German Spaniel
Flushing Dog · FCI Group 8 · Purebred · Germany's rugged forest hunter — a tenacious flushing, tracking, and retrieving specialist
40–55 lbsWeight
19–21 inHeight
12–14 yrsLifespan
HighEnergy
Flushing Dog · FCI Group 8 · Purebred · Germany's rugged forest hunter — a tenacious flushing, tracking, and retrieving specialist
The German Spaniel (Deutscher Wachtelhund — literally "German Quail Dog") is a versatile, robust hunting spaniel developed in Germany around 1900 from old German gun dogs and native bird dog stock. Bred specifically for German hunting conditions — dense forests, thick undergrowth, and cold water — it is a powerful flusher, reliable tracker of wounded game, and enthusiastic retriever on both land and water. Unlike many spaniel breeds that have drifted toward the show ring, the German Spaniel has remained a strictly working breed, bred only by licensed hunters and primarily sold to working homes. FCI recognized (Standard No. 104).
Real German Spaniel photos — showcasing their dense wavy coats and athletic hunting build.
Energetic, determined, and deeply loyal. The German Spaniel is passionate about work and forms a very close bond with its handler. It is friendly and affectionate at home, tolerant with children, and sociable with other dogs. It has a strong prey drive and a persistent nature that serves it well in the field. For an active hunting household it is a highly rewarding partner; for sedentary homes it can become restless and vocal if under-exercised.
Very high energy. Needs 90+ minutes of vigorous outdoor activity daily. Bred for hours of work in demanding terrain, this breed requires regular running, swimming, and nose work to stay balanced. Field exercises, tracking games, and retrieving drills are ideal. Without sufficient exercise and mental stimulation it becomes difficult to manage indoors.
The dense, wavy to slightly curly coat is water-repellent and moderately long on the ears, chest, belly, and legs. It requires brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent matting. After field work, check for burrs and debris in the coat. The ears should be checked and cleaned weekly. The breed sheds moderately. Occasional bathing is sufficient.
Intelligent and highly trainable for hunting tasks. The German Spaniel excels at flushing, blood tracking, and retrieving and learns hunting sequences quickly. It is cooperative and handler-focused but benefits from consistent, structured training from an early age. Obedience training is straightforward with positive methods. The strong prey drive requires management around small pets.
A generally healthy working breed with a lifespan of 12–14 years. Hip dysplasia occurs and should be screened in breeding stock. Ear infections are common due to the pendant ears and water work. Otitis is the most frequent health complaint in field spaniels. The breed benefits from responsible breeders who health-test and prioritize working ability alongside structure.
The German Spaniel does best on a good-quality complete dog food matched to its age, size, and activity level. As a rough guide, a typical adult eats about 1½–2½ cups of dry food per day, split into two meals — but a hard-working or very active dog needs more, while a couch companion needs less. Feed measured meals rather than free-feeding to keep this breed at a healthy weight.
Puppies: 3 meals a day of a puppy formula to fuel growth.
Active adults: around 1½–2½ cups daily, in two meals, adjusted to keep a trim waistline.
Seniors (7+ yrs): slightly fewer calories and, if needed, a joint-supporting formula as they slow down.
Never feed chocolate, grapes or raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, macadamia nuts, or cooked bones. Keep treats to no more than about 10% of daily calories so they don't crowd out balanced nutrition or lead to weight gain.
Where puppies are available, a German Spaniel from a responsible breeder typically costs around $800–$2,000, with rarer bloodlines and imported dogs sitting at the higher end. Rescue or adoption, where possible, is far less — usually a few hundred dollars in fees.
Food, treats & preventatives, routine care and supplies together usually run about $90–$160 per month for a healthy adult, not counting emergencies or boarding.
Over a full lifetime the total cost of ownership generally lands around $15,000–$22,000, including the purchase price. Pet insurance ($15–$45/month) and a small emergency fund are smart ways to cushion against unexpected veterinary bills.