Deutscher Wachtelhund Dog Breed

As a pure hunting breed, the Deutscher Wachtelhund is a member of the FCI's Flushing Dogs category. Though the Deutscher is currently a part of the AKC's Foundation Stock Service, these dogs would certainly fit into the organization's Sporting group of breeds. DWs are only owned by hunting enthusiasts, so naturally these dogs are best suited for that purpose--though ideally they'd make good pets for active families with lots of outdoor space.

Some facts about this rare breed: DWs are medium-sized, with height at the shoulders 18-21 inches and weight 40-55 pounds. The breed's coat is medium to long in length, wavy, with a dense undercoat to protect it from harsh weather. The coat can be brown or red, either solid in color or with white markings in various patterns. A few benefits and drawbacks of owning a Deutscher Wachtelhund:

The Deutscher Wachtelhund is a dog whose sole reason for existing, at least to the humans who breed and own them, is as a hunting companion. Since so few people outside the hunting community own these dogs, their qualities as ordinary family pets are largely unknown.

The hunters who do own and breed DWs, though, rave about their abilities in the field. Intelligent, independent, and aggressive hunting dogs, DWs can hunt by scent, sight, and speed. "Deutscher Wachtelhund" literally translates to "German quail dog" in English--so the breed is an exceptional bird dog, but can track, chase, and tree various types of game--raccoons, rabbits, even boar and deer--with equal skill. When not on a hunt, DWs are said to be friendly, vibrant, and enthusiastic. They're known to be extremely loyal to their people (especially, of course, to the ones who take them on hunts!), but they'll need owners who are willing to provide firm, consistent training. And though they obviously love the outdoors, dogs of this breed would prefer to live inside with their people. Even so, a DW's high prey drive means it will chase and try to injure other pets like cats, birds, and rodents.

The breed's history as a hunting dog means it is fast, strong, and blessed with great stamina. Owners must be willing to provide their DWs with a good bit of daily outdoor activity, or these dogs will become disobedient and destructive.