At a glance the quick version
FCI gives 18-25 kg for males; females slightly lighter.
Coat and looks how to spot one
wavy, dense with undercoat
A strong, medium-sized flushing dog with a close, mostly wavy coat (sometimes curly or flat), a thick undercoat and good feathering on the legs and tail.12
Personality what they are like
A lively, passionate hunter that is friendly, self-assured and very biddable. It adapts well and is neither nervous nor aggressive.1
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Bred for woodland hunting in thick cover and water, so it needs a lot of daily exercise and nose work.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush weekly and check the feathering and ears after outings in brush or water.1
Home where they are happiest
Happiest with hunters or very active outdoor owners who can give it field and water work.12
Company who they like around
A cooperative, people-focused dog that works closely with its handler.1
The story where it all began
It descends from the old German Stöberer, a flushing dog used for centuries. Around 1890 Frederick Roberth began crossing Stöberer dogs with water dogs and spaniels, and the breed club was founded when the breed was recognised in 1903.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard No. 104, Group 8, Section 2 (Flushing Dogs), with working trial; standard published 24 Jul 19961
- UKC
- Recognised 1996, Gun Dog Group2
- VDH
- National breed standard2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a German Spaniel. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 104 Deutscher Wachtelhund fci.beused for classification, size, weight, coat, colour, temperament, history
- German Spaniel - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for history, names, UKC recognition, facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.