Gundog Medium size 18-25 kg
German Quail Dog
A versatile German spaniel-type gundog that is friendly and trainable, thriving with an active hunting or sporting owner.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Medium
Size
18-25 kg, 45-54 cm
High
Activity
High; needs real daily exercise and a job
Low
Alone-time tolerance
Prefers company; struggles with long days alone
Easy
Trainability
Eager and quick to learn
Moderate
Coat care
Weekly brushing keeps the coat in order
Very good
Fit with kids
Good family dog with children
Very good
Other pets
Generally good with other dogs and pets
Light
Health burden
Dental Disease, Hip Dysplasia
The German Quail Dog typically weighs 18-25 kg, stands 45-54 cm, and lives 12-14 years.
Consider this breed if…
you hunt or want a versatile working gundog,
you are active and can give daily exercise plus a job,
you enjoy training an eager, biddable dog,
someone is home often, as it dislikes long solitude.
Do not consider this breed if…
the dog would be alone most of the work day,
you want a low-energy companion for a quiet home,
you cannot commit to real daily exercise and training,
you have no outdoor access for a working breed.
A typical day with a German Quail Dog
- 6:30 · MorningLong walk, run, or retrieving work
- 9:00 · MidmorningRest near the family after exercise
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk plus a training refresher
- 16:00 · AfternoonWater work, fetch, or scent games
- 18:30 · EveningSecond longer walk or a hike
- 21:00 · NightSettles calmly indoors with its people
Family and environment
Kids Good
Friendly and affectionate; a solid family dog with children.
Dogs Good
Sociable and even-tempered with other dogs.
Cats Conditional
Hunting instinct is present; introduce carefully and early.
Apartment Conditional
Only with heavy daily exercise and outdoor access.
House with a yard Suitable
Space plus family company suits this active gundog.
City Conditional
Workable for an active owner near parks and open ground.
Countryside Ideal
Room to run, water, and work match its heritage.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Light
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Dental Disease Very common; routine brushing and cleanings help
Hip Dysplasia Joint malformation; screen breeding stock
Chronic Ear Infections Drop ears trap moisture; keep them clean and dry
Progressive Retinal Atrophy Inherited retinal disease; DNA test available
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Comparable versatile flushing and retrieving spaniel
English Springer Spaniel
An eager, trainable gundog and family dog that thrives on activity but can grow anxious if left alone or under-exercised.
View profile →
Similar versatile German gundog
Small Munsterlander
An affectionate, versatile pointing dog that thrives on work and company - ideal for hunters and active families, poor for sedentary homes.
View profile →
Another friendly working spaniel
Welsh Springer Spaniel
An affectionate, hard-working spaniel that suits active families - loyal and gentle but needs real exercise.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a German Quail Dog cost?
The Deutscher Wachtelhund is bred mainly for working hunters, and breeders often place puppies in hunting homes, so pet availability in the US is limited and you may face a waitlist or import. Expect a puppy to run roughly in the low thousands of dollars once transport is included. The lifetime cost is larger: food, routine vet care, and any health issues for a medium working dog add up to many thousands of dollars over its life.
Is a German Quail Dog a good family pet?
It is friendly, affectionate, and good with children and other dogs, so it can fit well into an active family. It is a versatile working gundog, though, and needs plenty of daily exercise and mental work; it is not suited to a sedentary household or long days home alone.
Does it need a lot of exercise?
Yes. Bred to hunt, track, and retrieve across varied terrain, it needs vigorous daily exercise plus jobs like retrieving or scent work. Without enough activity it can become restless and hard to live with.
Is it easy to train?
Generally yes. It is intelligent, eager to please, and biddable, which makes it responsive to consistent, reward-based training. Channeling that trainability into real tasks keeps it happy and well-behaved.