteed

Height

Height: Male 13½-14½ inches (34-37cm.), Females 12½-13¾ inches

Weight

Weight: 44 to 66 pounds (20-28 kg.)

Known Health Problems

Hip dysplasia is not normally a problem in the breed. In Germany breeders must request permission from the German Wachtelhund Club to breed their Wachtelhunds. Prior to this the Wachtelhund must have passed ten specific hunt measurement tests and the breeder must provide X-rays of the female and male, with a Vet's certification that the Wachtels do not have hip dysplasia. The German rate hip dysplasia on a scale of 0 through 4. Three and 4's are not breedable. In the States, most breeders have had their Wachtelhunds certified by the OFA as being free of hip dysplasia. OFA rates hip excellent, good, fair and poor. Wachtelhund with fair and poor ratings should not be bred. Buyer's should request the rating from the breeder and not buy dogs coming from parents with fair to poor ratings. Crooked legs and splayed feet are a problem, again buyers should avoid buying pups from parents with these conditions. Another problem are dogs with skin conditions or allergies, they should not be bred.

Conditions for Living

Wachtelhund do best living in the house, they can be kept in a kennel but require a lot of contact with their family members. They are very loyal dogs and do best in a social atmosphere. They can live in a city, but require a lot of exercise and must be leashed when walked to avoid problems of chasing cats. The Wachtelhund has a strong hunting desire and are noted for going in for the kill. In rural locations, they can be walked off the leash, they may run into the woods, but will come back to check-in with their master.

Exercise Requirments

The Wachtelhund is a hunting dog are requires a good amount of exercise. They love water and are excellent retrievers, so frequent swimming is great exercise. They will go into water right up to freeze up and immediately after break-up. They are not the dog for an occasional hunter. On days you do not take them hunting, they need a

Life Expectancy

About 12-14 years

Grooming

Frequent bushing will maintain their coats in good condition. The hair between the toes needs to be trimmed frequently, especially during winter conditions with a lot of snow. ears should be checked regularly to in sure there are no infections. Some Wachtelhunds have ears which a set high and others have the typical spaniel, low hung ears. Wachtelhunds with the low hung ears are more prone to ear infections. Eyes should be inspected and flushed after hunting to eliminate any seeds or debris.

Group

Gundog, flusher, and retriever. In North America the AKC and UKC use to