The multi-talented German Spaniel (also known as the Deutscher Wachtelhund or German Quail Dog) is serious and strong-minded when it comes to hunting, but friendly and social when he’s just hanging out. This medium-sized breed has one of the best noses in the canine world and is able to track wounded game even on very old tracks. He is also talented at hunting both on land as well as water. Despite his skills, the breed is not well known even in his home country of Germany. Instead, he is a secret known mostly by serious German hunters.
The German Spaniel is an affectionate companion dog for families, but he is first and foremost a retriever, flusher and hunter of both furred and feathered game. As almost all German Spaniels that are used for breeding must first pass hunting requirements, the hunting instinct is very intact. In Germany, dogs must also pass strict health clearances before being bred so there are very few health issues in the breed. As it is impossible to eliminate all health issues, elbow disease is sometime seen in certain lines, however.
Most German Spaniels get along well with other dogs as well as older children (they’re too boisterous for younger ones). These retrievers are a social bunch and welcoming of new people. They are also adaptable to many different situations, although they were never meant to live in apartments or sit around doing nothing. They need active, physical jobs in which they can utilize their noses and hunting instincts. As they have an excess of bravery and courage, they are even comfortable hunting large prey (in Canada, they are used to locate and flush out bears!). 
German Spaniels learn very quickly and as such can be great obedience dogs when their owners are firm, yet fair. Their happy natures mean that they can be a pleasure to train! Do make sure to train a solid recall, however – as they can get easily distracted by strong scents and wander. When not being supervised, it is strongly advisable to keep them in a fenced yard. Their hunt drive may also kick in around small animals, which makes a fence doubly important. Don’t misunderstand… this dog is very trainable, however unsupervised he may get caught up in the excitement of the hunt – his first passion.
German Spaniels come in two main colors – brown schimmel or solid brown. Both patterns can range from dark chocolate to a red color. Dogs falling outside of this color scheme are not allowed to be bred in Germany. The medium-length double coat can be wavy or even curly, but it should always be very thick in order to protect the dog from heavy brush while hunting. This coat should be brushed and/or combed on a weekly basis. Take note, the breed does shed seasonally! Other grooming considerations are ear cleaning (long hanging ears are more likely to get dirt trapped inside), regular dental care and routine nail trimming.
