Wachtelhund is a vivid representative of hunting dogs. The breed was bred on the territory of Germany in the late XIX - early XX centuries. This dog will become a good assistant in the hunt: the German wachthelhund is famous for its working skills. In common people, a dog is called a quail dog or German spaniel.
History and Purpose
In the 1850s, the main hunting dogs were English Pointing Dogs, but representatives of this breed were far from the best companions to hunters. People needed a dog that would do well both in open areas and in thickets. It was important that the dog could search for prey in the dense forest.
It was then that the hunters remembered the German spaniel. The main tasks that were set before the representatives of the breed were catching quails and hunting for falcons. It is believed that spaniels are the result of breeding dogs of the Spanish breed and German longhair dogs.
The word "guard" in German means "quail", and "hund" - "dog". The forerunner of the breed is the forester R. Frieze. He was fond of hunting dogs, had his own nursery, in which he bred spaniels. For several years, he studied the working qualities of the breed and was able to get rid of many hereditary diseases. Frieze originally divided dogs by color.
Brown dogs walked next to the owner during the hunt, and black coped well without a human being and could independently find a trace. Modern dogs of this breed are capable of performing both the one and the other.
All German hunting dogs are universal and can perform a variety of tasks, the Wachthelund is no exception. This dog searches for and brings game, he is independently able to search for bloodsuckers, elk, deer. A representative of this breed is able to hold a boar until the owner arrives. In Russia, many hunters use these animals to hunt ungulates.
The great advantage of this breed is that the dog will not interfere underfoot during the hunt. A dog on command can easily search the forest; it works without problems even in the thickest thickets. These dogs are able to run for a long time without stopping, catching up with their prey and directing it to the arrow. If the dog does not find prey, then within 30 minutes he will return back.
Below will be considered the features of the German Wachthelhund:
- the dog stubbornly seeks prey;
- can easily go on the trail;
- shows himself well as a partner;
- the dog has an excellent flair;
- during hunting, the dog is quite aggressive, which is a big plus;
- It gives a good production from the water.
If a dog is trained from childhood, then he is able to hunt without a master. Such a dog is useful both in the forest and on the water.
Description
The German Wachthelhund has a muscular physique, it is a medium-sized strong dog with long hair. The head of the dog is rounded and elongated, the legs are medium in size. Pronounced sexual dimorphism. The average height of males is 49-53 cm, and females are 45-50 cm. Typical representatives of this breed weigh from 18 to 25 kg.
The skull has proportional dimensions relative to the body, differs in a flattened wide shape. The base of the nose is wide, not pointed, slightly rounded on the underside. The tip of the nose is large, black, the nostrils are open. The lips are elastic and constantly dry, do not hang down, lie on the jaw.
The bite is correct, scissor-like. But there are representatives of the breed with a direct bite. In the mouth of 42 teeth, the cheekbones do not bulge. The breed has dark expressive eyes of a small size, located a little obliquely. The outer part of the eyelids is covered with wool.
The neck of the representatives of this breed is quite muscular, strong. The chest is a little oblong. The elbows are located above the chest. The breed has neatly curved ribs and a taut belly. In a state of calm, the tail is located approximately at the level of the back or slightly lower. Experienced hunters recommend trimming the tail one third of the entire length.
The front legs are flat, parallel, quite strong. The hind limbs are distinguished by pronounced knees. Paws are oval, fingers are assembled.
The breed is distinguished by a very thick wavy coat, which fits snugly to the body. Sometimes there are individuals with smooth hair and a thin undercoat. Curls form on the occipital part of the skull and ears. On the face and head there is also a thick coat. Wachtelhund comes in two colors: brown with red or cream spots and red-roan.
Regardless of the color on the face, under the tail and on the legs can be tan.
Character
The Wachtelhunds are calm and friendly. Such a dog trusts its master and in a calm state does not show signs of cowardice. The dog does not have outbursts of rage. Usually, at the sight of strangers, the Wachthelhund joyfully casts a voice and wags its tail.
This pet never barks for no reason. These hybrids have a well-defined hunting instinct from birth. It is not recommended to buy such a dog if you live in a city. The fact is that in urban conditions it will be difficult to realize the hunting talent of your four-legged friend.
Wachthelhund is a very dedicated dog. He gets along well not only with the owner, but also with all members of the family. This is a very kind dog, which is in good contact even with young children. It can be easily retrained or re-educated if necessary.
The pet adapts well to any conditions. In the character of an adult dog, courage and strength are visible.
Remember that the success of hunting with a spaniel depends on the dog’s overwork, and the quality of the training depends on the owner. You can’t just take and start raising a hunting dog, you need to have some knowledge in this area. Wachtelhund is considered a pretty smart dog, capable of memorizing many commands on the fly.
You only need to stroke and praise the dog in case of success, and also encourage treats. Do not show force against the dog, as he may be offended and completely refuse to hunt with you. But sometimes you can’t do without light thrashing.
Maintenance and care
If you need a decorative dog for keeping at home, then a wahtelhund is not the best choice. This is a working dog with an innate hunting instinct. Such a pet can be kept in the yard, it feels great in the fresh air. In winter, you can take him home, in the apartment he will behave very calmly and accurately. The dog almost never gets confused, it prefers to rest peacefully in the corner in anticipation of the next hunt.
Of the minuses, it can be noted that dogs tend to quickly gain body weight in the absence of physical activity. Some owners of this breed go for a run every day with their four-legged friend. In summer, you can go to the river with the dog and train the aporting from the water. When the owner has free time It is advisable to go hunting with the dog each time in order to hone their skills and work out the pet’s innate talent.
In order for the animal’s hair to always have a neat appearance, it needs to be combed periodically, so your dog can avoid molting. Wash your pet as needed. It should be bathed with special shampoos once every 30-40 days.
Each week, inspect the ears of a four-legged friend, they need to be periodically cleaned. Claws cut as they grow. Please note that cutting the claw under the root is prohibited.
In the winter months, it is advisable to cut the hair between the fingers, otherwise pieces of snow and ice will get stuck there, because of which the pet's paw can be injured.
Health problems
German Wachthelhund has high immunity. Puppies are almost always born strong and healthy. The average life expectancy of these dogs is 12-15 years when keeping the animal in good conditions and in the presence of constant physical exertion.
Some representatives of the breed are prone to the following diseases:
- skin problems
- if the dog has the wrong bite, then dental problems are very likely to occur;
- eye diseases - problems with the retina or cataract, which can only be treated surgically;
- sometimes dogs are allergic;
- diseases of the spine in the form of a hernia of the intervertebral disc, to which these dogs have a genetic tendency;
- melanoma and epilepsy are very rare.
In order to avoid health problems in your pet, veterinarians recommend that you follow all the necessary measures: physical examinations, vaccinations, treatment against parasites.
Cost
It is advisable to purchase puppies only from breeders who are members of the VakhtelClub. The price of dogs ranges from 20,000 to 28,000 rubles. Purebred representatives of the breed must meet all its standards, and at the time of purchase, potential owners undergo a kind of casting in order to be able to buy such a dog. Dogs purchased through VakhtelKlub have all the necessary documents and vaccinations.
It is not recommended to buy puppies that are sold on trading floors. Although a dog without documents can be purchased much cheaper, but there is no guarantee of its purebred origin. Dogs registered in other communities are usually not controlled, therefore, no one is responsible for the quality of the breed.
The following video will tell you about the features of the guardians.
