
Sporting breed from Germany
The German Spaniel is a medium-sized, muscular hunting spaniel originating in Germany. It is known as the Deutscher Wachtelhund in its native country. The breed has a dense, wavy double coat with feathering, and its temperament is described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, adaptable, confident, and work-focused. Energy and trainability are rated high, while grooming and shedding are moderate. The breed is generally suited to families with children and other dogs, but less ideal for apartment living. Adult weight is estimated at 20–25 kg for both sexes, height at 47–55 cm, and lifespan at 12–14 years. Recognition status varies by registry.
The German Spaniel was developed in Germany in the 1890s from older German landrace dogs known as Stöberhund. Breeders crossed various spaniels to create a versatile hunting dog capable of tracking, flushing, and retrieving game in dense forests and water. The breed is FCI-recognized and has been bred primarily for hunting ability and versatility rather than appearance. Its origins are rooted in Germany, and it remains closely associated with working hunting traditions.
Breed tendencies are general guidance. Individual behavior depends on genetics, socialization, training, health and environment.
Higher daily exercise demand
Typically responsive to training
Moderate compared with other breeds
Moderate compared with other breeds
Supervise every dog–child interaction.
Introductions and socialization still matter.
Exercise, enrichment and noise tolerance affect fit.
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
Modelled tendency · medium confidence
A general morphology-based tendency. Individual dogs still require shade, shelter, water, acclimation and weather-appropriate activity. Method: climate-morphology-v1.
No German Spaniel-specific screening programme or peer-reviewed disorder-prevalence study is currently attached to this profile. This is not evidence that the breed has no health risks. Owners should use routine preventive veterinary care and discuss screening appropriate to the individual dog's history, examination and family line.
Reviewed feeding guidance will appear after an approved source is imported and editorially reviewed.
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The German Spaniel is a medium-sized breed. Estimated adult weight is 20–25 kg for both males and females, and height is 47–55 cm. Estimated lifespan is 12–14 years. These figures are modelled estimates.
The breed is described as intelligent, loyal, energetic, adaptable, confident, and work-focused. Individual dogs may vary, and temperament is influenced by training and socialization.
Energy score is rated 5 out of 5, indicating very high energy needs. The breed was developed for hunting and requires substantial daily exercise, including opportunities to run and work.
Grooming score is 3 out of 5 (moderate). The coat is dense, wavy, double-coated with feathering. Regular brushing is needed to manage shedding (shedding score 3 out of 5).
Child suitability and dog compatibility are both rated 3 out of 5, suggesting generally good but variable fit. Early socialization is important. Apartment suitability is low (2 out of 5) due to high energy.
The breed originates from Germany, developed in the 1890s from older German landrace dogs known as Stöberhund, crossing various spaniels for versatile hunting.
Recognition status varies by registry. The breed is FCI-recognized, but recognition by other registries may differ.
Image source: The Dog API. Last reviewed 7/20/2026.