German Spaniel

Německý křepelák

Key facts

FCI group	8. Retrievers, flushing dogs and water dogs
Country of origin	Germany
Category	Medium
Height at withers	45–54 cm
Weight	18–25 kg

Recognition features

• Longer than tall, strong bone, noble head
• Mostly wavy coat, sometimes curly, often with curls on ears and neck and a thick undercoat
• Two colour varieties: solid brown (or red) and brown (or red) roan

Purpose

A flushing and versatile hunting dog, especially for dense woodland and water; used for tracking wounded game and retrieving.

History

Hunting literature shows that dogs resembling the present German Spaniel have existed for centuries and were used to flush game. Breeding with a stud book began at the turn of the century, with the dog entered as Lord Augusta 1834 L from Staufenberg (Upper Bavaria) as the progenitor. Rudolf Friess introduced separate breeding of the brown and brown roan colour strains, and the breed is still bred exclusively by hunters for hunters.

Coat

Strong, close-fitting, mostly wavy, sometimes curly (astrakhan) or smooth long coat with thick undercoat, feathered on the back of the legs and tail, often with a frill on the neck. Solid brown, more seldom red, or brown or red roan including pied and tiger patterns; red markings may occur.

Similar breeds

• Small Munsterlander · Compare
• English Springer Spaniel · Compare
• Field Spaniel · Compare
• Large Munsterlander · Compare

The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard. Report a photo or rights.